Honeywell’s Spectra Shield for ballistic shields

Safariland Group is using Honeywell's Spectra Shield composite material in its new ballistic handheld shield design, Honeywell announced on 13 March.

Safariland is introducing the new design in its PROTECH Tactical X Series line of lightweight ballistic shields.

Handheld shields have a lens cap, also known as a viewing window, made from ballistic glass and installed typically into a frame that is then bolted into the shield. By using Spectra Shield, Safariland is able to integrate the lens cap directly into the rest of the shield, eliminating points of weakness that arise from the traditional bulky frame system, such as drill holes and seam lines. The result is better ballistic integrity with as much as 20 percent less weight.

Spectra fibre has up to 60 percent greater strength than alternate aramid fibre. The fibre that is used to create Spectra Shield is made from ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process.

Spectra Shield is used for advanced armour applications including bullet-resistant vests, breast plates, helmets, combat vehicles and military aircraft.