AMSAFE LAUNCHES TARIAN
By Yvonne Headington, Defence Research & Analysis (DR&A)
24 Jun 09: AmSafe launched the ‘ground breaking’ lightweight TARIAN vehicle armour system during the opening day of DVD 2009. Designed to provide protection against rocket propelled grenades (RPG), the textile-based armour is intended to replace current bar armour.
Over 20 sets of TARIAN have been ordered by the MoD, which is fitted to the UK’s Heavy Equipment Transporters currently deployed in Afghanistan. By the end of 2009, it is intended to extend TARIAN to the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) (CVR(T)) fleet and to Warrior armoured fighting vehicles. Thereafter, the MoD is looking to replace bar armour over the next two years.
The fabric covered armour structures resemble modern palliasses. They are about 85mm thick and are fitted in a jigsaw manner to the exterior of the vehicle. Designed to withstand the rigours of battle, single segments are easy to replace if damaged in the field.
The technology behind TARIAN (which means ‘shield’ in Welsh) is the result of close collaboration between AmSafe, based at Bridport in Dorset, and the UK MoD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). AmSafe Bridport, part of the US group which has its headquarters in Phoenix Arizona, is the world’s leading provider of air cargo restraint and lifting equipment, and its products are considered to be the benchmark for cargo restraint systems.
As explained by Neal McKeever, AmSafe’s Director and General Manager of Defence: “Our strong partner relationship with the UK MoD and third party contributors has enabled AmSafe to utilize its lightweight technologies developed for aerospace applications and apply them toward an innovative lightweight threat protection solution that is an effective replacement for bar and slat armour.”
TARIAN’s lightweight qualities (50% lighter than aluminium bar armour and some 14% lighter than steel) offer significant benefits. In particular, armour weight savings allow for additional protection to be incorporated elsewhere within the vehicle without compromising overall weight. As noted by Major James Cripps, who heads the Physical Protection Group at DSTL, the only downside is that “you can’t see through it”.
AmSafe is now looking into the US market with interest in TARIAN reportedly being expressed on a Government-to-Government basis.