BA-5390/U Lithium Battery

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Feb 1, 2004

The BA-5390/U is a lithium/manganese dioxide primary (non-rechargeable) battery, and, with 50 percent more energy, is an alternative to the lithium/sulfur dioxide BA-5590/U battery, the most widely used military battery in the U.S. Armed Forces. The BA-5390/U provides soldiers with the latest and best battery technology in a cost effective manner. More energy in each battery provides longer mission time with fewer batteries for soldiers to carry, and fewer batteries to ship and dispose of, all of which reduce cost to the Army.

Ultralife Batteries is one of the leading manufacturers of this type. in 2003 the company expanded its manufacturing capacity for BA-5390, under US Army investments of $3.1 million. In May and August the company received a US Army orders totaling $41 million worth of BA-5390/U battery supplies.In December 2003 a follow on $13 million production contract announced, to be supplied within the first half of 2004. A $12 million contract followed in February 2004 but significant follow-on orders although expected in 2004, were not received during the following two quarters of 2004 and revised its financial outlook to reflect the situation.

Ultrax/CLARA Hybrid-Reactive Armor

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Jan 25, 2004

Ultrax based plates, capable of stopping multiple hits of armor-piercing round up to 30mm. The specific weight of such armor is 70km/m2. The company has collaborated with Dynamit-Nobel, to develop a new reactive armor concept called CLARA, proposed as an add-on armor for the German Marder AIFV. The lightweight metal-free CLARA reactive armor module combines layers of sheet explosives and composites which effectively engage the shaped charge plasma jet of an incoming CE threat, but creates no fragments, as after the explosion the composite material disintegrates into chaff. When combined with the Ultrax base armor, the combined module provides protection both against RPG/ATGW attacks as well as KE threats, at a specific weight of approx. 270kg/m2.

AWiSS – Active Protection System Suite

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Jan 21, 2004

Active countermeasures are developed in Germany by Diehl, under the AWiSS program. The system is designed as a lightweight suite, adaptable for the protection of heavy and light vehicles.

The system comprises of search and track Ka band radar, capable of operation in low visibility conditions. After the threat is detected by the radar, the directional countermeasure unit is rapidly traversed, at rapid slewing rate (over 600 degrees/sec.) aiming at the general directional of the threat. At this stage the target is handed over to the launcher mounted sensor, which performs the ballistic calculations for the final intercept. Each launcher has three-or four canister launchers that fire grenades ahead of the vehicle, in the direction of the incoming threat.

AWiSS uses a 3kg grenade, which can engage anti-tank missiles and anti tank rockets (such as RPGs). The system has a response rate of 355 ms – detecting incoming threats at a range of 75 meters and engaging them with a grenade at a range of 10 meters from the target.

AWiSS is desegned to defeat RPGs and other Anti Tank munitions fired from close range, as well as standoff AT missiles. It also offers significant reduction of a Kinetic Energy (KE) projectile’s penetration capability.

AWiSS system comprised of a radar and two launchers provides 360 degrees coverage and weighs 400kg. The system adds 400mm elevation above the armor, and requires additional 400 mm clearance under the armor.

In addition to the protection of main battle tanks, potential AWiSS applications include defense of military and special vehicles, equipped with basic protection against mines, explosives and small calibre projectiles. In this category AWiSS provides additional protection against widespread rocket-propelled grenades and modern missiles. Due to its rapid reaction time, AWiSS is also suited for operation in urban terrain, protecting against direct fire and ballistic projectiles.

In a recent testn conducted July 21, 2007 AWiSS operation was, demonstrated to high level German military and MOD representatives and international delegations, Diehl BGT Defence´s AWiSS active protection system successfully defeated a rapidly approaching MILAN anti-tank missile. The autonomously operating demonstrator system, deployed on a Leopard 2 main battle tank, was able to automatically detect the threat in time, to precisely track the missile and to neutralize it through controlled ignition of a fragmentation grenade. The remaining fragments as well as the MILAN´s hollow loading device no longer posed any danger to the battle tank. (Photo of the test shown below). According to Diehl BGT Defense, the system could become operational within 2 – 3 years.

