U.S. and Europe develop new materials for high performance fiber** vests

Russia's "Kamensk Fibre" exhibited AuTx new aramid fiber at the Milipol-2011 exhibition in Paris. This fiber can be used to make a stronger, lighter ** vest than Kevlar. The U.S. military and the British special forces unit in Afghanistan are testing this type of vest. However, it is still unclear if the Russian military will buy such a vest.

AuTx fiber was developed jointly by the Russian company and Alchemie Technologies of the United Kingdom. According to Kamenske Fibre, the basis of this new material is "Aramid Heterocyclic Polymer Fibers." At the same time, the dynamic strength of AuTx is twice that of other similar fibers. It is predicted that the ** vest made of "gold fabric" weighs only half of the "Kevlar" ** vest.

Other details regarding this new type of chemical fiber that can be used to make a vest are not disclosed, including its aging rate ("Kevlar") vests will decline in protective performance after 5-10 years of delivery, depending on the materials used. Density and quality), stability after water absorption. It is only known that AuTx is fire-resistant and can be used to make fire fighting clothing.

According to AuTx's description on Alchemie Technologies' website, "Gold Fabric" does not actually age. Not only that, the fiber strength of the ** vest will be enhanced during storage. For example, a ** vest made of AuTx will increase its explosion resistance by 2% during storage. In addition, AuTx fibers are treated with supplemental reagents during production, so that “gold fabrics” do not lose their properties when contacted with water, oil or other liquids.

Today's most commonly used "Kevlar" loses its strength after sun exposure or immersion in water. Of course, the properties of the material after drying will also be restored. In order to prevent rain, "Kevlar" ** vest uses a special cover or waterproof dipping. "Kevlar" will become brittle when it is heated, and storing it in high temperatures will accelerate the aging of the material.

In any case, the company “Kamensk Fibre” is referring to the so-called “soft” protective equipment when it comes to reducing the weight of the vest. They do not use additional protective inserts made of steel, titanium or high-molecular or ultra-high-molecular polyethylene. This type of ** vest is a vest that is fitted with a fender. This guard is made of 15-18 layers of "Kevlar" or Sewing or Amos (the latter two are actually "Kevlar", but the explosion-proof strength is different) .

According to the requirements of the Russian national standard, this kind of ** vest can ensure that it reaches the level of protection level 2, in some cases can reach 2A level. Level 2 ** vests can withstand the killing of ПСМ** 5.45mm** and Tokalev 7.62mm**. The 2A class ** vest can withstand 12 times caliber** 18.5mm** kill.

However, for a regular-grade vest with a level 4 or even higher protection, the use of lighter chemical fibers may not significantly reduce the weight of individual protective equipment. For example, the 6Б13 type ** vest that Russian armed forces have equipped (developed within the framework of the “Face A” project) can achieve a level 4 protection level (can resist АК-74 automatic** 5.45mm** and **** The killing) weighs about 11 kilograms. The 6Б11 type ** vest has a protection level of 2 and weighs only 5 kg. There is also a lighter ** vest.

At present, the explosion resistance of modern aramid fibers used in vests is 280-550 kg/mm2. By the way, the last indicator is unique to the Amos fiber used in several models of Russian-style vests.

However, under the current conditions, the development of stronger, lighter new chemical fibers must be carried out simultaneously with the upgrading of the other parts of the individual protection equipment. For example, in July 2010, the 6Б43 type ** vest was equipped with a number of ultra-high molecular polyethylene materials to achieve a full-scale protection level of 6A (can withstand СВД 7.6 7.62 mm** and Б-32 armour penetration* ** Killing. ** The vest is modular in design, which means that it can be unlocked and some parts may not be used depending on the tasks undertaken. 6 Б 43 type ** vests are all assembled and weigh more than 15 kilograms.

However, not only can aramid fibers and fenders increase the weight of the tank, external materials - plastic, polycarbonate or foam rubber - can also increase the weight of the tank. The task of these materials is to weaken the impact of the ** vest.

In most cases, modern ** vests can reliably protect soldiers, but they still have a large number of deficiencies, including that the weight will increase with the protection level, wear comfort is not enough, it is not easy to insert additional equipment. You know, wearing a rifle with a weight of 15 kilograms or more, plus weapons, communications equipment, grenades, and helmets, the soldiers can no longer run.

Today, the world is paying attention to reducing the weight of individual protective equipment. As for Russia, it can only be said that research and development work is ongoing, but any details have not yet been announced. Research conducted in the field of research and development of new types of materials and various liquids and colloids can greatly enhance existing fibers.

In 2007, "Liquid Armor" was demonstrated in Russia. It is a flexible pocket filled with a gel composed of nano-sized solid particles and special liquids. A violent impact, **, or shrapnel hit can cause the particles to instantly bind to each other, turning the gel into a solid composite that blocks foreign objects from entering the interior of the structure. The tests performed were successful. It is expected that "liquid armor" will be used first to improve the protective performance of automobiles, helicopters and aircraft.

Interestingly, it was learned in mid-2010 that the UK was also developing "liquid armor," which was a creamy, viscous substance. It is expected that the use of this material will significantly reduce the weight of a new generation of riffle. BAE Systems is also developing armor. The British invention works like Russia.

It should be pointed out that non-Newtonian fluids have long attracted the attention of the military. In 2009, the United Kingdom developed a D3O gel that can be thickened when it is hit. It is planned that this gel will be used to make helmets and vests, but it has not yet been certified. In the United States, Armor Holdings is engaged in the development of "liquid armor". The company has already launched its own research and development products to the Pentagon Advanced Research Projects Agency.

At the same time, the US Marine Corps and the Army intend to completely abandon the MICH and PASGT "Kevlar" helmets in the future and use polyethylene helmets. The weight of the new helmet will be 300-1050 grams lighter than the original. The main material will be ultra-high molecular polyethylene, which is called Dyneema and Spectra in the United States. This material has been used to make chest and back protective plastics for vests. Of course, this ** vest is not only made of ultra-high-molecular-polyethylene material, but also aramid fiber fabric in which it is blended.

Beginning in late 2010, U.S. and British troops stationed in Afghanistan are required to wear special protective shorts made of nylon and Kevlar fibers in addition to regular vests and helmets. This kind of shorts can not prevent the damage caused by the shrapnel when the mine explodes, but it can prevent the debris of the explosive device from invading the wound. In the future, the military will also begin to wear vests that are sewn with the same material as the shorts. By the way, this material has anti-bacterial properties, and the resistance to bacteria will not be reduced after washing. This feature has great potential in hot Afghanistan.