Octagon's BDS1 Ballistic Defence Blocks Receive Full Certification in Live Fire Tests

In a major milestone for the company, Octagon Defence's Ballistic Defence Blocks have received comprehensive certification.

Intelligently designed and created from recycled tyres, the high-destiny rubber blocks (BDS1) have been put through their paces by Wilshire Ballistic Services Ltd, proving that they can stand up to the extreme fire of the battlefield.

The tests concluded that Octagon's ballistic blocks' have the ability to stop armour piercing 7.62x51mm P80 AP rounds to EN1 522/1523 and determined the V50 of the blocks when shot at with .50 calibre fragment simulating projectiles to STANAG 2920. The blocks also received ballistic testing for a .50 ball round, shot at 900m/s. A report of the blocks' performance can be viewed here: Octagon Ballistic Testing Report

Ballistic Defence Blocks

Ballistic testing featured a range of projectiles being shot at the wall's potentially weakest points, such as edges and joins. Detailed X-rays prints then revealed that the round were firmly trapped within the blocks' polymer structure.

The spokesperson for Octagon commented, “The reason the blocks are so effective is down to the unique polymer mix which ensures they act as a highly compact net. Once entering the block projectiles become encapsulated and as a result their impact is quickly absorbed”.

When compared with competitors, BDS1 Ballistic Defence Blocks boast a unique polymer structure for enhanced elasticity. What this means for the client, is a block that lasts longer and is more durable than rival systems.

Octagon's “Lego-like” interlocking system offers further advantages, bypassing the need for messy adhesives and guaranteeing the timely construction of an incredibly effective defensive wall.

Environmental Ballistic Blocks

In addition to the block's primary features as a defensive structure, Octagon have also carefully considered the impact of the product may have on the environment.

The BDS 1 blocks were engineered and designed with ethics in mind, in addition to being  created from recycled car tyres the blocks can be stored and redeployed many times. Not only is this environmentally sustainable, but it also more cost effective.

Live Fire Range Blocks

Unlike standard live fire range blocks, the BDS 1 does not require the traditional 12” of rubber to encase a single round. Also, the blocks are designed to be easily replaced, so if one block sustains damage there is no need to rebuild large sections of the wall, saving cost. At the end of the product's life, Octagon will recycle the blocks into new ones, driving sustainability and a cost effective environmental product.

Future tests are scheduled for the ballistic defence blocks in how they stand up to explosives and biological weapons.