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September 16, 2009

New Application for SKYDEX Technologies Will Protect U.S. Soldiers From IED Attacks

Katy Bird

SKYDEX Technologies to Supply Blast-Limiting Material for $2.11B M-ATV Contract Centennial, Colo. (Sept. 16, 2009) – SKYDEX Technologies’ patented cushioning and protective material will be installed in almost 4,300 new all-terrain vehicles for the U.S. Armed Forces. Demonstrated in independent studies to provide a 71 percent reduction in blast force transmitted through the floor, the technology offers the military additional defense against the unprecedented number of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) being used in Afghanistan. As of Memorial Day this year, IEDs have killed 2,400 Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan and left 23,000 wounded (The Baltimore Sun, May 25, 2009). Roadside bombs have reportedly caused 75 percent of casualties to coalition forces in Afghanistan, representing a 50 percent increase from two years ago (USA Today, April 3, 2009). “Reducing injuries from IED attacks has been the most recent focus of our team of engineers,” says SKYDEX president and CEO. “SKYDEX’s product absorbs shock and dampens vibrations; this coupled with its light weight and customizable properties, makes it ideal for use in the latest military vehicle designs.” “We witnessed a 71 percent reduction in blast force during a recent blast simulation conducted by an independent lab on our materials,” said Tom Manney, SKYDEX senior mechanical engineer and a former USMC Reconnaissance Team Leader. Last month, Manney presented the capabilities of SKYDEX technology in blast protection at an Institute for Defense and Government Advancement conference held in Washington, D.C. SKYDEX is currently supplying its material to Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corporation, manufacturer of the M-ATVs. This agreement requires that SKYDEX deliver enough material to meet the Department of Defense’s accelerated schedule that includes an initial delivery date of July 2009. U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, a senior member of the Senate Appropriation Committee and Defense Subcommittee, has been quoted as anticipating the contract to eventually reach $3B resulting in the production of more than 5,000 vehicles. For more information, visit www.skydex.com or www.oshkoshcorporation.com. About SKYDEX Technologies SKYDEX is a privately held technology company located in Centennial, Colo. Led by the motto of Protecting People and Things That Matter®, SKYDEX develops innovative impact-mitigating, blast-limiting and vibration attenuation solutions for today’s most demanding applications. Utilizing its patented twin hemisphere technology, SKYDEX designs and manufactures a vast range of products and is a leading supplier to the military, commercial and athletic markets worldwide.