Body Armor Award Spotlights Composites
Jun 23, 2010 By Neelam Mathews NEW DELHI A contract awarded by India’s Home Affairs Ministry to MKU, an India-based supplier of body armor, will include Honeywell’s Gold Shield and Spectra Shield composite materials for ballistics protection. Modernizing India’s police forces has been a top priority following the Mumbai terrorist attacks. The Indian homeland security budget is set to grow by 25% this year, making India one of the fastest-growing markets for homeland security equipment in the world. The body armor order covers 59,000 jackets that each contain two breast plates. The soft armor containing Gold Shield supposedly can substantially reduce injuries caused by a bullet’s impact, but with improved weight, flexibility and comfort. The breast plates containing Spectra Shield are supposed to offer protection from multiple bullet hits, angle shots and high-velocity rifle rounds. The first shipment of armor is likely to be sent to the Central Reserve Police Force by the end ...