Point Blank Enterprises uses DSM Dyneema material innovation to develop Generation II Soldier Plate Carrier System armor designed to maximize mobility and provide superior protection
Stanley, N.C., Dec. 16, 2014 – DSM Dyneema, the manufacturer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) fiber, branded as Dyneema, and a world leader in life protection materials and high performance fibers, announced today that the U.S. Army has chosen a new body armor system that incorporates Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology to deliver unparalleled ballistics protection combined with unprecedented weight reduction.
Point Blank Enterprises, the worldwide leader in the production of soft body armor, designed the advanced ballistics package incorporated in the new system – the Generation II Soldier Plate Carrier System (SPCS).
Using revolutionary Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology, Point Blank developed the core ballistics package for the SPCS to create the lightest soft armor system ever to be fielded to the U.S. Army. The lighter weight ballistics package meets the Army’s requirement for the SPCS to provide protection equal to the current Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), but in a standalone capacity that reduces the soldier’s load and provides optimum mobility.
“Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology helps armor manufacturers achieve the goal of combining the best protective performance with the lightest possible weight,” said Shitij Chabba, Global Segment Director, Life Protection, DSM Dyneema. “We are very pleased that our latest material innovation has achieved qualification for an advanced program like SPCS that must meet modern mission requirements.”
Built on the company’s Radical Innovation Platform and manufactured in Greenville, N.C., Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology combines breakthroughs in polymer science, next-generation UHMwPE fiber technology and unique uni-directional engineering. Compared to body armor made from traditional materials such as aramid, protective vests engineered with Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology can reduce weight by up to 30 percent, while enhancing comfort and agility with fewer layers of material.
“Current and near-term predicted threats dictate that service personnel exhibit greater flexibility than ever before and an ability to respond quickly and decisively to changing conditions,” said Sam White, Executive Vice President, Point Blank Enterprises. “The combination of our cutting-edge ballistics package design and DSM Dyneema’s breakthrough Dyneema® Force Multiplier Technology has resulted in an unmatched ability to accomplish the critical objectives of SPCS specifications, all while delivering the lightest and highest-performing protection. We’re honored to partner with DSM Dyneema to bring this game-changing system to our service men and women, and remain committed to protecting those who risk their lives every day to safeguard ours.”
Tags: DSM, Dyneema, Point Blank Enterprises
Is it going to look any different?
Do you count being in OCP as different? I mean, we can assume that much. XD
Make sure it has a cummerbund and not buckles that sag and cause the side plates to dig in to you hips!
That was the Murtha/KDH shenanigan–politics over data that showed just about every other competitor’s design (to include proven or mature COTS solutions from folks like Eagle Industries–who could ALSO compete on price) to be superior. Except that comfort can’t be quantifiably associated with efficiency so it’s just griping, amiright?
My concern about Dyneema is long-term performance in temperatures common to the places we deploy to. Also, Dyneema has been known to suck with contact shots, which was discovered in LE the hard way. I have equivalent concerns about thermal frag threats encountered by MIL.
Lighter is better and plastics are the future and all but I hope this was thought through beyond the fiscal considerations…
NVM, plate carrier, meaning backers behind ceramics so it’s long term viability in atmospheric temperatures only…
The DSM fibers (as used in the AXIIIa) have met and exceeded the FBI and DEA testing protocols that rigorously test contact shots. These fibers will be good to go with respect to heat and contact shots.
Cool, what else have they invented that I’ll have to carry to make up for the weight lost in body armor?
A mobile Automated turret. It only weighs sixty pounds (not including ammo and tripod of course).
Groovy
That was my first thought as well
Sounds like a fantastic bit of advancement, I’m for anything which saves lives