Research & Development
Ballistically tested glazing (by kind permission of Romag )
We have a large amount of experience in R&D work related
to both counter terrorist protection and explosives safety.
During 1997, we carried out work in the development and testing of glass composites to resist the effects of very large weapon impacts. This included drop tests, gas gun tests and explosive tests. We carried out or organised all of the trials work, liaised with glass manufacturers and reported formally to the end user.
We have carried out similar work on thinner materials, with a view to providing
attack and bullet resistance to BS EN 1063, BS EN 1522, BS EN 1523, and blast
resistance against both small close-in devices and larger devices at longer
range. This project used our own facilities, the attack testing capabilities
of the Police Scientific Development Branch and blast testing at Advantica,
Spadeadam.
Further work has been carried out on ballistic composites at very low temperatures (-30 oC) and also at raised ones (+75 oC).
Acting with a partition manufacturer, we carried out the first UK partition wall tests. At the time, these became a standard form of bomb shelter walling, subsequently superseded by an alternative arrangement using cold rolled steel sections and thin steel sheet. This approach has also been tested by ourselves, both in its basic form and also with enhancements to meet ‘Secure Room’ standards.
We have carried out a number of other trials to develop materials for use in blast and ballistic protection. We have also carried out trials to determine how forced-entry methods can be prepared to defeat this type of protection.
We have developed, (with Government assistance), a number of ram-raid protection devices. These have been tested and are now in use within city centres.