ACG Ballistic Quality Phenolic Prepregs to Improve Troop Safety

Advanced Composites Group (ACG) will supply phenolic prepreg materials for a Ministry of Defence (MOD) project dedicated to improving the protection of troops serving in urban environments.

Originally ordered by the MOD from Force Protection Incorporated in America, a total of 151 Cougar vehicles will undergo their metamorphosis at Coventry (UK) based NP Aerospace. Under a £81 million contract from the MOD, NP Aerospace will morph the 4 x 4 Cougar base vehicles into the Ridgbacks by upgrading their armour protection and integrating weapons, communications systems and specialist electronic equipment.

ACG will be involved in the provision of high performance glass phenolic prepreg material to bolster existing vehicle armour and provide improved protection for the occupants and systems in the vehicles. The high performance glass phenolic prepreg material is fairly new to ACG’s ballistics product range, having been incorporated into their advanced glass and carbon composites product portfolio following the acquisition of George Cole Technologies Ltd (Primco), by ACG’s parent company, Umeco plc, at the end of 2008.

It is understood that the Ridgback will offer a level of protection similar to that provided by its big brother, the Mastiff, but in a smaller vehicle.

Publication Date: 13/01/2009

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