Addressing Ballistic Glass Delamination in the Marine Corps Tactical Vehicle Fleet

Over the course of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. Marine Corps identified a need for ballistic glass to be installed on the windshields and side-door windows of forward-deployed tactical vehicles to protect against bullets and other projectiles fired by insurgents. This requirement was satisfied with an Urgent Universal Need Statement and subsequent fielding to most up-armored vehicles. Although the glass proved reliable from a ballistics perspective, delamination — a process whereby protective material splits apart into layers due to the intrusion of moisture and dirt — created spots, bubbles, and discoloration and impaired driver visibility. In recent years, this type of degradation to ballistic glass has been occurring at a rapid pace, affecting equipment readiness and resulting in an unplanned cost burden on operational forces and depots.

In this report, RAND researchers use a simulation model to estimate the effects of delaminated ballistic glass on the future sustainment costs and availability of Marine Corps tactical vehicles under various repair and replacement scenarios. Based on the model's results, the authors identify steps that the Marine Corps could take to mitigate risks associated with ballistic glass delamination.