ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has ordered portable barriers from General Dynamics to arrest the movement of vehicles.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems said the contract for its M1 Portable Vehicle Arresting Barrier is worth $5 million and units will be delivered through early 2012.
The patented M1 PVAB was developed by General Dynamics and the Army's Armament Research Development and Engineering Center.
In standby mode, the PVAB's capture net-assembly is housed in a standard modular speed bump, allowing unimpeded traffic flow. When activated by security personnel, the PVAB's net assembly erects in less than 2 seconds to form a soft-catch barrier designed to stop a 7,500-pound vehicle traveling at 45 mph or a 14,000-pound vehicle traveling at 35 mph.
The net assembly wraps around the vehicle preventing occupants from opening doors or backing out.
"The PVAB enables security forces to safely and reliably stop suspicious vehicles, without having to employ lethal measures," said Mark Schneider, general manager of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Seattle operations.
"The system provides an additional layer of protection to security measures and maximizes the probability that a driver of a vehicle with hostile intent will be stopped before they can reach their target."
