- Technology provides same protection level as with as ceramics, glass & aramid
- 50% lighter than glass & aramid, 90% lighter than steel.
- 25% thinner panels create space
At the recent Eurosatory 2014, DSM Dyneema, the manufacturer of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber, showcased vehicle armor solutions based on its Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology.
In contrast to vehicle armor made from traditional materials such as ceramics, glass and aramid that can negatively impact speed, agility and payload capacity, Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology dissipates energy of impacting bullets faster, which stops bullets quicker than titanium, boron, aramid and glass. Maintaining equivalent ballistic performance, the technology can significantly reduce vehicle armor weight. At the same protection level, Dyneema, an Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fiber, is about 50% lighter than glass and aramid, and about 90% lighter than steel. In addition, 25% thinner panels create space for new required electronic systems.
The companies TenCate and Rheinmetall, for example, selected the Force Multiplier Technology for their light tactical vehicles for military and law enforcement. In general, asymmetrical, unconventional warfare and low-intensity conflicts have dramatically altered the traditional missions of smaller vehicles requiring enhanced light weight armor protection. Finally, they help meet the need for better fuel efficiency, which can reduce operating costs and expand vehicle range.
