Sponsored by Control Solutions LLC.
http://www.controls.com/product-cat/systems/
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23 Sep 16. Bullet Katcher demonstrated at Saab Open Day. The world is now in turmoil and on a constant state of alert as shootings become a daily occurrence, mainly perpetuated by terrorist organisations but also by disturbed individuals. Their weapons of choice are automatic and semi-automatic guns, normally 7.62mm calibre, although explosive vests and car bombs also feature. The vests and car bombs normally are packed with nails and ball bearings to cause maximum impact and deaths.
Their targets of choice are normally “Soft Targets” – cafes, offices, restaurants, shopping malls, sports events and concerts. The attackers can strike at random with no advance intelligence being available and can cause havoc before the security services can respond. The response times can vary and can be delayed by the use or threat of explosive devices, hostages and sniper fire.
The “Soft Targets” are places where people love to congregate that cannot be made into fortresses, as this would destroy completely the ambiance. It would also be impossible to provide armed guards at every venue. Traditional ballistic protection capable of stopping a 7.62 AP bullet a) armour plate (at least 20 mm), b) concrete brick walls (at least 200mm) c) brick walls (at least 200mm) are very heavy and require permanent installation. Ceramic plates could also be an expensive option but also all four options will result in the bullet ricocheting causing injury or death to others in the area. The question is how can ballistic protection be designed into places where people can enjoy the ambiance but while providing a level of protection that will reduce casualties and enhance escape opportunities?
The Scandef solution is a range of products promoted under the trade mark “Bullet Katcher”. The “Bullet Katcher” products use the patented technology “Soft Armour” based on a special grade of 13 mm ceramic balls. Scandef designs and manufactures the ceramic ball-filled panels which can then be incorporated into walls, baffle panels, reception desks, furniture, lecterns etc. in co-operation with the client’s architect. The panels are of 70mm to 125mm thickness (depending on the perceived threat level) filled with the ceramic balls, built in as a concealed “insulation”, up to a height of around 2 metres. When a bullet, or shrapnel from an explosive device, penetrates the outer layer, it comes into contact with the ceramic balls that become unsettled and fluid, quickly tumbling around the projectile until it comes to a halt. The remaining energy is distributed throughout the loose balls in the protective unit (much like the opening shot in a game of billiards). The damaged or powdered balls are then immediately replaced by new balls from above under gravity. The advantages also are that there is minimal ricochet, the attacker does not realise that he is not causing damage beyond his point of impact and that the system is self-repairing being able to absorb 100’S of impacts.
The Scandef “Bullet Katcher” solution can be provided and transported as “flat pack” then filled on site. The panels can also be emptied and easily handled and moved or transported to other sites. The “Bullet Katcher” can be provided as a fixed installation, built into existing designs of architectural features, provided as safe room designs, incorporated into furniture and provided as portable protective panels. They can also be incorporated into building design, with the advice of the security services and architects, to provide escape routes. The “Soft Armour” technology incorporated into “Bullet Katcher” has been tested and certified to STANAG 4569.
“Bullet Katcher” cannot claim to save all lives or injuries but it can dramatically reduce casualties and allow time for security services to respond.
22 Sep 16. AAD 2016: CATIC shows TY-90 SAM var