Army to deploy peel-and-stick armor in Afghanistan

The Business Journal Portland Oregon ^ | 24 MAY 04

[Cannoneer No. 4]

A Vancouver, Wash.-based company is supplying Humvee armor kits for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The Army Humvees will be the first military vehicles outfitted with a peel-and-stick armoring system manufactured by Armor Systems International. ASI representatives are now at a U.S. military base, where they will load 15 Aztik 100 armor kits onto a cargo plane bound for troops in Kandahar early next week.

The Army's Rapid Equipping Force ordered the Aztik armor kits in December for use in Iraq but determined a greater need for these resources in Afghanistan.

"We're excited to demonstrate the effectiveness and uniqueness of our armored HMMWV kit solution to American soldiers in Afghanistan," said ASI President and CEO Terry Billedeaux. "This product is long overdue and will protect our troops from deadly" munitions. Over the next couple of weeks, the ASI team will train troops to install the armor, observe its performance in the combat environment and gather feedback from soldiers for future product enhancements.

The panels, made of a composite, can deflect high-caliber arms fire and fragmentation from roadside bombs as well as, or better than, conventional steel-plate armor, according to the company. ASI's armor, however, is much lighter than steel-plate, and addresses a critical concern. The suspension and transmission systems of military vehicles often are unable to withstand the weight of steel armor, ASI officials said in a written statement.

ASI's 19-piece Aztik 100 HMMWV [Humvee] armor kit includes door panels, floor protection, a rear-protection panel, seat cushions and bullet-resistant glass. Two soldiers can install the system in the field in less than two hours, enabling almost instant protection from deadly arms fire.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

Somebody's breaking O'Gara-Hess' rice bowl.

[thoughtomator]

Better than the scratch-n'-sniff MREs idea, that's for sure!

[Cannoneer No. 4]

AZTIK Peel & Stick Instant Armoring System© Flexible Armor Panels

[Cannoneer No. 4]

ARMORED WARFARE: Easy Stick Add-On Armor

[CWOJackson]

I have no doubt that they have some armor value...but it sounds like a "Stick-Up" air freshener.

How many scents does it come in?

[Riley]

Two that I know of. 'New Cammies' and 'Cordite'.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

Usually, adding armor to a Humvee means welding on giant steel plates. Now, U.S. forces in Iraq are starting to stick their armor on, like bumper stickers. The Aztik 100 Instant Armoring System is, according to its maker, a lightweight, semi-flexible combination of ceramics, textiles, and polymers that forms a protective coating capable of stopping a .50 caliber bullet. The panels have glue on one side, so they can be applied to a car as if they were decals.

[OldSgt.]

Makes sense to me. No holes need to be added, no hardware. No, this lot doesn't fit that S/n range. Kevlar comes in hard or flex, if the shape fits then stick it on. Even if one big bang loosens it. Then it did its job. Many years ago, my chicken plate worked, and it was only hanging in canvas around my neck. never wore the back plate, only the breast.USMC

[Cannoneer No. 4]

ping

[glorgau]

It looks like the right thing to use on your ride with when a home boy's got to do a drive-by in the hood.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

ping

[Threepwood]

Neat! My only concern is that it would be mucho bad if terrorists got this. They seem to always have little 4x4's. I guess you'de have to use a TOW on it or something.

Incidentally, where does your tagline quote come from? What is a NOD?

[Darksheare]

Cool.
At least it's not like Saran Wrap, I could forsee some genius wrapping himself in it and sweating to death -literally.
Interesting idea, and product.
Wonder if it can be used in combo with other kits/products.

[snippy_about_it]

Cool, if it works as advertised and can be obtained for a reasonable price. Otherwise I wish they'd stop using humvees as armored vehicles for our troops and provide the appropriate equipment for what they are up against.

Thanks for the ping.

[zencat]

A use of tax dollars I fully support. I'd even check an IRS box on my return form and donate to this.

[Darksheare]

Nod, nightvision goggles.
Heavy SOB's attached to the front of your helmet that drag your skull into your lap at oh-dark-thirty and make your eyes melt out of your head.
At least the P/NVS-5's my old unit used were heavy and skull constricting.
They were binocular, not the monocular one's like the newer 7's.
You don't want to be the guy to break a set, the brass really hates that.

[Eaker]

I believe that"Napalm" is due out in July.

[Eaker]

Thanks for the ping as always!!!

[Eaker]

I am going to Deer Camp North with humble this weekend to build some deer stands and am thinking about turning him on to yer coffee, if'n I can find the recipe!

I'll report back if I survive!

[Cannoneer No. 4]

Lessons Learned: A Company Commander's Thoughts on Iraq

The lead tank absorbed the bulk of the blast, shrapnel cutting through the main gun tube in several locations.

The tank commander on B22 knew something was wrong. His tank lost turret power, so he lost the thermal imagery and the commander's independent thermal viewer. Still, he did not hesitate to move back in and secure the ambush site. He requested artillery illumination to aid observation. I will never forget his words over the net when he was told his request was denied: "Illumination denied. I've lost turret power; I have my nods and my .50. Hooah. I will stay until relieved. White 2 out."

Night Observation Device