Zinc-Air Batteries

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Jan 21, 2004

The BA-8180/U Zinc Air primary (non-rechargeable) battery is a 12/24 Volt, 800 Watt-hour battery pack, approximately the size and weight of a notebook computer. The battery is based on the new generation of lightweight, 30 ampere-hours cells developed by Electric Fuel. Rated at 350 wh/kg, the battery typically provided 4 to 6 times the run time of conventional BA-5590 offering longer mission endurance, improved safety and redundancy and considerable logistics saving. BA-8180/U is typically used with portable equipment, in locations where reliable electrical power is not available, or where long endurance operation of equipment is required – such as with long range patrols, and special operations teams, where the battery pack is carried in a rucksack, adjacent to the radio pack. In satellite communications applications, PSC-5 SATCOM terminals operated continuously for four days, powered by a hybrid zinc-air/lead-acid pack. The battery is used as an external power source, where it replace standard power packs such as BA-5590/U, BA-5390/U and BA-3590/U by using compatible adapters that fits into the battery compartment and plugs into the external source. Similar adapters can replace BB-390A/U, BB-5990/U, BB-690/Y and BB-2590/U rechargeable batteries. Zinc-air batteries are considerably safer in combat situations and more environmentally friendly than lithium batteries. The US Army Communications Electronic Command (CECOM) orders started in 2003 after extensive testing and positive experience with troops during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In training, Zinc-Air packs powered PRC-119 radio sets for an average period of 6 – 9 days. Arotech reported in November 2003 an order of $5.2 worth of BA-8180/U zinc-air primary batteries, in addition to an ongoing 2003 order worth $4.1 million. The US Army plans to buy 150,000 BA-8180/U batteries under a sole source program announced in November 2003. Arotech established a new production line for the battery in Auburn, Alabama.

Arotech’s Battery Division Receives CECOM Military Battery Research Contract; Phase I of Program for New Fourth Generation Electric Fuel Zinc Air Cell Has Commenced

On October. 14, 2004 the company announced a new R&D awarded by the US Army Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM), for the development of a fourth generation, portable Zinc Air battery pack aimed specifically at at the Future Force Warrior program. The new batteries will generate 12 or 24 Volt and have a total capacity of approximately 400Wh. Battery Energy Density will be above 300Wh/kg. The program is formed into three phases, starting with phase one, which will optionally be followed by the second and third phases.

The 3rd generation cells now in production for the Electric Fuel BA-8180/U military zinc air battery are mono-cells (single air cathode) with plastic casing encapsulating the anodic zinc reactant. The new 4th generation bi-cell (dual air cathode) will utilize a folded air cathode without plastic casing material, increasing the respective energy density. The power density is expected to double.

“Our goal for the new Electric Fuel cell is for it to become the building block of a new generation of batteries with more energy, to better serve our armed forces.” said Robert S. Ehrlich, Arotech Chairman and CEO.

APG-68(V)9 Radar for Block 50/52 F-16

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Jan 21, 2004

The Israeli Soufa F-16I, and Hellenic F-16 Block 52s are equipped with the latest version of Northrop Grumman APG-68 radar, the (V)9 multimode fire control radar that offers improved detection range and resolution. Only the Block 60 aircraft, destined for the UAE, are to be equipped with a more advanced version – the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. Initially, the Israelis favored the local Elta EL/M-2032 fire control radar originally developed for the IAI Lavi, but encountered financial and political obstacles. The IAF decided to use an improved model of the F-16 radar, and was involved in the specifications definition phase of the new version. It was later been selected by most of the latest acquisitions – by Poland and Greece. The new version uses new, Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technology that provided faster processors that provide increased throughput, with x5 faster processing speed and x10 growth in memory capacity over the current version. With the powerful processing capability, the new system has a high resistance to electromagnetic interference and countermeasures and future growth potential. The system offers new and improved capabilities in both air/air and air/ground modes, primarily in the operation at long range (BVR) and target rich airspace. The APG-68(V)9 offers 30 percent increase in detection range, improved search-while-track mode (four vs. two tracked targets) and larger search volume and improved track while scan performance. Its single target track performance has also been improved.

On air/ground missions, the new radar becomes an effective sensor, utilizing its high-resolution synthetic aperture radar mode, which allows the pilot to locate and recognize tactical ground targets from considerable distances. Although previous radars had some Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities, the new version generates imagery-class (2 feet resolution) high resolutions pictures, comparable to pictures delivered by the most modern commercial satellites. These pictures can be acquired from very long range, at all weather conditions and provide an effective, real-time source for the targeting of long range, precision guided weapons. The radar also has increased detection range in sea surveillance mode, and enhanced ground moving target identification and mappinc capability. The radar features an inertial measurement unit that improves dynamic tracking performance and provides an auto-boresight capability, which increases accuracy.

