Armoured composite crew compartment breakthrough announced

Morgan Advanced Materials, through its Composites & Defence Systems business, has designed and developed a bespoke armoured composite crew compartment for Tata Motors’ Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle (LAMV) programme for the Indian Ministry of Defence. The LAMV prototype was successfully unveiled at Defexpo, New Delhi, in February. The LAMV incorporates crew protection based upon Morgan’s bespoke composite and ceramic ‘pod’ technology, which has been developed over the past 20 years. The pod creates a detachable, blast and ballistic-resistant crew compartment, which was easily integrated onto the Tata-produced chassis and can be modified to provide higher levels of protection as and when required. The Morgan composite and ceramic “pod” provided a weight saving in excess of 1000kg, making it less than half the weight of a similarly protected steel structure. Duncan Eldridge, president, Morgan Advanced Materials – Composites & Defence Systems, said: “With its stature in both India and the UK, Tata has combined with our own unrivalled experience in crew protection to deliver a world-leading, state-of-the-art vehicle. We have signed an agreement with Tata to further develop the armour system as part of a strategic relationship which opens up opportunities for both companies.” Vernon Noronha, vice-president – Defence & Government Business, Tata Motors said: “We at Tata Motors acknowledge support of two UK companies - Morgan Advanced Materials Composites and Defence Systems and Supacat. We are proud to have been able to indigenously develop the LAMV, for vital reconnaissance mobility, protection and firepower for the Indian armed forces. The response to the TATA LAMV at the Defexpo was very encouraging.” www.morganadvancedmaterials.com