Force Protection subsidiary to develop blast manipulation technology

Ladson-based Force Protection Inc. today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Force Protection Technologies Inc., has signed an agreement with South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research focusing on a patented blast manipulation technology applicable to wheeled and tracked vehicles.

Under the agreement, which is pending regulatory approval from South Africa’s Reserve Bank, Force Protection will have the sole right to perform research and development, conduct testing on any aspect of the technology and market the product in countries around the world, the company said.

“The significance of this undertaking cannot be overstated, and we intend to fully exploit this opportunity,” said Force Protection CEO Gordon McGilton. “Since the technology can be applied not only to our vehicles, but to virtually any wheeled or tracked vehicle, the potential size of the opportunity may actually exceed that of our vehicle market.”

Under development for more than five years, this technology substantially reduces the effects of in-ground mines, bombs and improvised explosive devices on vehicles. In addition, specially outfitted tires and tracked-vehicle pads have also been proven to decrease the severity of blast damage and enable a faster return to full operation of a vehicle employing the technology, the company said.