Menu
25/06/2009
UK Troops Get Boost To Personal Protection
British troops fighting in the frontline are to receive new body armour and helmets this autumn, it has been announced.
Over 10,000 sets of the enhanced Mark 7 helmet and the Osprey Assault body armour have been ordered from companies across the UK, under initial contracts worth around £16 million.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) says the new body armour has "all the stopping power of the kit is replacing, but is lighter, closer fitting and easier to move in".
The new armour and helmet were unveiled at the MoD's DVD 2009 event at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.
It is thought the new helmet will replace the existing Mark. It comes with a new four-point harness to keep the helmet more stable when night vision equipment is fitted to it.
The helmet also has a new gap above the eye to compensate for the helmet tilting forward when a soldier goes into the prone position before firing, and there are plans to fit it with mounting brackets.
Meanwhile, the new Osprey Assault body armour has all the stopping power of the current Osprey but is closer fitting, less bulky and easier to move in.
Speaking at the kit’s launch, the MoD's chief of defence material, General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue described the new kit as a "proven world class system", adding the new body armour would "get the best kit for the job they are doing".
He added: "Specifically the troops will be issued with a new ballistic plate that is much thinner, considerably reducing their bulk and burden and improving their endurance.
"This has been designed for an improved fit, based on user feedback and includes a new system for carrying ammunition, first aid equipment and other vital kit."
The new body armour and helmet will be delivered to troops deploying to Afghanistan this Autumn.
DVD is an equipment showcase which highlights the importance of diverse areas such as fuel delivery, clothing, food and vehicles that have been bought or upgraded under the Urgent Operational Requirement programme.
(JM/BMcC)
Over 10,000 sets of the enhanced Mark 7 helmet and the Osprey Assault body armour have been ordered from companies across the UK, under initial contracts worth around £16 million.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) says the new body armour has "all the stopping power of the kit is replacing, but is lighter, closer fitting and easier to move in".
The new armour and helmet were unveiled at the MoD's DVD 2009 event at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.
It is thought the new helmet will replace the existing Mark. It comes with a new four-point harness to keep the helmet more stable when night vision equipment is fitted to it.
The helmet also has a new gap above the eye to compensate for the helmet tilting forward when a soldier goes into the prone position before firing, and there are plans to fit it with mounting brackets.
Meanwhile, the new Osprey Assault body armour has all the stopping power of the current Osprey but is closer fitting, less bulky and easier to move in.
Speaking at the kit’s launch, the MoD's chief of defence material, General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue described the new kit as a "proven world class system", adding the new body armour would "get the best kit for the job they are doing".
He added: "Specifically the troops will be issued with a new ballistic plate that is much thinner, considerably reducing their bulk and burden and improving their endurance.
"This has been designed for an improved fit, based on user feedback and includes a new system for carrying ammunition, first aid equipment and other vital kit."
The new body armour and helmet will be delivered to troops deploying to Afghanistan this Autumn.
DVD is an equipment showcase which highlights the importance of diverse areas such as fuel delivery, clothing, food and vehicles that have been bought or upgraded under the Urgent Operational Requirement programme.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 June 2003
Police urged to adopt new technology
Police forces must adopt new and developing technology before organised crime gangs do, the Home Secretary will tell a conference of top cops tonight.
Police urged to adopt new technology
Police forces must adopt new and developing technology before organised crime gangs do, the Home Secretary will tell a conference of top cops tonight.
25 September 2009
MP's Expenses Back In Headlines
The MPs' expenses revelations that shattered confidence in Westminster politicians and sparked a probe by Scotland Yard earlier this year are back in the news today. The man who leaked details of soemtimes fraudulent expenses claims has revealed he did so because of his anger at the Government's failure to invest in Britain's armed forces.
MP's Expenses Back In Headlines
The MPs' expenses revelations that shattered confidence in Westminster politicians and sparked a probe by Scotland Yard earlier this year are back in the news today. The man who leaked details of soemtimes fraudulent expenses claims has revealed he did so because of his anger at the Government's failure to invest in Britain's armed forces.
03 August 2004
Blair told to reveal specifics of terror threat
The government has been urged to release details of the terror threat facing Britain, after Pakistani authorities revealed that it had uncovered preparations for Al Qaeda terror strikes on the US and UK. The US went on heightened alert this week after new information came to light following the arrest of a top Al Qaeda suspect in Pakistan.
Blair told to reveal specifics of terror threat
The government has been urged to release details of the terror threat facing Britain, after Pakistani authorities revealed that it had uncovered preparations for Al Qaeda terror strikes on the US and UK. The US went on heightened alert this week after new information came to light following the arrest of a top Al Qaeda suspect in Pakistan.
22 July 2010
Pair Jailed Over Iraq Body Armour Deal
Two arms dealers who sold military body armour to entities in the middle east and Iraq were sentenced this week after an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Southwark Crown Court was told on Tuesday that, Jason Teal and Glynn Jones sent hundreds of bulletproof body armour and helmets to Iraq and Kuwait among other destinations.
Pair Jailed Over Iraq Body Armour Deal
Two arms dealers who sold military body armour to entities in the middle east and Iraq were sentenced this week after an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Southwark Crown Court was told on Tuesday that, Jason Teal and Glynn Jones sent hundreds of bulletproof body armour and helmets to Iraq and Kuwait among other destinations.
26 October 2006
Bullet missed PC’s body armour
Newcastle Crown Court has heard that the fatal shot which killed PC Sharon Beshenivsky missed her body armour. As the policewoman ducked, the bullet missed her armour striking her in the chest from above and the left as she moved to avoid her attacker.
Bullet missed PC’s body armour
Newcastle Crown Court has heard that the fatal shot which killed PC Sharon Beshenivsky missed her body armour. As the policewoman ducked, the bullet missed her armour striking her in the chest from above and the left as she moved to avoid her attacker.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
