Army contracts for BAE Tensylon panels

CINCINNATI, March 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has contracted BAE Systems to support heavy equipment transporter vehicles with new composite armor technologies.

British company BAE was awarded a $2.6 million deal to deliver its Tensylon composite armor panels in support of the Army's heavy tactical-vehicle armor program.

BAE's Tensylon panels, a newly developed ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene tape and composite armor, will be integrated with the Army's heavy tactical vehicles in an initiative to strengthen protections for troops on operations to recover and evacuate combat-loaded main battle tanks among other missions.

"Tensylon is a truly unique material that ultimately increases the protection provided to our men and women in uniform through a cost-effective, lightweight survivability solution," Tony Russell, BAE Security and Survivability president, said in a statement.

"Our continuous research and development in this area reflects our company's dedication to helping the Army prepare for and defeat the latest threats."