Sling Load Operations

Constructing forward operating base (FOB) fortifications can require a significant (and expensive) logistical commitment from air resources. Even a small 100 man base can require up to five containers of wire mesh gabions to construct adequate perimeter defenses. Heavy lifters, such as the CH-47 Chinook, can haul up to a 25,000 lb tandem, but are limited in the number of containers they can carry per trip.

Defencell™ Force Protection Systems help mitigate this logistical burden by providing a light weight alternative to wire mesh barriers. A full Defencell container easily meets the weight requirements of Chinook's sling load operations. Defencell units' lack of metal parts minimizes its logistical footprint, allowing the equivalent of five containers of wire-mesh barriers to fit into one 18,000 lbs Defencell container.

This compact footprint minimizes sling load operational requirements to help reduce the number of flights necessary to transport protective barrier material. Just one 20-foot Defencell container provides enough material to protect an entire 100 man FOB from bullets, blasts, and vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDS).

Value Engineering

Defencell barriers' sling load operations logistical benefits not only reduce operational risks, but also help reduce transportation costs. The chart below outlines the cost requirements of transporting a single container of Defencell and a comparable container of wire mesh gabions from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware to Afghanistan.

With almost $150,000 in savings, Defencell barriers pay for themselves when compared to other Force Protection Systems.