Israel Air Force F-16I Soufa

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Jan 20, 2004

The Israeli F-16I, also known as Sufa (Storm) is Powered by the Pratt and Whitney F100-PE-229 Improved Performance Engine. The aircraft is designed for gross takeoff gross weight of 52,000 lbs, the most ever for an Israeli F-16. It incorporates a dorsal equipment compartment and a fully missionized rear cockpit. Along with hosting the latest in electronic countermeasures equipment, the F-16I will be compatible with a wide variety of stores including day/night navigation and targeting pods, advanced air-to-air missiles, and precision “smart” weapons. By February 2004, the Israel Air Force (IAF) is expected to receive the first F-16Is. the initial delivery is a part of 102 aircraft under the Peace Marble V program, expected to be delivered at a rate of two per month, over four years, the largest Israeli acquisition yet. This acquisition raises the total number of IAF F-16s to 362, which will make the IAF the one of the world’s largest F-16 operators, second only to the US Air Force.

The F-16I will provide the backbone of the air force’s strike force, and is expected to gradually phase out the last of the F-4E/2000 units that are still operational with the IAF, although, according to senior IAF officials, such decision has not been taken yet. The new aircraft will augment more than 230 F-16s now in service, as well as the IAF’s fleet of more than 90 F-15-series fighters. The IAF received its first 75 F-16A/Bs (blocks 5, 10 and 15, designated “Netz”) in 1980-1981. In 1987-1988, Israel received 75 Block 30 F-16C/D aircraft (designated Barak). 60 Block 40 (Barak-2) aircraft were delivered in 1990-1993. In 1994, 50 USAF surplus Block 10 aircraft were delivered to augment existing units and replace attrition. These aircraft were modernized to the IAF Netz standard, and are now designated Netz-2.

The current delivery of 102 aircraft will be the last major reorganization of the IAF, until the acquisition of the next generation fighters (such as JSF). The aircraft are expected to be fielded in several bases in the Negev desert, initially in the Ramon Air Force Base. The IAF plans to implement a new logistical support system in one of the Negev bases, to optimize the use of support equipment, test systems, spare parts and manpower skills. Another aspect of the support concept is the training of “versatile technicians”, support personnel who have more than one skill, hence fewer but more versatile support teams will be able to support the aircraft at more effective turnaround cycle.

Israel Air Force F-16I Soufa

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Jan 20, 2004

The F-16I is based on an advanced F-16 Block 52 aircraft. The Israeli version has integrated several new systems, developed and produced in Israel, required by the IAF, to maintain and enhance its operational capability. Despite the inclusion of many additional systems, the empty weight of the aircraft was maintained at the level of current Israeli Block 40 (Barak) F-16s. The “diet” included the use of lightweight materials, as well as the use of advanced avionics that offer considerable saving in weight and space.

The Sufa version of the F-16 Block 52 has a distinctive dorsal avionics compartment that accommodates all of the systems of the single-seat model as well as some special mission equipment and additional chaff/flare dispensers. The Israeli model is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F110-PW-229 Increased Performance Engine (IPE) engine develops over 29,000 lbs of thrust but weighs only 3,740 lbs. It incorporates modern turbine materials, cooling management techniques, compressor aerodynamics and electronic controls – many of them derived from F-119 and F-135 engines used in the new F-22 Raptor and JSF. The Advanced Block 52 aircraft use the Normal Shock Inlet (also known as the small mouth inlet).

Cockpit:

The Israeli F-16I cockpit features a helmet-mounted cueing system, color multifunction displays and recording equipment, cockpit lighting and external strip lighting compatible with night vision goggles, and large-capacity data transfer sets. Cockpit displays are driven by the Integrated color display processor (ICDP) developed by Elbit Systems, which drives the six multifunction color liquid crystal displays with 484×484 pixel resolution, built by Astronautics CA. HUDs are delivered by BAE Systems (initial 18-25) and El-OP (77-84). For the first time, the company embedded a digital map system and digital terrain flight algorithms into the ICDP computer. Such integration has saved considerable weight, wiring and logistical and technical support, previously required for separate systems. The Inertial Terrain Aided (RITA) system, developed by RAFAEL, uses proprietary algorithms based on accurate terrain reference navigation that improve low-level flight safety, and enable terrain following flight in all weather conditions, day or night and improve flight safety by avoiding ground collision. The aircraft is also equipped with a LANTIRN navigation pod, which enables automatic terrain following flight, utilizing a combination of forward looking imager and TF radar. This system enables the both crew members to fly safely at low altitude, as they were flying on “autopilot”, and concentrate on the employment of mission system and weapons. The fully missionized rear cockpit is used for navigation and Weapon Systems Operation (WSO).

