FOCUS Entry & Breaching Tools I Roundup of Ballistic Shields T e optional NIJ Level IV vision panel
S TWO DAW TECH S.O.B. (SPECIAL OPERATIONS BUNKERS) COLLAPSIBLE BUNKERS ARE SHOWN LATCHED TOGETHER. WHEN TOGETHER, THEY FORM A BALLISTIC SHIELD WALL WIDE ENOUGH TO FIT A WHOLE TEAM BEHIND THEM.
tested and proven to be valuable assets in the SWAT community for hostage negotiation, barricaded subjects, and crisis response. T e majority of critical response incidents occur prior to a SWAT response, so this tool would be invaluable for those fi rst responders prior to SWAT response, thus saving more lives. T e S.O.B. (Special Operations Bunkers) Collapsible Bunker can best be described as a portable, rolling, rifl e-grade ballistic shield. Each S.O.B. is a freestanding shield that of- fers considerable protection (available up to NIJ Level IV) while not burdening the operator since it does not have to be carried into position. T e S.O.B. gives more cover- age, and additional and enhanced protection for extended ballistic protection. T e S.O.B. is a modular, moveable, multi- use ballistic bunker providing fl exible ballis- tic protection. Its unique design enables users to assess the threat level and then assemble it into the most suitable confi guration in a matter of minutes. T e basic bunker is com- posed of three modular, welded-aluminum frames, and 27 individual NIJ Level IIIA modular ballistic panels. When assembled, the layered design of the panels provides NIJ Level III protection. Each frame section has extruded alumi- num channels to receive the ballistic panels. Each channel is designed to permit three panel layers with off set panel joints to create overlap and avoid a weakness in the ballistic system. T e left- and right-hand frames have casters for mobility of the fully assembled bunker. T e entire assembly takes less than fi ve minutes. If deployed from the S.O.B. trailer, no assembly is required.
32 Tactical Response Fall 2015
permits safe observation and a “return-fi re” port. T e free-standing bunker relieves per- sonnel of shield weight, and does not occupy their hands. T e frame permits one, two, or three panels in each opening to protect against varying threat levels. T ree panels provide the maximum protection (rated for NIJ Level III). One panel provides mini- mum protection (rated for NIJ Level IIIA). Damaged or compromised panels can be replaced individually. Panels can be up- graded as ballistic technology improves. Bal- listic panels are divided into multiple layers, reducing the overall weight to less than 42 pounds each. T is permits full bunker as- sembly by one person. T e bunker can use optional skis or wider wheels for deployment over snow, grass, soft soil, etc. T e frontal frame has an in- tegral horizontal mounting bar for lighting, loudspeakers, cameras, etc. T ere is also an optional overhead panel that provides pro- tection from an elevated threat. Four indi- vidual panels of each bunker have integral “tri-grip” handholds for use as personnel navigate the shield. T e S.O.B. has all-terrain wheels that run fl at and permit the Bunker to be rolled over rough terrain. T e wheels rotate 360 degrees, and can lock into position allowing for front-to-back and lateral movement. An apron of ballistic material is connected to the lower panel, thus reducing the threat of skipped rounds. Two S.O.B. Collapsible Bunkers can be latched together. T e Twin S.O.B. off ers versatility to expand the area of ballistic pro- tection to suit each unique situation. One can be collapsed small enough to fi t into the trunk of a car. Once on the scene, multiple Twin S.O.B.s can be combined to form large, rolling, rifl e-grade ballistic shields. T e modularity of the components off ers unlim- ited confi gurations.
Once in position, the Twin S.O.B. per- mits the separation of the units so the opera- tors can move to multiple locations without leaving the protection of the bunker. T is unique feature allows for the creation of multiple fortifi ed positions on the fl y. Twin S.O.B.s lashed together also form a longer ballistic wall.
Hardwire Armor Systems
www.hardwirellc.com For more than a decade, Hardwire Armor
S THE HARDWIRE ARMOR SYSTEMS’ TACTICAL SHIELD WITH WINDOW VIEWPORT IS SHOWN IN A CUSTOM POLICE MODEL.
Systems has developed and produced armor to protect the U.S. military. Now this pro- tection is being used not only by soldiers, but by police offi cers and SWAT teams across the country. Designed from Department of Defense technology and with input from law enforcement professionals, Hardwire brings ultra-lightweight armor protection to the line of duty.
All Hardwire Tactical Shields meet NIJ Level IIIA or NIJ Level III protection, and come with a strap, handle, and arm pad to enhance comfort during use. T e company’s ballistic shields for law enforcement include: Hardwire Tactical Shield with Viewport Window, Tactical Shield 20” x 30,” Tactical Shield 20” x 24,” and Curved Tactical Shield with Viewport Window and Pro Handles. T e Hardwire Tactical Shield with View-
port Window has a bulletproof viewport. T e shield and its ballistic protection are per National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards. T e shield is available in NIJ Level III or NIJ IIIA protection (Certifi ed to NIJ 0108.01). T e Hardwire Tactical Shield with Viewport Window absorbs multiple magazines of am- munition shot from any handgun or shot- gun without ricochet or injury. Basically, it comes in two sizes: 20”x 24” and 20” x 30”. T e Tactical Shield is available both with and without a ballistic viewport window, per the customer’s selection. T e strap, handle, and arm pad incorporated onto the back of the shield allow for the user to comfortably
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