Morgan launches LASA
The LASA protection system offers bespoke, integrated load carriage and head sub-systems to fulfil mission-critical protection. It includes fully compatible head, torso and lower body armour which offer comprehensive protection for soldiers in combat.
Morgan’s Composites and Defence Systems business, a leading supplier of lightweight combat-proven body armour products to the global defence sector, has challenged the traditional basic equation for body armour, whereby the higher the threat, the heavier the plate. New materials and technologies have allowed Morgan to develop the most advanced armour soldier system in the world, providing the wearer with a 25% weight reduction compared with rival systems, without compromise on protection. Thanks to the significant load reduction, the LASA system also improves mobility and reduces wearer fatigue.
The head protection of the LASA system provides a weight saving of approximately 30% over current in-service products. The helmets are fitted with a four-point chin strap, maximising stability and operational security during impact scenarios. The innovative bracket system accommodates multiple accessories including visors, mandible guards and night vision goggles without the need for additional drilling of the shell.
Providing significant enhancement in security and comfort over current in-service solutions, the torso system is fully compatible with the family of helmets and lower body protection, delivering maximum coverage and protection while maintaining optimum comfort, whilst also ensuring that the soldier can fire from any position including prone. The body armour is ultra-lightweight and durable, specifically designed for the rugged environments encountered by international military and security personnel.
The lower body system is designed to maintain product shape for longer, enhancing field performance and reducing life cycle costs. Other equipment includes pelvic protection, which is secure and comfortable while patrolling on foot or by vehicle, and knee pads which are designed to be fully operable in rough terrain.
Duncan Eldridge, President of Morgan Composites and Defence Systems, said: “We have conducted significant research and development to test the boundaries of what is possible with soldier protection systems. While safety remains paramount, reducing weight is key to enhancing mobility and minimising fatigue. The engineering team has been working on developments to provide a 30% weight saving on our world leading helmets and a 25% weight saving on Ballistic Plates compared with competitive solutions.
“Morgan has a skilled team of qualified engineers specifically tasked with developing armour and soldier systems. Our in-house testing facilities include, helmet impact testing rigs for validation and development, instrumented and calibrated gas guns for fragment simulating projectile testing, and an independent UKAS 17025 accredited ballistics range, allowing rapid turnaround for iterative design and development activities.
“We have unparalleled experience in the development and manufacture of new systems to meet specific and urgent customer requirements. With these onsite facilities we are able to rapidly prototype and test various design iterations for urgent system development and deployment requirements.”
In conjunction with the launch of the new system, Morgan has developed an interactive soldier which will be available to view on the company’s website. The 3D interactive model allows users to see the variety of soldier protection systems available, and provides detailed descriptions on the company’s range of body armour and other protective systems.
