On-site Facility
Our on-site independently audited UKAS accredited Ballistics Centre of Excellence keeps us at the forefront of armour technology. This extensive test facility includes a range of equipment enabling in depth on-site research and development for composite armour and commercial products, as well as ongoing verification of production accuracy.
The extensive test facility includes a range of equipment enabling cutting edge composite armour Research and Development as well as validation and ongoing verification of production performance. With a combination of volume manufacturing, in-house product development and extensive test facilities, NP Aerospace is able to respond quickly to customer requirements, with a high level of confidence
Our capabilities include:
Two Onsite Live Firing Ballistic Ranges
- Muzzle velocity maximum 1650 m/s
- Muzzle energy maximum 41,000 Joules
- Capability to fire up to 20mm fragment simulating projectile
- Capability to fire up to 14.5mm calibre armour piercing rounds
- 100,000+ fps high speed camera for detailed analysis
- Velocity measured to 2 decimal places, with measurement uncertainty to within 0.15%
- Depth penetration 3.0mm to 60.0mm ± 1.0mm
- Pitch and yaw angle deviation from projectile orientation 0° to 360° ± 1.0°
- UKAS accredited testing includes AEP 2920 Ed A Ver 2, NIJ 0101.04, NIJ 0101.06 and NIJ 0106.01 (ballistic penetration)
High Pressure Helium Propelled Gas Gun
- 17 grain, 1.1gram fragment simulating projectile to a muzzle velocity of 1200 m/s+
- 16 grain sphere to muzzle velocity of 800 m/s+
- Velocity measured to 2 decimal places, with measurement uncertainty to within 0.25%
- UKAS Accredited testing includes AEP 2920 A Ver 2 and NIJ 0106.01 (ballistic penetration)
Non-Destructive Testing Capabilities
- Programmable environmental humidity and temperature testing chambers with a capacity of 600L -42°C to 180°C, 10% to 98% relative humidity
- Temperature changing rate cooling (K/min): 4.0 and temperature changing rate heating (K/min): 3.2
- LK automated CMM inspection table with capability to measure 2 metres by 3 metres OGP optical gauging machine for visual inspection
- X-Ray with NDT crack/defect detection and inclusion monitoring capability pre and post ballistic impact
Impact Rig
- Impact rig with measurement uncertainty to less than 3% at 400G
- Includes helmet drop rig and flexural testing
- Stab rig facilities
- Repetitive loading rig used for fatigue testing
Instron Material Analysis and Testing
- Maximum load capacities of ±5 kN (±1.1 kip) and ±10 kN (±2.2 kip)
Anti-Counterfeit Policy
NP Aerospace understands that counterfeiting is a serious issue and poses a significant safety hazard within our industry. We have adopted an Anti-Counterfeit Policy to eliminate the impact of counterfeit products on NP Aerospace and our customers. This is a zero tolerance Policy against knowingly and intentionally trafficking counterfeit goods.
NP Aerospace does not use, nor condone the use of counterfeit products. We also expect our supply chain to adhere to our ethical business standards and mirror our practices and procedures. To support this policy of ensuring that there is a low risk of counterfeit products entering our supply chain, NP Aerospace maintains processes to ensure purchases are only made directly from approved suppliers such as OEMs, manufacturers, franchised distributors or agents. Should a suspect counterfeit or counterfeit product be found, NP Aerospace shall quarantine such material and report the finding to the supplier and appropriate authorities.
