MITgel MARK 5 Vests - A Ballistic Flotation Vest System

Who can use MITgel MARK 5

• U.S. Navy Fleet Force Protection teams
• SSGN Deck Crews
• Naval Special Warfare units, including Special Boat and SEAL Delivery
• Naval Harbor Defense units
• U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement teams and port security units
• Port Police Water Patrol
• Sea Coast locale Police Department Marine Units

What is in current use

Most of the navy and Marine Corps are using the IMTV, While the Army and USCG are
still wearing the OTV with MTV armor entering the system as is currently in use by the
Air Force. Special Operations are wearing Stand Alone vests and a few made by ATT
tactical.

What are the limitation of what they are using

Weight is a significant draw back as the OTV (interceptor body armor) is heavy and
cumbersome. The MTV (Modular Tactical Vest) and IMTV (Improved Modular Tactical
Vest) although lighter are still heavy (OTV 35lbs., MTV 27lbs. and IMTV 24lbs.) None
reduce heat stress on the body and almost all are made of Kevlar, Kevlar Gold, Twaron
or similar aramid and para aramid fiber. These fibers absorb water and can sink the
wearer. Although they are covered in a water proof fabric once punctured loses most if
not all of its buoyancy. None are neutrally buoyant except the ATT product and that
requires added water wings to accomplish positive buoyancy.

Some Definition of Terms

Difference between neutral buoyant and positive Buoyant

1. 1. Buoyancy: refers to the tendency for an object to float. It is a force.
2. 2. Positive buoyancy: means an object is less dense than the water around it and
3. thus the object will float.
4. 3. Neutral buoyancy: means the weight of the object equals the amount of water it
5. displaces. It will neither rise nor sink.
6. 4. Negative buoyancy: the object density is greater than the density of the fluid in
7. which it is immersed.

MITgel Ballistic Flotation Vests System contributes to the following:

• Lethality: Lethality of the operator is enhanced in the field by wearing a vest that gives them confidence, does not make them a heat casualty, that is light and comfortable enough to leave them fresh, in less pain and so less stress placed on mind and body. Confidence and less stress translates into greater tactical/situational awareness, greater flexibility, maneuverability and speed equals great individual and team lethality.
• Survivability: Vest wearers are better protected like no other time in history with MITgel's taking on NIJ's V05 standard. MITgel armor protects against more types of lethal projectiles than any other vest ever made. Not only does it offer greater protection for the wearer from lethal weapons but, it offers greater blunt force trauma reduction by a factor of 99% for the 9mm. MITgel's revolutionary gel also gives the operator greater mobility and longevity in the field. By reducing heat casualties with its engineered climate control keeping the operator core body temperature at 98.6 regardless of the exterior temperature (+130 down to 40) all with less weight. By making the wearer more comfortable in their armor reducing heat casualties allows for better situational and tactical awareness.
• Operator Endurance: By reducing weight and controlling core body temperatures MITgel offer the wearer enhanced endurance in the field. Greater mobility or load capacity. With reduced weight the wearer has a greater range of motion making tasks in the tactical environment easier to perform. Improved Operator endurance increases the team lethality. MITgel's gel technology further enhances operator endurance by relieving stress on the body, which takes stress of the mind with gel at all load bearing points on the body, climate control, greater flexibility, enhanced range of motion and weight reduction. In an environment where ounces equal pounds equals pain; Mitgel reduces pain on the operator. An alert Operator no longer distracted by pain has enhanced tactical and situational awareness.
• Longevity/Durability: MITgel body armor not only aids in the longevity of the operator in the field but, can keep the operator in the fight longer by reducing maintenance and down time due to equipment issues and failures. MITgel is made from the latest and most advanced MILSPEC materials. Water proof, Teflon coated fabrics protect the "Green" MITgel technology which, is antibacterial, antimicrobial, biodegradable and 100% recyclable by MITgel.

FEATURES and CAPABILITIES

• The Mark V is positively buoyant, fully functional, Flotation Ballistic Armor. It is designed with the Special Operations community that performs their missions typically in the littorals and open water.

It is has the following features:

• Mark V Ballistic Flotation Vest System is the lightest and most versatile standalone vest made of MITgel Technology at 8 lb. For flotation purposes it has 34 lbs. of lift. As a body armor, MARK 5 comes with multi strike Level III or Level IV hard plate armor.
• MITgel’s Mark V Ballistic Flotation Vest System combines the latest technology for impact reduction through the MITgel blunt force trauma panel (BFTP).
• MITgel’s patented technology process that controls thermal load on the operator by maintaining core body temperature at 98.6 degrees even when the outside temperature is over 130 degrees or below 40 degrees.
• Mark V Ballistic Flotation Vest System comes in multiple configurations: MITgel MARK 5 can be custom fitted for specific desired lifts such as: Neutrally buoyant to 18.5 lbs. lift where concealment is imperative and uppermost in the Operators mind; Over 34 lbs. lift for boarding parties, SSGN deck crews, harbor patrols and USCG needs; and Capable of providing over 35 lbs. of lift to individuals 255 lbs.
• Made from Mil Spec materials using the most advanced water resistant and Teflon coated fabrics.
• Made from 100% recyclable, biodegradable and inert materials. Promotes Green Technology

Below summarizes the component, features and capabilities of MARK 5 Ballistic

Flotation Vests System:

MATERIALS AND DESIGN SYSTEM

MITgel ballistic flotation system utilizes the most advanced multi strike case hardened UHMPWE ballistic plates for their durability and ballistic properties. MITgel’s gel is antibacterial, antimicrobial and neutrally buoyant. Also, the carriers are made from the latest water resistant and Teflon coated materials for long wear and ease of maintenance. All of our covers are 1000 denier ballistic cloth and seam taped.

MITgel’s armor is designed for enhancing range of motion, reduction of stress on mind and body, and comfort. MITgel’s technology contributes substantially to body temperature control and contact point load reduction.

COST PRICE

There are only two products in the market that addresses the needs of maritime forces. Below is a comparison of the prices and capabilities of MARK 5 with the available maritime operator’s ballistic flotation system. MITgel MARK 5 has is a flotation device with higher antiballistic
capability and greater impact control. 

Price subject to change without prior notice