BAE Systems,
Cincinnati OH: BAE Systems has received a contract from the U.S. Army to supply Tensylon composite armor panels for the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) vehicles.
HET vehicles transport, deploy, recover and evacuate combat-loaded main battle tanks and other heavy tracked and wheeled vehicles to and from the battlefield.
Tensylon is a state-of-the-art material developed exclusively by BAE Systems to improve the readiness and sustainment of survivability products, including ground vehicles such as Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, and individual soldier equipment.
This initial $2.6 million contract is part of the U.S. Army's Heavy Tactical Vehicle Armor Program and is a direct result of BAE Systems' Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Army Research Labs (ARL). The partnership with ARL, initiated in 2007, tests and evaluates composite armor solutions to defeat current and emerging threats in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These tests and evaluations resulted in the development of a light-weight applique armor kit, utilizing Tensylon, a family of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene tape and composite products.
“Tensylon is a truly unique material that ultimately increases the protection provided to our men and women in uniform through a cost-effective, light-weight survivability solution,” said Tony Russell, president of the company's Security and Survivability business.
“Our continuous research and development in this area reflects our company's dedication to helping the Army prepare for and defeat the latest threats.”
