Insta-Dimming, Bullet-Resistant Windows for VIP Cars
The U.S. Department of Defense wants electronic windows that resist heat, glare, and bullets A good bullet-resistant ride can do the trick for most VIPs, leaving aside physics-defying assassins and impossible curving bullets. But the U.S. Department of Defense also wants controllable protection against the sun's vicious ultraviolet rays, not to mention prying eyes and sniper scopes. The DOD has awarded a $425,000 contract to GKN Aerospace for a product that embeds electronically dimming films within armored glass. Such a "SmartShade" would help hide VIPs riding inside armored vehicles. SmartShade would take a cue from a SPD-SmartGlass technology licensed from Research Frontiers, Inc. A dimmer button would provide on-demand light control, privacy, and protection from the outside world. "This new development will have its initial application in the global counter-terrorism market for government VIP Armored Personnel Vehicles but also has real value in the civilian VIP market," said...