MRP - Ballistic Protection Blocks

MRP Systems, which is located in Leyland, the UK, produces a series of interlocking hollow-polyethylene blocks, which when filled with water or sand make very effective barriers for ballistic protection. Because these blocks are manufactured using the rotational moulding technique, they are seamless and therefore free from leaks.

POLYETHYLENE BALLISTIC PROTECTION BLOCKS

The material of construction, polyethylene, is classed as a soft material compared with concrete or steel, and thus any secondary fragmentation is less damaging than alternative materials. To maintain this 'soft' material approach, all fixing plates and screws are also manufactured from plastic material.

BALLISTIC PROTECTION BLOCK RANGE

The range of ballistic protection blocks readily available consists of full-wall block, full-corner block, half-wall block and a half reverse-corner block. MRP have found that this range in black polyethylene covers most requirements we have been asked to supply to date. Different colours and other shapes are available to special order. They are also available in an antistatic grade of material for use in munitions handling areas.

BALLISTIC PROTECTION BARRIER FIELD TESTING

MRP has conducted a wide range of tests on the ballistic protection barriers, from structural stability in compression and tilt conditions, low and high-temperature long-term exposure, impact from trucks, etc.

The UK Ministry of Defence and the United States Air Force (USAF), have also undertaken an extensive and successful series of tests on the blocks, employing a wide assortment of missiles from penetration by small-calibre bullets up to fragments arising from a 2,000kg bomb explosion just 1m from the ballistic protection block wall.

PROTECTION BLOCK APPLICATIONS

As a result of these tests, MRP has supplied numerous blocks to the RAF and USAF in Afghanistan for the segregation of armed aircraft; to the Royal Navy for munitions transfer operations at dockyards; and for the isolation of stored munitions at various bases. The units are now a NATO stock item and readily available through the NATO stores system.

These units are being increasingly considered for use in homeland security situations, especially where the rapid deployment of temporary enclosures, or personnel or vehicle corridors, is required to enhance security in public places.

PROTECTIVE RADIATION BARRIERS

As the MRP ballistic protection blocks are also efficient at absorbing radiation, they have also been employed as protective radiation barriers at the nuclear power stations and decommissioning sites at Hunterston, Sizewell, Sellafield, Berkeley, Oldbury and Dounreay.