Battelle has announced it has developed an advanced composite armor material systems solution capable of stopping the Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP) threat. It is exclusively licensed to Protected Vehicles, Inc. for use in the companys ShieldAll(TM) armor system. When compared to other systems claiming to defeat an EFP, the new material composite system is lighter, less bulky, multi-hit capable, and made of readily available materials thus remaining cost effective.

The breakthrough advanced material system is a uniquely customized composite that includes metals, ceramics, reinforcing, and patented binders. The armor solution can be tailored to specific threats and is modular for ease of installation, repair, replacement, and modification. Battelle and Protected Vehicles, Inc. collaborated to create the modular armor system trademarked as "ShieldAll(TM)."

The new solution recently was put to the test at two government testing facilities in Maryland. A single component of the ShieldAll(TM) system can stop multiple armor piercing projectiles exceeding a 7.62mm threat. When combined with Protected Vehicles, Inc. armoring methodologies, the complete system is capable of stopping threats from 50 caliber armor piercing rounds, to multiple EFP threats without the weight associated with conventional metal or ceramic armor.

The military is constantly adjusting to ever changing enemy threats. With the modular ShieldAll(TM) system, the hidden armor package can be modified in theater to meet the current threat.

"The ShieldAll(TM) breakthrough means tailoring the armored vehicles to the threat in the region. This can extend the productive life of the vehicle, and reduce maintenance costs," said its co-developer, Scott Versluis, a Commercialization Manager at Battelle.

"Battelle has been with us from the beginning, and we are excited to be working with them on this breakthrough," said Garth Barrett, President/CEO of Protected Vehicles, Inc. "We see a tremendous opportunity to save lives with this advanced vehicle protection solution at a time when it is greatly needed."

Under the exclusive licensing agreement the manufacturing and marketing of this novel armor, the companies plan to ramp up production to meet the varying needs of the military. In addition, they plan to continue development efforts targeted at further enhancing the armors capabilities and developing a number of different protection applications and products. Based on readily available components and continuing participation from a tier one polymer manufacturer, ShieldAll(TM) is immediately available for large scale production ramp up.

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