UK aerospace, security and defence firm BAE Systems has showcased new ultra hi-tech armour technology at the Farnborough International Airshow, which runs all week up until Sunday 25 July.

The basis of the new technology is a liquid material that hardens when under attack. This so-called ‘liquid armour’ exploits the potential of STFs (Shear Thickening Fluids) which, when subjected to a force, effectively bunch up to form a shield, boosting the capability of materials such as Kevlar which are already adept at shock-absorbing.

Present body armour technologies have drawbacks – they’re bulky and heavy –meaning movement is restricted and playing a part in soldier fatigue. This is especially true in parts of the world such as Afghanistan, with its searing heat and harsh desert environment.

Liquid Body Armour

Liquid body armour exists to meet a need for something lighter which does not impact so much on operations. Furthermore, it provides a platform for new technology that can be worn in combination with existing armour technologies, and that provides the user with even greater protection than before.

Overall, BAE Systems’ liquid armour – which can blend in with conventional Kevlar armour – provides enhanced manoeuvrability and is as much as 45 per cent thinner. That’s according to a company press release issued on 20 July, in which the firm’s Head of Business Development for Design and Materials Technologies, Stewart Penney, explains: “The technology is best explained by the example of stirring water with a spoon. In water you feel little resistance to the spoon, whereas with ‘liquid armour’, you would feel significant resistance as the elements in the fluid lock together.

“The faster you stir, the harder it gets, so when a projectile impacts the material at speed, it hardens very quickly and absorbs the impact energy.”

Liquid Armour Technology

The fusion of the liquid armour technology with Kevlar results in reduced liquid flow. This means mobile individual fabric yarns become more static and, consequently, the impact dispersal area increases. Put more simply, when impacted on, the combination of liquid armour and Kevlar absorbs this impact over a wider area.

One benefit of this is that the armour is much less likely to become misshapen compared to regular armour, which – when receiving a bullet – curves inwards, a process that can cause significant pain.

So far, the liquid armour technology has been showcased for the benefit of MoD officials. For the future, BAE’s goal is to develop a new version that’s even lighter. Beyond military applications, it is possible that the technology could also be used by the Emergency Services and other organisations.

Liquid Armour Image Copyright© 2010 BAE Systems and reproduced with grateful thanks

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Companies providing Body Armour