Each cockpit has three displays and Head Up Display (HUD). Color coding is designed to match specific information, in different operational modes, to emphasize the information most important at every phase of the mission. All cockpit lighting, including the color displays, are designed to work with night vision systems. The tandem cockpit utilizes two fully functional positions for the pilot and weapon systems operator and navigator, both are equipped with the DASH-IV helmet mounted display and sight, developed by VCI Inc, a Rockwell-Collins / Elbit Systems Joint Venture which is also developing the new JHMCS helmets for the USAF and US Navy. The helmet display also provides critical flight and target information to the pilot — similar to a head-up display, but in any direction the pilot looks. DASH IV is a fourth generation of the DASH system, of which 500 are already in service. The new system offers several advantages compared to previous models, such the addition of a video camera that can record the pilot’s view to the mission debriefing system, more accurate line-of-sight tracking, etc. The system offers improved tracking accuracy and a miniature helmet mounted video camera that records the pilot’s line of sight view.

Core Avionics Systems

Another improvement over previous F-16 versions was introduced in the core avionics, which utilizes the General Avionics Computer (GAC) delivered by EFW, a division of Elbit Systems. This computer benefits from technology advances including increased processing speeds and memory capacity, by the using off-the-shelf technology, which improves supportability. The aircraft is equipped with a high capacity, ultra-fast network based on a fiber-channel backbone, which links all avionics modules, external stores and sensors into a unified, high capacity multi-channel network. Utilizing a high capacity (1 gigabyte) switch, the FiberChannel runs data streams over five channels with standards based protocols such as 1553 and 1790.

The navigation equipment is based on a 7 channel GPS and ring-laser Inertial Navigation System (INS), an integration of systems produced by Honeywell, Raytheon and General Dynamics. The TACAN is provided by Rockwell, which also provides the ARC-217 HF radio. BAE Systems is providing the ILS system and an advanced IFF transponder/interrogator. which improves the operation of the aircraft beyond visual range, and enable safe employment of long range A/A missiles. The communications equipment is based on an integrated voice/data system, that incorporates RAFAEL’s Green Radio, a localized and improved version of the Rockwell Collins ARC-210 VHF/UHF radio, equipped with a data modem, and an advanced data-link system, produced by IAI/MLM. These classified systems are believed to be more advanced to Link 16, offer integrated, secured and jam-resistant communications was designed to provide instantaneous high quality, high capacity communication between surface and air elements.

The aircraft is also equipped with an advanced data recorder, Advanced Data Transfer Equipment / Digital Video Recording (ADTE/DVR) developed and produced by Smiths Aerospace. The system uses a 15 gigabyte memory cartridge to store the entire flight records. The system records and time-stamps three video and databus channels, including video (HUD, helmet view, sensor view etc), audio (radio, intercom), avionics and sensor data (radar, digital map and flight data systems.) 3 digital video channels. A special mission debriefing system (SIMNET), designed by RADA is used to extract the data and present it for post mission debriefing and analysis.

Advanced 120mm Mortar Bomb

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Jan 20, 2004

“Semi-smart” mortar munitions is under development at Soltam Defense for 120mm tubes. Designated “Mor” – M150/M151 HE-TAG , (Terminal Area Guided) mortar bomb implements laser homing technique for improving the accuracy of the mortar fire against “time-urgent” area targets, rather than hitting point targets at pinpoint accuracy. The idea is to fire a single mortar round on target to neutralize it, thus saving the costly ammunition spent in traditional ranging process. The bomb’s ballistics matches the ballistics characteristics of a standard HE bomb. A homing device is fitted to the tip of the bomb, which scans the ground during its terminal trajectory phase searching for the designated target area. Once the laser spot has been acquired, moving tail fins are deployed to correct the bomb’s trajectory to impact on the spot. Fired from M120/121 battalion mortars, the M150 has a range of 7,2km. The M151 can be fired from an A-7 long barrel mortar, and reaches up to 9,5km.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Vehicle

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Jan 20, 2004

IAI/Ramta has developed a specially equipped, protected EOD vehicle which is currently in use by the IDF and Israeli Border police. The vehicle is based on the International Truck Corp. Model 4800 vehicle, fitted with a bullet proof engine compartment and protected cabin for the crew and internal staging area. It is equipped with a fully integrated mission electronic, robotic and surveillance system. The vehicle contains two robots stored in the rear compartment which are deployed via hydraulic lift/ramp.

