NEW MADRID - Kontek Industries announced it has successfully tested a steel- and foam-layered panel against an 81 millimeter mortar explosion.
The test simulates one type of artillery being used against U.S. forces fighting the war against terrorism. The research, conducted by the University of Missouri-Rolla's Rock Mechanics and Explosives Research Center was conducted at UMR as part of Kontek's ongoing dialogue with the Army's Protective Design Center based in Omaha, Neb., to address pressing needs for troop housing and other troop protection.
"We are extremely gratified that our proposed solution to help protect our fighting men and women was successful. The research we are conducting is meant to help U.S. Armed Forces quickly address some of the most vulnerable positions of our troops fighting overseas," said Charlie Merrill, chairman of Kontek Industries.
"The testing results will allow us to quickly design and construct almost any type of building needed to protect our troops. We stand ready to help, and we look forward to presenting our research findings to military decision makers as quickly as possible."
Kontek had previously tested wall samples of a guard house that withstood direct fire from 50-caliber armor-piercing ammunition.
In January of next year, the company will be testing protective enclosures constructed of panels identical to the one used in the mortar and ammunition tests against a sizable bomb blast. All of these tests are being conducted as part of the federal research grant awarded to Kontek and UMR that was included in this year's defense bill by Missouri Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson, and Missouri Senators Jim Talent and Christopher "Kit" Bond.
Kontek Industries, headquartered in New Madrid.