DSM Dyneema highlights next-gen body armour

DSM Dyneema is highlighting its latest range of technologies and solutions for developing next-generation body armour that offers higher ballistic and multi-threat protection at a lighter weight, with greater user comfort and mobility at Defexpo.

Based on Dyneema, the leading brand of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre, DSM Dyneema is displaying amongst its broad portfolio of life protection solutions, the latest developments based on its radical innovation platform: Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology and Dyneema Anti Stab Technology which can be combined with Dyneema Soft Ballistic products for multi-threat protection.

“DSM Dyneema continues to be at the forefront of innovation that addresses current and future requirements for soldier modernisation and law enforcement programmes globally, including India. Dyneema represents the next-generation armour technology that raises the benchmark for ballistic and stab protection while making armor much lighter by up to 30 per cent, and more comfortable to wear compared to traditional solutions like aramids,” said Marcio Manique, Global Business Director, Life Protection, DSM Dyneema.

Toughest and lightest material of choice for ballistic protection

Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology has garnered many achievements, including being used in many prestigious, high-profile soft and hard armour systems and winning multiple awards for innovation. An increasing number of top armor manufacturers globally including those in the Asia-Pacific region are using Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology in vests, inserts, helmets and extremity protection, and in hard armour for helicopters, patrol boats and land vehicles.

In body armour, Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology can reduce the weight by up to 30 per cent without sacrificing ballistic protection, while enhancing comfort and agility with fewer layers of material and increased flexibility. Used in helmets, it enables designs protecting against 9mm FMJ handgun ammunition and fragments to weigh as light as about one kg. For air, land or sea vehicles, armor made with the technology, it offers weight reductions of up to 50 per cent compared to glass and aramid armour concepts, and up to 90 per cent compared to full steel vehicle armour standalone concepts — without sacrificing ballistic protection.

Dyneema Anti Stab Technology is the latest patented anti-stab material for soft armour applications that answers the industry’s need for innovative advancement in stab protection. A vest manufactured with Dyneema Anti Stab Technology provides outstanding protection against knives, blades and other sharp weapons in accordance to international standards like the UK HOSDB Body Armour Standard. It is up to 25 per cent lighter and thinner than current market solutions made with aramid without sacrificing protection and its flexibility provides greater comfort and mobility to the wearer.

In addition, it can be combined with Dyneema soft ballistic products to develop the next-generation of high performance, lightweight multi-threat protective gear that meets the specific needs of law enforcement officers who face hostile confrontations, as well as military personnel engaged in urban operations.

“Dyneema is well-known in India since the 1990s as the material of choice in many defense and law enforcement programmes which require higher ballistic protection at a lighter weight. We remain highly committed to bringing new technological dimensions to support India’s evolving needs for life protection with our ever-expanding portfolio of innovative Dyneema technologies and solutions,” said Nicole Ng, Regional Business Manager, Asia-Pacific, DSM Dyneema.