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.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV]()
Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV
At Eurosatory 2026, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are front and centre of IDV’s display, with a new variant of the Viking and the new CL2X on show.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments]()
Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments
New recovery vehicles, reconnaissance platforms, autonomous fire-support systems and short-range air-defence capabilities on display at Eurosatory 2026 highlighted how land forces are adapting to evolving battlefield requirements.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Ukraine drives European artillery renaissance
European governments have ordered nearly 1,400 self-propelled howitzers and more than 400 multiple-launch rocket systems since 2022 as lessons from Ukraine reshape long-range fires requirements across the continent.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted]()
Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted
The four-nation Nordic Programme to buy BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 MkIV tracked vehicles is an ambitious effort for the partner countries to buy almost identical vehicles and is worth billions of dollars.
