Thursday, February 11, 2010

BAE systems and Anjani in $35 million contract bid for polyethylene based ballistic materials

BAE Systems and Anjani Technoplast Ltd are joining forces to bring the latest, lightest and most cost-effective survivability products and personnel protection materials to India.

As part of the relationship, Anjani would manufacture protective equipment using Tensylon™— a versatile, high performance polyethylene ballistic material exclusively developed by BAE Systems to make survivability products, such as body armour and vehicle armour, even lighter and stronger.

Earlier this month, Anjani submitted bullet resistant jacket samples — using Tensylon ballistic material consolidated into vest inserts — to India’s Central Reserve Police Force for its current bid of 59,000 protective jackets. If Anjani is awarded the contract, the bullet resistant jackets will be made using BAE Systems’ Tensylon material at Anjani’s Greater Noida facility in India.

“Our partnership with Anjani is another solid example of BAE Systems long term commitment to India,” said Tony Russell, President, Security & Survivability, BAE Systems. “Bringing Tensylon ballistic tape to India is a critical first step forward for our two strong companies,” said Russell. “Together, with Anjani’s established production base in India; and BAE Systems’ global presence and continuous investment in survivability technologies, we are collectively leveraging our strengths, talents and resources to better protect India’s police forces and support India’s first responders.”

Initially, the relationship will focus on integrating Tensylon ballistic fibre and tape into various products for Indian defence and security forces. BAE Systems is also evaluating manufacturing other survivability systems and accessories in India, including the Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) System, which improves mission efficiency by allowing for customization in the field without compromising mobility or readiness.

Since 1994, Anjani, through its armouring division, has been committed to developing robust and modern day body armour solutions for India’s defence and security forces. “Our partnership with BAE Systems to process Tensylon tape in India will bring the latest technology in the field of armouring to India,” said R.K. Gupta, Managing Director of Anjani Technoplast. “It is a proven and cost-effective technology, and our independent tests have confirmed the superior performance of Tensylon ballistic tape,” added Gupta.

Tensylon, as a ballistic application, has already proven its combat effectiveness in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Available as both a fibre and tape, its versatility and performance make the Tensylon product an ideal survivability solution for tracked and tactical wheeled vehicles, commercial armoured vehicles and individual protection equipment, such as helmets and body armour.

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