France has contracted a local tech firm to develop a shock microsensor for personal protective equipment such as bulletproof vests.
Under the seven-year, 3-million-euro ($3.52-million) contract, Besançon-based SilMach will develop a self-monitoring mechanism for the ballistic plates inserted in the vest.
The vest consists of multi-layered composite plates and hard ceramic. However, the intrinsically fragile ceramic could crack in the event of an accidental fall, compromising the protection level.
To handle such an eventuality, the microsensor is capable of detecting and recording the impact sustained, enabling the soldier to assess the protection’s integrity.
The autonomous, energy-free sensor comes with an integrated visual indicator for easy monitoring. It is an alternative to costly statistical verifications.
Delivery From September
Production is expected to commence this autumn with delivery from September.
“The shock detectors installed on ballistic protection plates are designed, first and foremost, to protect our soldiers,” CEO of SilMach Pierre-François Louvigné was quoted as saying.
“In a glance, users can assess if a plate’s integrity has been compromised, be it through use or an awkward fall.
Thus, by making it easier to identify potentially damaged plates, we are reinforcing personnel safety and improving operational maintenance carried out by the Service du Commissariat des Armées.”
