There were numerous technologies discussed at the novel military technologies showcase, but one of the most interesting was the discussion and demonstration of Sheer Thickening Fluids.
In essence, STFs are liquids filled with “sub-micron particles” that are resistant to puncture and, to a lesser degree, ballistic attack ? bullets.
“What the STF does is it keeps the fibers in front of the projectile longer,” said Robert Jensen of the Army Research Laboratory.
Using an ice pick, Julio Suarez of the Aberdeen Proving Ground Business Development Office demonstrated how STFs have been used in the field. Suarez used two small swaths of Kevlar cloth, one soaked in STF, the other not. Placing each on a camouflage-wrapped cube of rubber composite, which served as a solider, Suarez plunged the ice pick down.
In the case of the Kevlar not soaked in STF, the ice pick punctured the Kevlar.
But when the STF-soaked Kevlar was used, it resisted the attack.
Suarez admitted that the STF-soaked Kevlar was not completely foolproof.
But “it?s still better if you wake up the next morning and have a scar to show,” he said.
Suarez speculated that manufacturers of correctional officer uniforms might be able to better market their product if they could boast their uniforms used the STF.
As to the numerous other defensive technologies presented at the technology showcase, which ranged from the uses of transparent armor to mobile decontamination facilities, Stephen Clark of the U.S. Army Developmental Test Command perhaps put it best.
“All we?re doing here today is ? giving quick snapshots,” Clark said, adding it was up to the members of the private sector to determine how to best utilize what APG was offering.
