ArmorSource LLC, a leading provider of advanced ballistic head protection products, has selected Honeywell Spectra Shield® ballistic composite materials to create helmets that meet and exceed the latest military requirements in the U.S. and around the world.
Makers of ballistic protection gear are increasingly transitioning from traditional aramid products to ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) products such as Spectra Shield, as they move to meet new requirements for helmets that are lighter weight but still able to protect against a range of threats.
Use of UHMWPE materials reduces the weight of helmets and improves mobility without sacrificing performance.
ArmorSource helmets, such as the AS-501 Ultra Lightweight Ballistic Helmet for Military Troops and the LJD Aire Helmet, are made with Spectra Shield and are among the lightest ballistic helmets available for military and law enforcement agencies today.
The LJD Aire Helmets are 40 percent lighter than traditional helmets and exceed the ballistic protection of the U.S. Army’s existing combat helmet, the Lightweight Advanced Combat Helmet.
Due to Honeywell’s Advanced Dynamic Deflection Technology, Spectra Shield-based helmets more effectively redirect energy from ballistic threats to the head.
Even with reduced weight, helmets made with Spectra Shield provide full coverage and protection from small fragments and bullets.
“Spectra Shield is a state-of-the-art material that is a critical component of our products to better serve military and law enforcement personnel,” said Yoav Kapah, President and CEO, ArmorSource LLC.
“Helmets made with Spectra Shield provide less weight-related strain on bodies while maintaining or exceeding ballistic protection. We are excited to utilize Spectra Shield in our products and in our research and development efforts for new helmet platforms.”
(Learn More. Spectra is one of the strongest and lightest man-made fibers in the world. It is used by millions of people around the world for a wide variety of purposes. Courtesy of Honeywell and YouTube)
ArmorSource supplies helmets made with Spectra Shield to militaries in Australia, Austria, Italy, Spain and other countries in addition to various U.S. agencies such as the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Marshall Service.
“Spectra Shield is crucial for militaries seeking next-generation armor that offers the most advanced protection available,” said Tim Swinger, business director for armor at Honeywell Packaging and Composites.
“Our collaboration with ArmorSource will bring key improvements to the armor industry that will ensure the availability of the most lightweight, advanced design ballistic helmets possible.”
Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process.
With up to 60 percent greater strength than alternate aramid fiber, Spectra fiber is 15 times stronger than steel but is light enough to float.
(Learn More about ArmorSource, courtesy of ArmorSource and YouTube)
Spectra fiber is used to create Spectra Shield, an advanced ballistic-resistant material. Spectra Shield technology is a patented Honeywell process designed to optimize the ballistic performance characteristics of Spectra as well as aramid fiber.
Spectra Shield and Gold Shield® products have been widely adopted and proven for the most advanced armor applications globally, from bullet-resistant vests, breast plates, and helmets, to combat vehicles and military aircraft where lightweight solutions and performance are critical.
Honeywell maintains an active Spectra fiber and ballistic materials research program focused on continuous improvement and development of high-performance materials. For more information about Spectra fiber, visit www.honeywell-spectra.com.
Honeywell is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; turbochargers; and performance materials.
