A New Armored Wall to Replace Sandbag Emplacements



The traditional stacked sandbag emplacement of armies around the world may be on the way out. This new portable system called McCurdy’s Armor can be assembled by soldiers with no tools and provide solid protection from small arms and bombs:

The armor can be set up in a variety of arrangements (U-shaped, J-shaped, etc.), and in instances where troops are worried about armor piercing rounds a second layer of armor can supplement the structures. But the walls aren’t just a protective cocoon for far-flung outposts; ballistic windows offer protection while giving Marines a line of sight and the ability to fire downrange, meaning McCurdy’s Armor can be deployed as both a defensive stronghold as well as a tactical firing position.

When it’s time to pull up camp, Marines can quickly break down their ersatz stockade, stack it back in their vehicles and move on to fortify the next position without leaving a single thing behind. Just try pulling that off with sandbags.


http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-02/new-armored-wall-system-could-replace-sandbags-marines-afghanistan

I was U.S. Army infantry for 5 years. Where the hell was this when I was in? By the way does anybody know how much a full sand bag weighs? A lot. Great invention.
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As someone who never served in the military, I perhaps am the wrong person to ask this question, but here goes anyway: How is this going to work on uneven ground?
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Does a military contractor have to "reinvent" everything? I don't see the need for this except in some very, very narrow situations. Our military needs to be more versatile. Also, I do NOT buy the "safe from bombs" idea. It looks like that structure would come toppling down if a truck just rammed it. Without being set in a foundation there is no way that will sustain a bomb of any magnitude.
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You have to see this stuff and other portable protection devices in action. this isn't made to withstand being run over by a truck, but shoot it with just about any caliber weapon, even an RPG and the soldiers inside are protected. The army corps of engineers have other portables that go around areas such as cafeteria tents to protect them from mortar rounds that land outside. Incredible stuff. The best it the thin stick-on material that goes on the inside of a brick or cinderblock wall and protects from vehicle bombs outside. 100% survival rate inside with a huge truck bomb! Congrats ARMY
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Nerdowell has hit the point exactly: Sandbags are cheaper. This system is far more expensive, therefore soldiers will have less of it, and thus be less protected.

And knowing the military, commanders will mostly likely protect these expensive structures with sandbags.
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As a combat veteran who has dug many sandbags and had his Marines killed by sniper fire while standing behind a machinegun exposed from the chest up, I can promise you that anyone who has ever served would love to have this! Great invention and from the looks of their website (www.ddmat.com)they have tested against large bombs and done well, there's even video! BTW, if you think sandbags do good against bombs or trucks you are wrong! And honestly if the truck got close enough to ram it, then the guy inside wasn't doing his job. Get it into the field ASAP!
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