BAE Systems lightens soldiers’ burden

Thursday, 17 June, 2010

BAE Systems (Hall 6, Stand J201) has unveiled at Eurosatory its new Ultra Lightweight Warrior family of body armour and load-carrying systems. ULW provides about 35 per cent weight savings over traditional combat gear, while greatly improving its versatility.

BAE Systems has launched a combat range of lightweight modular equipment that provides the required levels of personal protection, but at much lower weight than current equipment. The ULW range focuses on five main areas for improvement, employing advanced materials and design to enhance soldier performance.

For a start, BAE Systems has devised an advanced power system based on two rechargeable conformal battery packs and a versatile power distribution system that can be routed throughout the lightened, quick-release outer tactical vest to cater for a variety of accessory requirements.

The ULW helmet is significantly lighter than the current standard, weighing in at 2.5kg compared with 3.3kg, while both soft and hard body armour components have been made lighter. A range of load-carrying systems has been designed to reduce weight, and to offer improved resistance to wear and tear. A threeday assault pack and five-day expedition pack are on show here.

ULW will undergo US Army trials in August, and is also being offered to many armies around the world as a modular system that can be tailored to individual requirements.

BAE Systems sees the ULW range as a stepping stone to more advanced integrated warfighter systems that integrate accessories and equipment into the battledress.