Personal Protection for Security and Law Enforcement Officers
11 November 2009
In the face of the threats from terrorism, piracy and organised crime, many homeland security and law enforcement agencies are expressing concern about the protection of personnel finding themselves increasingly in harm’s way. Such growing threats range from small arms to artillery to improvised explosive devices and, to keep pace, personal ballistic protection is developing quickly.
A mainstay of effective personal protection is the helmet. Some 45% of battlefield injuries are to the head, of which up to 80% are caused by fragments and only 20% by bullets. High performance helmets, like those in MKU’s Bolt Free and G Factor ranges, offer increased protection without impact on tactical effectiveness.
MKU’s Bolt Free helmet does not incorporate bolts to secure the head harness or externally mounted sighting devices, as such bolts can become lethal secondary fragments if the helmet is subjected to blast. Moreover, the Bolt Free helmet shell has no drilled holes to compromise strength and ballistic protection. With a snug fitting head harness, an ergonomic design which maximises comfort and ventilation and a wide range of configurations, colours and sizes, the MKU Bolt Free helmet protects the wearer against most current threats.
If weight and enhanced comfort are the key drivers in helmet selection, decision makers should consider MKU’s G Factor helmet, which uses the latest advanced technology materials to achieve high levels of protection whilst saving up to 25% of the weight of a typical modern aramid helmet. Resistant to shock, water, corrosion and UV, and offering enhanced protection against bullets, fragments and blast, the G Factor helmet is already under consideration for a number of future soldier programmes around the world.
At its stand at the Milipol exhibition (Stand 13F012), MKU will be displaying both the Bolt Free and G Factor helmets as well as other lightweight personal armour solutions, many already in service, and will be briefing homeland security and law enforcement procurers and end users on its wide range of capabilities.
