4 Oct 2010
DSM DYNEEMA AWARDED DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT FOR IMPROVED COMBAT HELMET
Dyneema® HB80 in final testing stages for ECH Program
STANLEY, NC (US), 4 October 2010 - DSM Dyneema has been awarded the contract for the development of new UHMWPE based Dyneema® material solutions for the next generation improved combat helmet, DSM Dyneema has been focusing on research and development of new series of materials to substantially lighten the load for military and law enforcement.
DSM Dyneema’s development proposal was selected after a full and open solicitation. The award is aimed at the development of new unidirectional (UD) materials that can help in the design of an improved combat helmet with superior ballistic performance. “DSM Dyneema is proud to receive the development contract. We are committed to innovation and to deliver highest levels of protection against new and ever-emerging threats“ said Ken Dooley, Sr. Vice President for DSM Dyneema Life Protection Americas.
DSM Dyneema has a strong focus on innovation and Dyneema® UD materials have been used in several combat proven applications. In June 2009, DSM Dyneema launched Dyneema® HB80, a UD composite –that meets the joint US Army and Marine Corps challenge to increase the ballistic performance of current advanced combat helmet without increasing the weight. Just over a year later, the product has proven to be the ballistic UD material of choice for both body and vehicle armor applications where ultra-light weight and enhanced performance are required.
All major helmet manufacturers are already working with DSM Dyneema in the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) program. Dyneema® HB80 has been extensively tested and evaluated in different helmet constructions and is currently in the final development testing phase of ECH program. “We understand the increased sense of urgency and need for new high performance materials that can provide enhanced protection at reduced weight” said Dooley. “This becomes especially valuable at higher altitudes, such as Afghanistan, where reducing the soldier’s load helps with mobility and can save more lives.”
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About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel. Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands), Flaach (Switzerland) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.dyneemamatters.com.
DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance. Its end markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM manages its business with a focus on the triple bottom line of economic performance, environmental quality and social responsibility, which it pursues simultaneously and in parallel. DSM has annual net sales of about € 8 billion and employs some 22,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com.
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