(Jan 2015) - Morgan Advanced Materials’ Composites and Defence Systems business has introduced a buoyant, lightweight rifle plate insert for military and security personnel which is capable of stopping 7.62mm rifle ammunition yet is still less than 1kg in weight.
The new 20mm-thick rifle plate is manufactured from ultra-lightweight, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene hybrid composite materials which have been designed by Morgan specifically for the rugged environments in which military and security personnel frequently operate. The plates meet the stringent requirements of NIJ 0101.06 for ballistic protection when used in conjunction with NIJ Level II body armour.
For optimum comfort and flexibility, the ergonomic multi-curve design features a shooter’s cut and can withstand up to six shots per plate from a 7.62mm M80 ball projectile. Weighing just 980g, the plate covers 720cm² over the torso and is positively buoyant in water.
Martyn Cook, Business Development Director of Morgan Composites and Defence Systems commented: “Military and security personnel are increasingly facing the threat of high powered hunting or assault rifles. The new plates from Morgan balance multi-shot protection with reduced weight and an ergonomic design which does not hinder movement or weigh the individual down.
“The plates have been subjected to extensive testing at our in-house ISO 17025 approved test laboratory as well as additional independent proof testing to NIJ 0101.06 at Biokinetics & Associates in Canada in conjunction with NIJ Level II body armour, and provide proven performance against close multi-hit shot spacing, retaining protection even in extreme temperatures.”
For further information on Morgan’s soldier protection systems, visit http://www.morgancomposites.com/defencesystems
About Morgan Advanced Materials
Morgan Advanced Materials is a global materials engineering company which designs and manufactures a wide range of high specification products with extraordinary properties, across multiple sectors and geographies.
From an extensive range of advanced materials we produce components, assemblies and systems that deliver significantly enhanced performance for our customers’ products and processes. Our engineered solutions are produced to very high tolerances and many are designed for use in extreme environments.
The Company thrives on breakthrough innovation. Our materials scientists and applications engineers work in close collaboration with customers to create outstanding, highly differentiated products that perform more efficiently, more reliably and for longer.
Morgan Advanced Materials has a global presence with over 10,000 employees across 50 countries serving specialist markets in the energy, transport, healthcare, electronics, petrochemical and industrial sectors. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange in the engineering sector.
For more information on Morgan Advanced Materials visit www.morganadvancedmaterials.com
For further information, please contact:
Luke Bull / Louise Stanley, Wyatt International
luke@wyattinternational.com / Louise@wyattInternational.com
Tel +44 121 454 8181
Andrew Gaskell, Morgan Advanced Materials
andrew.gaskell@morganplc.com
Tel +44 (0)24 7670 2802