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Corning: federal funding in prospect for glass armor research

Corning Inc. could be set to benefit from federal government funding worth USD 1.8 million for a research project into lightweight armored glass for military vehicles and personnel.
US Representative…

Corning Inc. could be set to benefit from federal government funding worth USD 1.8 million for a research project into lightweight armored glass for military vehicles and personnel. US Representative John R. Kuhl, Jr., Republican, Hammondsport, said 13 June 2006 that the funds were included in the 2007 Defense Appropriations Act, which was passed by the House Appropriations Committee in the week commencing 12 June 2006. According to a release from Kuhl“s office, current transparent armor used on military vehicles is based on standard window glass technology; strengthening the armor means increasing the thickness and weight of the glass. The resulting thick and heavy glass makes vehicles less maneuverable and less efficient. Corning has identified several promising new advanced glass technologies to boost the strength and cut the weight and thickness of the glass armor, Mr. Kuhl“s release said. The armor might be suitable for personal use as well as in vehicules. “The work that Corning is doing in the defense field on this initiative is excellent and will go a long way toward keeping our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan safe”, Mr. Kuhl said in a prepared statement. Corning Inc. Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Joseph Miller said the money would help the company“s ongoing research. “Corning“s research on glass ceramic armor looks very promising”, Mr. Miller said in a prepared statement. “The additional funding Congressman Kuhl has secured for the Defense Department will be very helpful in moving this research forward. We are very grateful for his leadership in this technology initiative that holds so much promise for America“s defense”. In December 2005, Corning“s president and chief executive officer, Wendell P. Weeks, told Rich Smith of the investment Web site The Motley Fool that Corning Inc. was testing materials for use in body armor. “While I can“t go into details at this time”, Mr. Weeks said, “we are experimenting with a number of possible solutions in this area, including the use of flexible glass and ceramics”.

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