Honeywell releases Centurion fabric

Honeywell, a global technology and manufacturing company, has released a new composite fabric called Centurion that has been designed and developed to make law enforcement apparel and equipment 35% to 40% lighter.

Usually, law enforcement officers carry additional gear such as ammunition and radios, and this equipment can be attached to the modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) web designs that include straps sewn onto their tactical vests.

MOLLE straps add additional weight, which can make movement more difficult for officers.

Honeywell Packaging and Composites armor marketing manager Lori Wagner said: "Centurion represents the next evolution of lightweight law enforcement equipment, removing several pounds from the more than 20 pounds that an officer can typically wear while on patrol.

“At the core of Centurion fabric's remarkable properties is Spectra, Honeywell's next-generation fiber that is the material of choice for law enforcement agencies around the world as well as the US military.

“Honeywell's armor technology not only provides life-saving materials, but also produces industry-leading, high-performance, lightweight fabric like Centurion, designed to help those who protect us.”

The vests made using Centurion fabric are 35% to 40% lighter because they do not require additional fabric, and is laser-cut according to user specifications, resulting in slits along the vests from which officers can hang, hook or tie gear as needed.

Centurion fabric is produced by combining with Spectra fiber's strength, which makes this fabric resistant to cuts, abrasion and water, making them suitable for many tough environments.

Spectra fiber is produced from ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process, and it is 15 times stronger than steel, yet light enough to float.