Collins, Michaud, Libby at UMaine Demonstration Event Thursday
Contact: Joe Carr at (207) 581-3571
ORONO — Sen. Susan Collins, U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud and Maj. Gen. William Libby, Maine’s adjutant general, are scheduled to be at the University of Maine’s Advanced Engineered Wood Composites (AEWC) Center on Thursday, Feb. 22, for a demonstration of a new product designed to protect U.S. soldiers in combat situations.
Known as the Modular Ballistic Production System, the UMaine-developed materials fit inside tents, protecting troops from mortar fragments and other dangers. UMaine engineers have developed the lightweight, portable technology and the systems to make it workable in remote areas. The materials are now ready for pilot manufacturing and demonstration to the U.S. Army, AEWC’s partner in this project.
On Thursday, the first 20’x32′ up-armored tent kit will be shipped to the U.S. Army for use in Afghanistan. The kit was requested by the 10th Mountain Division, which includes members of the Maine National Guard.
The event is scheduled for 10-11 a.m. It will include brief remarks by Collins, Michaud and Libby along with UMaine President Robert Kennedy and AEWC Director Prof. Habib Dagher. In addition to being adjutant general, Libby is also commissioner of the state Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.
Following that program, UMaine students will demonstrate part of the fabrication process, followed by demonstration of how the ballistic panels are actually installed in tents. Then, the kits will be loaded onto a truck for shipment to the Army.