BAE Systems has demonstrated its new Ultra Lightweight Warrior (ULW) body armour system at the 2010 Land Warfare Conference in Brisbane.
Combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have helped shape the engineering of the ULW system to reflect the way modern troops fight.
Director Land & Integrated Systems Kim Scott said: “By delivering up to a 35 per cent weight savings, measured against comparable soldier equipment, we are confident this solution offers Australian soldiers a real and significant advantage.
“Any soldier will tell you ‘I need lighter, more comfortable and adaptable body armour,” Scott said.
“The ULW system focuses on five key product areas, including helmet, vest/soft body armour, armour plates, load-carrying equipment and an integrated power supply.
“Each piece of equipment offers distinct features and benefits, such as a rechargeable, integrated power supply worn within the ballistic vest and a quick-release mechanism that provides faster actuation and easier assembly.
“But the real value lies in how the individual pieces work together for the soldier.
“This flexible, modular soldier equipment platform can be modified a number of ways and provides multiple mission-specific options.
“Its ergonomic design features new, lighter, advanced materials, providing greater comfort and mobility without sacrificing protection.”