Author: Kimberly Hoodin
Protection systems must find a balance between being lightweight and providing strength and safety in what can be life or death situations in strenuous environments. ExoTechnologies is also focused on working with sustainable materials while providing the crucial protection required in bulletproof components. To meet these needs, ExoTechnologies developed a ExoProtect, a new easily moldable bulletproof material created from DANU, a recyclable composite material that has also been used in boat hulls.
ExoProtect is created from sustainable fibers and styrene-free resins. The DANU component has a specific resistance greater than stainless steel 316 and s-glass composite, is less brittle than carbon fiber, and is not compromised by water like polyaramid fibers such as Kevlar. Excellent protection from explosives, projectiles, and debris is provided and the composite material is vibration and corrosion resistant and can be formed to meet designs and geometries of a wide variety of vehicles from tactical marine craft to ground vehicles to military aircraft.
ExoTechnologies CEO Shane Mugan said the company can have a huge impact on recreational and workboat boatbuilding by providing a green alternative to fibreglass-built boats, most of which end up in landfill. ‘We think this new M-Class craft is one of the best on the market for performance, safety and innovation. It has state-of-the-art Raymarine electronics and a top speed of 50 knots. The boat is ideal for families with its capacity for up to eight people and an operating range of 400 nautical miles.’
This latest venture into the leisure market represents another landmark for Ultimate Boats following a £7 million investment in research and development by their parent company ExoTechnologies.
