Safariland, a BAE Systems line of business, announced today that it is one of the first body armor manufacturers to satisfy the requirements of the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) new Voluntary Body Armor Compliance Testing Program under NIJ Standard-0101.06 (NIJ-06).
Safariland’s XT-700 Type II (#BA-2000S-FC01) and XT-300 Type IIIA (#BA-3A00S-BR01) models have been determined by the NIJ to comply with the new NIJ-06 standard. Both models are part of Safariland’s XT Series of concealable body armor, and are now available for immediate purchase. As of this date, these are the only Threat Level II and Threat Level IIIA vests that have been authorized by NIJ under the new NIJ-06 standard.
The NIJ introduced the Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor NIJ Standard-0101.06 to establish minimum performance requirements and test methods for the ballistic resistance of personal body armor in order to improve performance so that officers receive adequate protection against those threats likely faced over the next decade. According to the new NIJ-06 standard, body armor must now be able to defend against increased velocities of ammunition calibers to better reflect current street threats and law enforcement duty weapons. These new performance requirements are critical components to improving the life-protecting equipment being used by law enforcement.
“We’ve used our most advanced technologies, including proprietary designs and leading-edge materials, to develop body armor models that provide enhanced ballistic protection to law enforcement officers,” said Safariland President Scott O’Brien. “Our NIJ-06 models continue to illustrate our commitment to saving lives.”
Safariland’s NIJ-06 body armor models set a new industry benchmark by combining their latest technologies — Geometrics™ and proprietary framing — with advanced ballistic materials. The new available models include:
– XT-700 Type II – provides advanced ballistic protection in a lightweight, hybrid design.
– XT-300 Type IIIA – provides optimum ballistic performance in a robust design.
With the introduction of these new NIJ-06 body armor models, Safariland continues its tradition of excellence in protecting law enforcement officers. Recently restructured to incorporate all of its previously independent operating brands, the company is united under one name – Safariland. Together, Safariland’s body armor models combine the heritage and expertise of American Body Armor®, PROTECH®, Second Chance®, SAVVY® and Safariland Armorwear. In doing so, Safariland offers the most comprehensive line of body armor available in the industry. Safariland’s NIJ-06 body armor provides law enforcement officers with enhanced performance, durability, comfort and value, which deliver on the company’s motto: Together, We Save Lives™.
About SafarilandSafariland, LLC is a premier provider of law enforcement and security products and services, delivering a full-range of customer-specific solutions. Offering many of the world’s most recognizable branded products in the public safety market, Safariland is committed to saving lives. For more information about Safariland and its body armor products, as well as information on the new NIJ-06 standard, please visit www.safariland.com. About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
Source: Company release, June 2, 2009
