Allied-Signal 'Spectra Shield' Panels For Marine Vessels Offer Maximum Ballistic Protection

Spectra Shield®, a patented ballistic technology from Allied-Signal Inc., is now being specified to be the critical reinforcing material for the hulls of some Coast Guard and other patrol vessels used to prevent the influx of drugs into the U.S. Because criminals today are often equipped with automatic and higher caliber weapons, the vessels that guard our shores require ballistic protection superior to that provided by the basic hull structure.

Spectra Shield incorporates Spectra ®, one the strongest fibers ever made, in a non-woven, thermoplastic resin to offer the greatest ballistic stopping power available.

Spectra was engineered with one of the highest strain wave velocities of any fiber. This translates into Spectra Shield's ability to absorb and disperse the impact energy of a projectile over a maximum area. Because it is non-woven, Spectra Shield does not contain interlacing that causes strain waves to reflect and break the fiber.

In addition, Spectra's unique structure has these outstanding properties: high strength-to-weight ratio, high modulus, excellent moisture and chemical resistance, and neutral buoyancy.

Boston Whaler Inc., Rockland, Mass., a manufacturer of state-ofthe- art fiberglass and aluminum hulls for a variety of government agencies, has been working closely with Allied-Signal Inc. to develop applications for Spectra Shield as the key reinforcing material in fiberglass hulls. Recently, Boston Whaler introduced its first Spectra Shield-paneled Defiance class vessel to the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources. With the Spectra Shield panels installed, this vessel exceeds NIJ Level III requirements—offer- ing the most advanced ballistic protection available today.

Spectra fibers are manufactured by Allied Fibers, a division of Allied- Signal Inc., Morristown, N.J., a $12-billion manufacturer with 43 businesses in three core sectors— Aerospace, Automotive and Engineered Materials—serving vital industries in major markets worldwide.

For further information on Spectra Shield lightweight panels from Allied-Signal, Circle 51 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 64, Jul 1990

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.