• Ultra-strong, lightweight fiber incorporated into design of new civilian armored vehicles in Latin America
• Mexican company first to manufacture Spectra fiber-based fabric for civilian vehicles
MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., Nov. 3, 2021 — Honeywell today announced Carolina Ballistic, a leading global manufacturer of ballistic materials, will use Honeywell’s Spectra fiber in the design and manufacture of new ballistic panels for civilian armor vehicles in Latin America, meeting a regional need for armored civilian vehicles that are lightweight but provide increased protection. The new Spectra Ballistic Panels will be on display at ExpoSeguridad in Mexico City (November 2- November 4).
Spectra fiber, an ultra-strong, yet lightweight fiber made from ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), is incorporated into Carolina Ballistic Armortec portfolio of products, providing multi-hit ballistic protection against a wide range of threats.
In Latin America, which has the largest number of armored civilian vehicles worldwide, there is a growing need for fortified vehicles that are resistant to various external threats. Lightweight armor allows vehicles to have better maneuvering, agility, and acceleration. In addition, low weight armor increases fuel mileage and reduces component stress and rollovers.
“As a specialist in body armor, vehicle armor and advanced material solutions for civil, military and law enforcement applications, we have provided Latin American and worldwide militaries and citizens with the highest level of protection with our products for more than 12 years” said Alvaro Fuentes Quintana, Carolina Ballistic Director. “By incorporating Spectra fiber into our ballistics materials portfolio, we can introduce new ballistic solutions for civilian vehicles that are designed specifically to protect against high velocity rifles threats.”
Spectra fiber is also incorporated into Honeywell’s Spectra Shield® technology for use in advanced armor applications. Honeywell’s Spectra Shield and Gold Shield® products have been widely adopted and proven for the most advanced armor applications globally, from bullet-resistant vests, breast plates, and helmets, to combat vehicles and military aircraft where lightweight solutions and performance are critical. Honeywell’s Shield technology is also capable of combining a variety of aramid fibers and resins to meet specific performance requirements in soft and hard armor applications.
“Armor solutions using UHMWPE have become the systems of choice for various applications. For military-grade armored vehicles, Honeywell’s Spectra fiber has provided a high-performing solution to withstand increased threats seen in combat for years,” said Tim Swinger, general manager for armor, Honeywell Life Sciences & Protection Industries. “By applying the same technology to civilian-grade armored vehicles, we can deliver next-generation armor to civilians and meet the demand for low-weight vehicles that provide the highest protection levels to occupants.”
Pound for pound, Spectra fiber is 15 times stronger than steel, yet light enough to float. Spectra fiber is made from UHMWPE using a patented gel-spinning process. Spectra Shield technology is a patented Honeywell process designed to optimize the ballistic performance characteristics of Spectra as well as aramid fiber.
Honeywell maintains an active Spectra fiber and ballistic materials research program focused on continuous improvement and development of high-performance materials. For more information about Spectra fiber, visit industrial.honeywell.com/us/en/products/high-strength-fibers