Access and egress is available from rear and side, as well as from forward crew cabin. The system has built in GPS system and an EW jammer which disrupts the initiation of remotely controlled explosive charges. The crew can fight and return fire from within the vehicle, through side firing ports and top firing hatch. The vehicle is also equipped with external floodlights, on-board generator, and run-flat tires.

US Army Active Defense Program

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Jan 20, 2004

The next step in the US Army Defensive Aid Technology (DAS) is the Army Active Protection System (IAAPS). This is an integrated FCS system uses integrated soft and hard-kill measures, passive (EO) and active (radar) sensors, soft kill countermeasures (IR jammers and decoys) and hard kill active protection system devices. The system is designed to protect an armored vehicle from direct fire and top attack threats with growth potential for Kinetic Energy (KE) threat defeat. IAAPS is programmed to intercept a threat at a long range, by detecting the launch signature of a missile or gun firing of a tank. After detection, the system attempts to disrupt the missile’s guidance by IR countermeasures, but if such attempts fail, the hard-kill module is erected, detects the incoming target, and traverse to point the countermeasure rockets at the incoming target. A projectile is launched at the direction of the incoming threat, to intercept and destroy it at a distance of 30 meters from the protected vehicle. In February 2003, the U.S. Army’s Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) demonstrated the defeat of three new categories of anti-tank threats by such a new Integrated defensive system developed by United Defense Industries. Unlike existing countermeasures, threats were defeated by “soft kill” electronic countermeasures and “hard kill” active protection counter-munitions. The System classifies the inbound threat and assigns the right countermeasure to defeat it. The suite includes two types of passive sensors, electronic warfare countermeasures and an active protection system composed of launcher, radar and a deployed countermeasure. The system demonstrated both “point protection” of the attacked vehicle as well as “area protection” of a limited surrounding area. The suite incorporates an EW system delivered by BAE Systems and an active protection system developed by Northrop Grumman Space Technology, linking to United Defense’s platform survivability processor. A derivative of IAAPS designated CICM, utilizing nun-bursting electrically powered active countermeasures was developed by United Defense in 2004, as a near-term countermeasure against RPG threats encountered in Iraq. IAAPS can handle multiple, simultaneous threats and has already defeated six categories of threats over the past year, puts the system right on track for FCS Block 1. In September 2003, TACOM began a new series of tests that included IAAPS testing on a combat vehicle defeating live threats while traveling at 20 mph. These tests are expected to continue through 2005. Future growth of the IAAPS system includes incorporation of the objective active protection counter-munitions for hardened threats and specifically large caliber long rod penetrators. The Integrated Army Active Protective System (IAAPS) is The Command is developing the following two APS programs for integration into the current force in order to increase survivability of our warfighters.

DRAGON FIRE I – II Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS)

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Jan 19, 2004

Since 1997 the US Marine Corps Warfighting laboratory is experimenting the Dragon Fire, Expeditionary Fire Support System – a mortar based system that designed to provide mobile fire support for expeditionary forces. Dragon Fire I system demonstrator that utilized a 120mm rifled, recoiling, self-loading mortar, that can fire rifled or smoothbore ammunition. The original system had a weight of 7,000 pounds, but the new version, Dragon Fire II weighs only 3,200 pounds, and will be capable of deployment in a towed, heliborne and mounted versions. Dragon Fire II is the follow-on experimentation phase of the program, which utilizes a towed by a tactical vehicle (such as the HUMMV) or internally mounted on a LAV The mortar has a range of 8,200 meters (13,000 m’ with rocket assisted projectiles). It can fire 10 rounds per minute for 2 minutes, or four rounds per minute sustained fire. The system has an on-board digital communications, navigation and computation facilities to enable effective precision fire at a closed “sensor-to-shooter” loop. The USMC Warfighting Lab is also experimenting with remote control capability and stabilization that will enable fire on the move for improved agility and responsiveness. The system can be deployed from amphibious ships, internally, in CH-53 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. Dragon Fire II EFSS systems transitioned into a spiral acquisition with the award of the program to General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems (GD OTS) in October 2004. GD OTS is cooperating with TDA Armaments SAS, a joint venture between Thales and EADS Deutchland, to produce ammunition for these mortars.

