Honeywell’s Spectra Shield Ballistic Material For GD’s Foxhound Vehicles

Honeywell announced today that its second-generation Spectra Shield ballistic material is being used to armor Foxhound vehicles, manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems – Force Protection Europe, for the British Armed Forces. The vehicles are currently being shipped for use in Afghanistan. The Spectra Shield materials are more than 50 percent lighter than traditional vehicle armor materials, making the vehicles easier to transport and maneuver. The improved agility of the vehicles can help them survive even the toughest missions. “Honeywell’s state of the art materials play an integral role in the survivability of the Foxhound vehicles,” said Col. Nick Wills, Assistant Director Equipment Operations for the United Kingdom Army Headquarters. “Spectra Shield’s very low weight allows the Foxhound to be a very agile and survivable platform”. The Foxhound with Honeywell’s Spectra Shield materials underwent more than 12 months of rigorous blast and mobility testing before being chosen by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence. The protective qualities of Spectra Shield help the Foxhound significantly improve protection of personnel against roadside bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). “Honeywell Spectra Shield lowers the overall vehicle weight of the Foxhound while improving the vehicle’s ability to withstand the increased threats seen in combat today,” said Tim Swinger, global business manager of Honeywell’s Advanced Fibers and Composites business. “The decrease in weight helps to decrease each vehicle’s maintenance and fuel costs, and can limit the number of re-supply trips through dangerous routes”.