Rocket-proof mattress dished out to frontline soldiers
29/06/2009
By Michael Ewing
British soldiers fighting in Afghanistan could be provided with a huge boost in terms of protection - through their mattress, of all things.
The Tarian, which is French for the word ''shield'', has used textiles as armour protection which can withstand the blast force which comes with a rocket or rocket-propelled grenade, according to the Times.
Major Adrian Norton, a manager of heavy logistics vehicle requirements, told the newspaper that while it has many similarities with a mattress, its purpose is very basic and provides troops with that extra level of protection each night if an ambush happens during the night.
He continued: "People are used to seeing big steel strips of metal hanging on the side of the vehicles but I think before too long we will see it on a range of platforms and this time next year we may well be saying it is the norm."
It emerged this week that heroin and cocaine production are falling, with much of the drugs'' worldwide production taking place in Afghanistan - something troops have worked together to bring to a halt.