Full Spectrum Active Protection Close-In Shield (FCLAS)

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Jan 8, 2004

The FCLAS system, under development at the US Army Tank Automotive R&D and Engineering Center (TRADEC) is one of the candidates for the future FASP program. This system provides an autonomous, fast reacting countermeasure against incoming threats, such as RPGs, anti-tank missiles and HEAT ammunition (CE). The program development is supported by the US Special Operations Command and the US Department of Energy.

FCLAS can for the “close-in” element of a larger protection suit (FSAP for example) or as a stand-alone system. It is comprised of a sensor and short range grenade launcher, loaded with special fragmentation grenades with delay fuses set to intercept the incoming threat at a range of approx. 5 meters from the protected vehicle. The actual initiation of the explosive charge is triggered by a side looking RF proximity fuse which senses the incoming projectile as it passes nearby. The explosion forms a vertical, doughnut shaped fragmentation effect that kills the passing threat but does not effect the protected vehicle. The system’s target weight is 140 kg., to enable deployment on light vehicles. Each grenade is equipped with a forward looking radar mounted on the exposed tip of the grenade. Each of the FCLAS munitions has such an integrated radar, which forms a complete sensor, monitoring a protective hemisphere around and above the vehicle. The Army hopes to get a prototype system of FCLAS for testing in 2004 and an operational system, which could protect against RPG threats, deployed with Bradley, Stryker Humvee and military trucks (FMTV) – by 2005.

The system can be used to protect armored and unarmored vehicles, as well as naval vessels and even helicopters. Other utilization options include protection of fixed locations, including military posts, buildings and even soft targets such as tents or highly vulnerable objects such as oil and gas tanks etc. FCLAS was awarded among the US Army Material Comamnd’s “10 greatest inventions for 2002”.

GRAN 120mm Guided Mortar Bomb

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Jan 6, 2004

GRAN 120mm guided mortar delivered weapon is designed to defeat armoured and soft targets. The weapon is designed to defeat single targets or target groups at ranges of 1.5 – 9 kilometers. Single targets can be individually attacked when grouped in an area of 300 radius, with the same fire angle and without changing settings in the projectile.

The guided bomb utilizes laser illumination to home in on the target. The system uses a mobile or dismounted (carried by a crew of two) and operated fire control system, that also supports target illumination, location and orientation of the firing position.

The projectile weighs 27kg, of which 11.2kg is the High Explosive Fragmentation warhead, containing 5.3 kg of HE. and has a warhead.

Dyneema Polyethylene Fiber

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Jan 4, 2004

Dyneema fibers, developed by the Dutch company DSM is a super-strong polyethylene fiber used for various applications requiring security, strength and lightweight. In woven textile form, the fiber is used for the manufacturing of bulletproof armor and in protective clothing for law enforcement agencies and the military. Dyneema is 15 times stronger than steel and, weight-for-weight, is 40 percent stronger than competing aramid fibers. With specific weight lower than water, Dyneema floats on water, and is highly resistant to abrasion, moisture, UV rays and chemicals.

Dual Protection Vests Made of Steel Reinforced Fibers

New models of body armor are offering protection from gunshots, shrapnel and knives stabs. These vests are fabricated from a combination of Dyneema high-performance polyethylene fiber from DSM and Steelskin steel cord material from Bekaert providing stab protection against edged weapons. The combined material provides dual protection vests offering the same class of protection, compared to competitive materials and technology. In the past, similar levels of protection required heavier and stiffer outfits which were uncomfortable to use. According to DSM, the combination of the two materials adds improved performance – as the steel wire blunts and damages a blade with each thrust, while the super-strong fibers further absorb the impact energy to stop the damaged knife and minimize trauma.

Manufacturers already using the new combined material include C.P.E. Production, a Finnish manufacturer of combat protective equipment, offering the enhanced vests to police and private security companies. Sioen of Ireland supply similar vests to the Irish An Garda Siochana, police. The armor provided by Sioen is PSDB certified to protection level HG1A/KR1 and is the lightest system currently available on the market. The new material was unveiled November 22, at the Milipol 2005 exhibition in Paris.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Dual Protection Vests Made of Steel Reinforced Fibers

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