A multi-hit transparent armor system is described and claimed herein for improving
the resistance of transparent armor to incoming projectiles. Typically, the transparent
armor is framed within a window opening of a security structure. An exemplary,
contemplated structure is an armored combat vehicle. My system includes a sheet
of tempered glass that is also positioned within said window, but is deployed outboard
of said transparent armor and is also parallel planar thereto. Positioned below
said sheet of tempered glass, and coaxial thereto, is an opaque armor panel that
is more efficient and effective against multiple projectiles than either the tempered
glass or transparent armor alone. The tempered glass sheet and the opaque armor
are typically loaded under compression by a spring assembly. An incoming projectile,
launched from a position outboard and also remote from said structure, will first
strike the tempered glass before hitting my transparent armor. Thereby, the tempered
glass sheet will undergo global failure and is effectively removed from the window
opening. In turn, the spring assembly translates the opaque armor into the position
formerly occupied by the tempered glass sheet. Subsequently arriving projectiles
are then defeated by the opaque armor panel.