SubscribeA new way to reduce civilian casualties in Iraq
In recent months, there has been an increasing number of civilian casualties as a result of insurgent attacks on vehicles in Iraq. MS Instruments PLC has designed a system that aims to reducethat number significantly, as well as protecting Army and security personnel.
This turn-key covert protection system has been pioneered specifically to protect the driver and passengers of a vehicle or convoy of vehicles in the event of an insurgent attack or kidnapping attempt.
The system is designed to deter and disorientate assailants’ senses with a very loud bang (greater than 150 decibels), bright flashes and the rapid release of thick smoke.
The control unit can be fitted anywhere easily accessible for the controller, or covertly inside the vehicle with a remote firing unit. It can be fired instantaneously with default settings and, where time and planning allow, the system is fully configurable.
The system buys vital time for the victims to react to a given situation and enables military security teams to regain the initiative from road-side ambushes or a hostile vehicle attacking from behind at close quarters.
Unlike other defence technologies aiming to deter, this system protects without harming innocent bystanders.
Part of the family of Covert Protection Systems, are Internal Ballistic Blankets, made of Aramid fibres, enclosed in a fire-retardant envelope affording additional protection. On activation, the passengers pull the blanket down and it rests against the windows. This gives occupants of an armoured vehicle extra protection against spall, should the glass fail. In non-armoured soft-skin vehicles, the blanket provides the occupants with protection against pistol firing as well as more time to react.
Paul Beaver, formerly of Jane's Defence Weekly and now Editor of defence publications for Newsdesk Media Group in London and Washington, recently said: “Conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have emphasised the need for a balance between the soft and the hard. What this means is that although superior firepower may be useful in some situations, it is not always the best approach. The NLD System is an example of how protection levels can be improved without the need to resort to bloodshed. I have always been impressed by MS Instruments' innovative use of technology and NLD lives up to my highest expectations”.
Retrofitting to a vehicle takes no longer than 3-4 hours.
MSI believe that this system will reduce the risk of injury and potentially save lives.
For more information please call Paul Everington, Managing Director, MS Instruments PLC or via the website www.msinstruments.co.uk
