JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Safariland, a BAE Systems line of business, proudly announced recently that it has released two new innovative structured female armor models that satisfy the requirements of the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Voluntary Body Armor Compliance Testing Program under NIJ Standard-0101.06 (NIJ-06).
The Second Chance SM01F Type II and SM01F Type IIIA are designs that usher in a new era of female body armor for the Second Chance brand. Under development for the last 18 months, these new structured designs provide the optimal fit and comfort demanded by today’s female officer. Both models are hybrid designs that feature Core Matrix Technology, high performance Honeywell Gold Shield, and radial offset pleating for 360° protection around the bust. The combination of these materials and technology offers advanced ballistic performance and trauma protection, which have long been synonymous with the Second Chance brand.
From a brand that has consistently offered advanced armor protection, the Second Chance SM01F Type II has been tested against the 9 mm & .357 Mag., while the Type IIIA has been tested against the .357 Sig & .44 Mag. In addition, these models are the first NIJ-06 certified armor panels to feature the exclusive, waterproof protection of Gore-Tex fabric as a panel covering. The Gore-Tex fabric panel covering is form-fit to the armor panel, seam-sealed and provides odor and stain protection against environmental elements. Gore-Tex fabric can also be provided as an upgrade for other Safariland certified armor models.
“The SM01F is a tremendous female-specific package that exemplifies the commitment of the Second Chance brand to women in the law enforcement community,” says Tim O’Brien, Category Director, Concealable Armor.
The NIJ introduced the Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor NIJ Standard-0101.06 to establish minimum performance requirements and test methods for the ballistic resistance of personal body armor. The standard provides improved performance of body armor so that officers receive adequate protection against those threats likely faced over the next decade. According to the new NIJ-06 standard, body armor must now be able to defend against increased velocities of ammunition calibers to better reflect current street threats and law enforcement duty weapons. These new performance requirements are critical components to improving the life-protecting equipment being used by law enforcement today.
All Safariland concealable armor models are certified using NIJ-approved size templates C1 and C5, which offer law enforcement the widest range of production sizes available. In addition to these models, Safariland offers an array of concealable and tactical products, which are available and posted to the NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL) at http://www.justnet.org/Pages/06_CPL.aspx.
Safariland’s body armor models combine the heritage and expertise of ABA American Body Armor, Second Chance, SAVVY and PROTECH Tactical. In doing so, Safariland offers the most comprehensive line of body armor available in the industry. Safariland’s NIJ-06 body armor provides law enforcement officers with enhanced performance, durability, comfort and value, which deliver on the company’s motto: Together, We Save Lives.
About Safariland
Safariland, LLC is a premier provider of law enforcement and security products and services, delivering a full-range of customer-specific solutions. Offering many of the world’s most recognizable branded products in the public safety market, Safariland is committed to saving lives. For more information about Safariland and its body armor products, as well as information on the new NIJ-06 standard, please visit www.safariland.com.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
