Canadian military helmet tender

The Composite and Defence business of Morgan won the tender for the Canadian Military Helmet program with its LASA ultra lightweight helmet series, incorporating DSM Dyneema’s breakthrough technology. The LASA helmets surpassed the competition by delivering ultimate ballistic performance without compromising other key performance criteria such as flame retardancy, dynamic deflection and structural requirements at the lightest possible weight.

“We began development work with DSM’s Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology right after it launched in 2013,” said Duncan Eldridge, president, Composites and Defence Systems at Morgan Advanced Materials. “This cutting edge material, coupled with Morgan’s leading process and application of hybrid ultra lightweight composite materials have allowed us to create helmets and hard ballistic plates that are much lighter and more comfortable than ever before—without compromising on performance. DSM Dyneema’s technological innovation, together with their proactive support and collaboration has made them a valuable long term resource.”

“Our longstanding partner, Morgan, is once again leveraging our technology as the basis for winning designs,” noted Marcio Manique, business segment director, Life Protection at DSM Dyneema. “The prestigious Canadian helmet program is another major milestone for Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology, which is fully delivering on its promise of high performance with no compromises. DSM Dyneema takes great pride in its ongoing collaboration with Morgan, and is committed to helping the company drive growth around the world.”

The LASA helmet series is comprised of two styles: the full-cut LASA AC914 helmet for combat operations and the high-cut LASA AC915 assault helmet for special operations, which allows greater situational awareness. Both helmets are compatible with a range of suspension systems for optimum comfort. Furthermore lightweight rails and a night vision goggle shroud allow integration with in-service capability.

DSM Dyneema’s lightweight Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology, which provides ballistic protection, is one component of the ultra-lightweight hybrid composite that allowed Morgan’s developers to reduce areal density of the helmet shell by 30 percent. As a result, the full-cut design weighs only 1.2 kg, while the high-cut model weighs just over 1 kg. Because weight reduction is critical in view of the growing array of technologies that soldiers must carry, a lighter helmet offsets the burden of attachments such as night vision goggles, full face visors, mandible guards, communication systems and cameras. It also increases comfort and freedom of movement.

Built on DSM Dyneema’s Radical Innovation Platform and manufactured in Greenville, N.C., Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology combines breakthroughs in polymer science, next-generation UHMWPE fiber technology and unique uni-directional engineering. Compared to body armor made from traditional materials such as aramid, protective gear engineered with Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology can reduce weight by up to 30 percent while enhancing comfort and agility.

More information:www.dyneema.com – www.dsm.com