WIREDGOV

The new armour system was unveiled at the MoD’s defence equipment show, called DVD, today.
Over 10,000 sets of the enhanced Mark 7 helmet and the Osprey Assault body armour have been ordered from companies across the UK, under initial contracts worth around £16m. The new helmet and body armour will provide excellent ballistic protection, whilst improving the comfort and fit of personnel on operations in Afghanistan.
Companies who will benefit from the contracts placed by the MOD are:
- Coventry-based NP Aerospace, who will make the Mark 7 Helmet;
- Swansea–based Morgan Armour Ltd, who will make the Osprey Assault Body Armour Plates;
- Osprey Assault soft armour fragmentation fillers will be delivered by Warrington based Aegis Engineering Ltd and Seyntex, based in Belgium
- Osprey Assault load carriage covers will be delivered by Solo International Ltd, based in Hereford.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:
“The Osprey body armour that we issue to all troops on operations provides excellent personal protection, as recent stories of troops surviving due to their armour show.

“However, we can never be complacent and the new Osprey Assault body armour and Mark 7 helmet offer an improvement in the way that it these items fit and feel. The contracts that I am announcing today for this new personal protection systems demonstrate that we’re listening to what our troops need by continuously upgrading their equipment.”

The new helmet has the same protection as the current MK 6A but will improve the effectiveness of the soldier. A new harness keeps the helmet more stable on the head when Night Vision equipment is fitted to it. It is better integrated with new weapon sights, making it easier to use weapons in a variety of fighting positions.
The new Osprey Assault body armour has all the stopping power of the current Osprey but is closer fitting, less bulky and easier to move in.

Chief of Defence Materiel, General Sir Kevin O’Donoghue, who unveiled the new kit at MoD’s defence show DVD, added:

“Osprey is a proven world class system and is undoubtedly a success story in terms of providing better protection to our troops. It is specifically developed to meet our requirements using cutting edge materials and manufacturing technology. Osprey Assault is a development of this success that allows us to ensure our troops are getting the best kit for the job they are doing.

“Specifically the troops will be issued with a new ballistic plate that is much thinner, considerably reducing their bulk and burden and improving their endurance. There will also be a new body armour cover to hold this plate and the soft fragmentation armour. This has been designed for an improved fit, based on user feedback and includes a new system for carrying ammunition, first aid equipment and other vital kit.”

The new body armour and helmet will be delivered to troops deploying to Afghanistan this Autumn.
DVD is an equipment showcase which highlights the importance of diverse areas such as fuel delivery, clothing, food and vehicles that have been bought or upgraded under the Urgent Operational Requirement programme.

1. For more information please call DE&S press officer Lisa Murphy on 07810 237923 / Sonia Marshall in the MOD Press Office on 07919 625587.
2. Pictures from the event will be available on the Defence News Imagery website, www.defencenewsimagery.co.uk. Alternatively please call the Defence Picture Desk on 0207 218 6401.
3. Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) in conjunction with the MoD, equips and supports the UK’s armed forces for current and future operations.
4. DVD™ is the annual stakeholder event run by MoD Defence Equipment and Support. It brings together industry and customers within the defence and emergency services environments. It is not open to the public but is the only event that allows invited delegates to view vehicles and drive or be driven in a realistic scenario at the world-class driving facilities of Millbrook Proving Ground.
5. The first Armed Forces Day is June 27 2009 and it is an opportunity for the nation to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from serving troops to service families, veterans to recruits. Across the country, people are getting involved, with communities holding local events and businesses are showing their support through promotional offers. To find out more you can log onto www.armedforcesday.org.uk