Skydex Technology
October 28, 2009 – 3:58 pm | by wisnuajiThe majority of soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan suffered severe blast injuries. Because of the continued use of improvised explosive devices or IED, casualties have been common and increasing in these two wars. Now a US company called Skydex technologies Inc has come up with a product which is blast proof. Company CEO Mike Buchen claims that their product can withstand significant impact and yet not cause internal injuries. At a recent media event he did demonstrate the durability of the product which was impressive.
Skydex Technology is a blast mitigating heat and vibration proof thermoplastic pad for military vehicles like humvees. When placed in appropriate places it can save lives our soldiers. Says Buchen, “Well, there’s a big problem, obviously, with IEDs and vehicles. The dynamite, the C-4 is getting bigger and bigger and bigger. And this is a huge issue.”
The product has been evaluated at several test sites in Colorado and the first sample blast proof pads are now being sent to the military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The company director says that Skydex is very tough, durable and also light weight. However it does not come cheap but says the CEO, it saves lives and there is no cost comparison if it saves human life.
Skydex is manufactured in the USA from recycled material. Other Skydex products include seat cushions, helmets and pads which will hopefully prevent more serious injuries. It is hoped that by fortifying the humvees with these pads, soldiers will be safe from blast injuries and the vibration that occurs during a bomb last.
Skydex started out as sport wear company catering to pads for football helmets. Since then the company has diversified and made padding’s for footwear, helmets, bike seats, play grounds, automobiles and snowmobile seating.
Because the impact of the pads became obvious, the company has now transitioned itself to working with the military. Word is that the US depart of Defense has already agreed to have most new vehicles fitted with Skydex pads by the end of next year. The product has made such an impact overseas that several other countries including Israel, Australia and other European countries have now shown an interest.
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