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MILITARY TECHNOLOGY (MILTECH) is the world's leading international tri-service defence monthly magazine in the English language. MILITARY TECHNOLOGY is "Required Reading for Defence Professionals". Follow us on Twitter: MILTECH1

06 March 2015

IWA 2015: D3O TRUST Vest is Showcased with Head to Toe Personal Protection Solutions

 at IWA &Outdoor Classics 2015

The D3O® TRUST Vest has been developed to pass the HOSDB Blunt Trauma Protector standard
The helmet shock absorbing technology developed by D3O addresses impact protection against blunt trauma: the principal cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries which affected 31,000 British soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq
D3O® TRUST high performance internal knee pad system has been developed to prevent the risk of lower limb musculoskeletal injuries: the principal cause of medical discharge for UK service personnel

Introducing head to toe personal protection solutions at IWA 2015, British smart materials specialist D3O is showcasing its Trauma Reduction and Unrivalled Shock Technology (TRUST) Vest, which has been developed to pass the HOSDB Blunt Trauma Protector standard.

The TRUST Vest is a recognition by D3O of a market need for a protective garment aimed at minimizing the risk of injury to the limbs and torso from low velocity blunt trauma impacts, such as those caused by hand thrown missiles and hand yielded weapons. Combining new materials and technologies, this protective mid-layer which can be worn under an outer layer of clothing, boasts a lightweight, low profile base layer of blunt trauma protection.  It combines unrivalled flexibility with enhanced protection powered by D3O.  Lightweight and breathable, the TRUST Vest perfectly balances a low profile system that still provides the user with confidence that they are wearing the ultimate in impact protection. Demonstrating a proven track record for personal protection apparel for law enforcement officers in the field, a previous version of the D3O impact protection garment was used by the French Gendarmerie.

D3O unique patented technology is based on non-Newtonian principles: in standard conditions, the raw material’s molecules flow freely allowing the material to remain soft and flexible, but on impact, they lock together to absorb impact energy and reduce the force transmitted. The molecules instantly return to their flexible state. The raw material (dilatant fluid) is strain rate sensitive which means the stronger the impact, the more the molecules react, and the better the protection.

D3O’s personal protection solutions were first used during the 2006 Winter Olympics in ski race suits for the US and Canadian teams. D3O globally patented impact protection technology is integrated into the products of global brands including 5.11, Drifire, Dr. Martens, Karrimor, Scott Sports, and Rukka, protects elite forces around the globe, and is used in six core markets including defence and law enforcement protection; sports; electronics; industrial workwear; motorcycle and footwear. D3O is funded by the US Army to test shock absorbing helmet liner technology to reduce the risk of head injuries caused by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).  

At IWA 2015, in addition to the TRUST Vest, D3O will be showcasing its head to toe impact protection solutions:

  • D3O TRUST Shock Absorbing Helmet technology: A registered design engineered to provide industry-leading protection and comfort, the D3O Shock Absorbing Helmet System comprises several innovations. It is an assembly of three individual parts: a shock absorbing liner to absorb and dissipate the energy released in the collision; an inflatable system which individually fits the solution to a range of head shapes; and a skull cap to provide additional comfort and help with the sweat management. The shock absorption liner is encapsulated using D3O’s new Smart Skin technology: a wipe-clean TPU which provides durability and an anti-microbial barrier.  The Shock Absorbing Helmet technology was originally developed thanks to funding from the UK’s Technology Strategy Board, and has been awarded funding from Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier - the US Army’s acquisition agency - for a 12 month testing program to assess the blunt trauma characteristics of the technology, which is expected to demonstrate that the D3O shock absorbing solution will outperform other devices currently available. 
  • D3OTRUST high performance internal knee pad system: The system comprises a high performance inner knee pad which uses D3O impact protection material which protects the soldier from repeated impacts and is comfortable and flexible to wear, plus an outer clip-on shell which is secured and detached using clips through tailored holes in the fabric, retaining the key benefits of traditional external knee pads such as abrasion and puncture resistance. The combination of the soft and flexible internal knee pad teamed with a detachable shell is the optimum solution bringing comfort and superior protection. 
  • D3OTRUST footwear protection solutions : Developed with leading UK orthotics specialists, Rightstride Orthotics, D3O® Insoles are engineered to offer genuine injury preventative and rehabilitating capabilities in a packaged, ready-for-retail form.  The insoles tackle four common areas which are the common cause of injuries: impact pressure distribution, dynamic pressure attenuation, acceleration control, stability of the mid-foot, and encourage a natural and dynamic transition from heel to forefoot.

The D3O TRUST range of personal protection solutions has been designed specifically for the defence and law enforcement sectors to offer a head-to-toe personal protection system that is lightweight, comfortable and flexible.  These ready-made solutions can be sold within the defence industry via approved distributors or can be integrated into existing apparel and personal protection equipment produced by Government prime contractors, to be purchased by the Government procurement agencies. 

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