Login
iscover
ACT-based defence and homeland security specialist Xtek has marked a significant milestone, landing its first order of its XTclave technology, taking it from a reseller to an export manufacturer.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
FY-Composites, a major supplier of the Finnish Defence Forces and other European defence customers, has placed an order with Xtek for two types of its Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) plates. This is the first order Xtek has received in Europe for the plates, which have been produced using its in-house XTclave technology. The plates are significantly lighter than existing SAPI plates, but offer the same level of protection.
The order is for two types of plates, both made using polyethylene, which will protect against different threats. The plates are both buoyant in water and can be in used in different combat situations.
Xtek said the order of the plates is a significant step for the company ahead of the construction of the latest iteration of Xtek's commercial scale XTclave plant, which will be completed in FY18. The plant will not only provide Xtek with the ability to meet large scale orders for its personal ballistic armour plates, but will also allow the company to make a wide variety of products for the global composites market.
"This purchase order win is a significant step for our business in the commercialisation of our in-house XTclave technology and is evidence of the quality of the composites that the XTclave can produce and also the demand for new types of lighter and more agile armour solutions for domestic and international defence forces," said Xtek managing director Philippe Odouard.
The news comes on the back of a strong year for Xtek, which, earlier this year, was chosen as supplier for the Australian military's $101 million investment in small unmanned aerial systems. Xtek's share of the contract is estimated to be around $40 million with maintenance and consulting fees.
In June this year, Xtek also 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 its XTclave technology. 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.
The company also secured a contract for the supply of one Telerob Telemax robot and one Telerob tEODor robot, which will primarily be used for bomb disposal operations. The contract included the option of including a maintenance component.
