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Xtek has signed an agreement with the US government’s Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) to fabricate and test combat helmets and flat panels produced using the company’s XTclave technology.
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The agreement will see the US government cover the costs of the 18-month project, which aims to create advanced, lightweight combat helmets capable of defeating more serious battlefield threats.
The value of this agreement is US$644,000.
This is the second time that the US government has provided funding for research on the XTclave technology. The first test program, which was announced in 2013, was undertaken under the US Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) program with the US Army. The FCT program tested XTclave manufactured rigid armour inserts used in body armour.
Xtek's managing director Philippe Odouard said the latest agreement confirms the US military’s interest in the company’s patent protected technology.
"The US government is the world leader in military technology, and for the second time they have committed funds to Xtek for research and testing, which demonstrates their interest in our XTclave and associated technology," said Odouard.
"We are confident that we will achieve a good result from the latest research initiative as we have proven on a number of occasions that XTclave is capable of producing composites with complex shapes and structures that are lighter and that can offer a higher level of protection.
"When it comes to creating the next generation of ballistics composites, there’s no race more competitive than the race to supply the US military. The fact that this is Xtek’s second contract with the US military says something about our product's performance and light weight, which is essential. You’ve got to find where there’s a need, add value and be patient. The stakes are high with defence technology."
Xtek, which has headquarters in Canberra, recently secured a contract with the Australian government to modify Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) with Australian content.
Odouard recently spoke with Defence Connect about Xtek, click here to listen to the podcast.
