Honeywell Introduces Improved Line of Ballistic Materials for Body and Vehicle Armor

(Source: Honeywell; issued June 14, 2007)

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. --- Honeywell announced today that it has developed a new line of Spectra fiber-based materials with improved ballistic stopping capability for body and vehicle armor.

The new line of materials, called Spectra Shield II, has demonstrated up to 20 percent greater ballistic performance than Honeywell's standard Spectra Shield product line, which already uses one of the strongest man-made fibers in commercial use today. Pound for pound, Spectra fiber is 15 times stronger than steel yet light enough to float. Shield technology is a patented Honeywell process designed to optimize the ballistic performance characteristics of Spectra fiber.

For Spectra Shield II ballistic materials, Honeywell has adapted its patented shield technology to incorporate its new and improved fiber. Spectra S3000 fiber was developed specifically for use in armor applications to help manufacturers and the military counter new ballistic threats.

"Our armor materials have been used to protect military and police personnel for nearly 20 years," said Joe Gelo, business director for Honeywell's Advanced Fibers and Composites business. "We continue to invest in improving our materials to meet the future performance requirements of advanced military and law enforcement agencies. Our latest offering demonstrates our commitment to continued innovation in the ballistic protection arena."

Honeywell has completed upgrades of several production lines to manufacture the fiber used for Spectra Shield II and plans to make additional investments to meet the growing need.

Honeywell's patented Spectra Shield and Spectra Shield II materials are used in advanced armor systems for a wide a range of ballistic protection and security applications -- from bullet-resistant vests, breastplates, and helmets to combat vehicles and military aircraft -- where lightweight solutions and durability are critical. This latest Spectra fiber-based material, like Honeywell's existing products, is transparent to radar.

Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process. The fiber exhibits high resistance to chemicals, water, and ultraviolet light. It has excellent vibration damping, flex fatigue and internal fiber-friction characteristics. It also has up to 60 percent greater specific strength than aramid fiber.

The various Spectra Shield products are manufactured by bonding parallel strands of fiber in place with an advanced resin system. In addition to Spectra fiber, Honeywell adapts this technology to other fibers, including aramid.

Honeywell also produces Spectra fiber for industrial applications such as rope and marine cordage. Honeywell maintains an active Spectra fiber and ballistic material research and development program aimed to meet increased demand for its high performance armor materials.

First All-Composite Humvee-Like Vehicle Unveiled

(Source: TPI Composites, Inc.; issued July 20, 2007)

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio --- TPI Composites, Inc., a leading manufacturer of large-scale composite structures, and Armor Holdings, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of military vehicles, vehicle armor systems, and life safety and survivability systems, were joined by Congressman David Hobson (7th District-Ohio) today to unveil a new light-weight, all-composite HMMWV.

The new vehicle, which is part of the U.S. Army's All Composite Military Vehicle program, will be the first of its kind.

The prototype vehicle was designed to demonstrate weight savings and durability in a tactical truck for the U.S. Army that can provide soldiers with maximum protection and performance. The vehicle is the result of an 18-month research and development program with the U.S. Army TARDEC and AM General. The vehicle will serve as a demonstration of how TPI can apply its composites technology to other military vehicles or vehicle components produced by Armor Holdings.

The All Composite Military Vehicle Program was a congressional initiative supported by Congressman Hobson. TPI's all-composite HMMWV saves approximately 900 pounds when compared to a current steel and aluminum HMMWV that is required to carry the same heavy armor. This weight savings allows for the carriage of additional armor and other life-saving or important equipment.

"TPI is committed to applying its structural composite technology to support our soldiers," said TPI President and CEO Steven C. Lockard. "The light-weight, all-composite HMMWV is a great example of how advanced composite material and process technology can be applied to leapfrog our current vehicle platforms."

In addition to unveiling the composite HMMWV, TPI and Armor Holdings also announced today that it has entered a long term teaming agreement that will allow TPI's process technology to be used on vehicles or vehicle components supplied by Armor Holdings.