Come See Viconic at the National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH) Show
August 9th, 2024
We are excited to be heading to the NASVH conference next week. Viconic’s blast-mitigating technology has been protecting our troops since 2012. Now we’re deploying the military-approved technology as a flooring underlay to protect our veterans from fall-related injury. Because falls happen despite all our best efforts to prevent them.
Visit us at Booth #501, and/or schedule some time to talk one on one with us!
- Expo Hours:
- Tuesday, August 13, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday, August 14, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Enter to win lunch for your organization (up to $500)
- Attend the Vendor Spotlight on Tuesday at 1:40 PM
- Check out our grant program to support the adoption of Viconic’s Fall Defense
- Learn why veterans are an important part of the Viconic family here.
We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!
Viconic Defense Contracted for AM General JLTV A2 Vehicle
May 15th, 2024
AM General has officially sourced and contracted Viconic Defense for the JLTV A2 vehicle. Both our Shock-Mitigating Floor Mats and Shock-Mitigating Seat Inserts will be a key part of the vehicle as they are with Oshkosh Defense. The Army is contracting AM General to build another 20,000 JLTVs over the next several years. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in recent years by enemy combatants has forced U.S. combat vehicle designers, testers, and analysts to focus on protecting military vehicles and their occupants as never before. The IED threat, assembled from readily available ingredients, is relatively cheap to construct and employ. It thus poses a significant threat to troop mobility and military personnel safety. Our proprietary technology designed to protect occupants of the vehicle by mitigating the shock wave from producing severe loads to the floor that the occupants’ feet are placed on and to the seats in which the occupants are seated. The foot/lower-leg is the main impact point to an occupant and elevated loads to the floor can induce serious injuries to the foot and lower leg. To protect against these injuries, the forces passed to the floor and then the occupants’ feet must be mitigated.
Oshkosh Defense Receives Additional JLTV Orders
December 21st, 2022
Oshkosh Defense recently received a $543 million order from the U.S. Army Contracting Command’s Detroit Arsenal to exercise available options to support the fielding of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles. The order includes additional JLTVs for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy. Since 2015, Oshkosh has built over 18,500 JLTVs and fielded vehicles to over 50 U.S. and international military installations. Viconic’s shock-mitigating floor mats are in every vehicle along with Viconic’s shock-mitigating seat inserts in the B-Kit up armored variants.
Oshkosh Defense Awarded Additional JLTV Contract
August 3rd, 2022
Oshkosh Defense recently received an additional $592 million modification under the U.S. Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle acquisition contract to produce additional military trucks and trailers. This award covers the delivery of 1,669 JLTV trucks, 868 trailers and associated kits and components to domestic and foreign military sales customers including Slovenia, Montenegro, Brazil and Lithuania. Oshkosh has already built some 14,000 JLTVs for the US military and is the front runner for the next contract to build another 15,000 vehicles. These vehicles will all require Viconic’s shock-mitigating floor mats and most will require Viconic shock-mitigating seats inserts. Both technologies are a key part of the Oshkosh Core1080™ crew protection system.
FMTV Underbody Armor Kit Upgrade Program
February 17th, 2022
Earlier this year Oshkosh Defense was awarded a contract for 1,081 Underbody Armor Kit upgrade kits for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles for the U.S. Army. Viconic was selected and sourced to supply shock-mitigation floor mats in the Drivers, Commanders and Gunners locations of the vehicle. The Underbody Armor Kit is designed to protect combat vehicles against landmine blasts and IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) including EFP (Explosively Formed Penetrator) threats, which is now one of the most critical threats of the modern battlefield. The Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) is a system of strategically deployable vehicles that performs general resupply, ammunition resupply, maintenance and recovery, and engineer support missions. It serves as weapon systems platforms for combat, combat support and combat service support units in a tactical environment.
Viconic Delivers Overhead Protection to Army’s New Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET)
August 10th, 2021
Viconic recently produced and delivered an overhead protective trim solution to U.S. Army’s Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) Urban Survivability Kit (HUSK). This upgrade cab of the Heavy Equipment Transport Vehicle will have our overhead energy absorbing system protecting occupants in 6 specific locations. The HUSK is designed to protect the crew against small arms, IEDs, artillery rounds, and blast mines. Army commanders will employ military units equipped with HUSK to support operational and tactical moves by evacuating and transporting heavy tracked and wheeled equipment – primarily the combat-loaded M1 Abrams main battle tank – while providing crew protection against operational threats.
Oshkosh JLTV Vehicle Production Now Full Speed Ahead
January 1st, 2021
The Oshkosh JLTV vehicle is now in full rate production with the company now producing over several hundred vehicles per month delivering to the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. Viconic’s blast-mitigating floor mats are in every vehicle and are a key part of the Oshkosh Core1080(tm) crew protection system. Combined with our blast-mitigating seat inserts, our proprietary impact absorbing technology is part of this comprehensive systems engineering approach that considers every inch of the vehicle with respect to crew protection during blast events.
Supporting our Warfighters
July 1st, 2020
Beyond developing and manufacturing products that use our technology to better protect our warfighters, Viconic Defense continues to be a proud supporter of the Michigan based Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund (FWSF) and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs organization. Since 2016, Viconic has been a significant donor to both these non-profit organizations who strongly support our warfighters who serve and protect our country. The FWSF is an all-volunteer effort, helping injured soldiers pay their living expenses in addition to aiding the families of the fallen. Guardian Angels has donated more than 200 wonderful service dogs with deserving veterans and others in need as a result of a variety of conditions, from mitigation of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or Traumatic Brain Injury symptoms, to seizure or insulin alerting, to mobility issues and more.
U.S. Army Approves Viconic HEMTT Blast-Mitigating Floor Mats
October 10th, 2019
Earlier this year the U.S. Army approved the Viconic blast-mitigating floor mat technology for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT). The HEMTT is designed to provide the Army with heavy transport capabilities for supply and re-supply of combat vehicles and weapons systems. The Viconic blast mats will now be a key part of protecting occupants of the vehicle from IED threats in potentially hostile regions around the world.
Viconic Defense Wins Innovation Prize in U.S. Marine Corps Competition
July 31st, 2019
Viconic Defense recently received the “Innovation Prize” in the USMC Knee & Elbow Equipping Challenge. The Marine Corps is seeking new and innovative ideas and solutions that improve the currently fielded knee and elbow pads’ comfort, impact protection, and operator acceptance. Knee and elbow pad ideas and solutions that enhance the Marines’ comfort, maneuverability, and stability, and can either integrate into the trousers and blouse or are stand-alone items are sought. Viconic’s impact absorbing technology demonstrated the most innovative concept that introduces new or innovative materials over current systems.
Viconic Defense to Exhibit at the 2019 Michigan Defense Expo
March 5th, 2019
For the 6th consecutive year Viconic Defense will be exhibiting at the 2019 Michigan Defense Expo held at the Macomb Community College (MCC) Expo Center on April 3rd and 4th. Viconic Defense is a leading provider of survivability solutions to the United States military used in the protection of warfighters against a wide range of threats. On display at this year’s MDEX will be Viconic’s Blast Defender™ technology currently fielded in thousands of vehicles including JLTV, FMTV, MATV and MaxxPro vehicles. Viconic’s blast-mitigating floor mats leverage a proprietary technology to reduce injury-inducing forces on the lower extremities. In addition, the company has developed low-cost blast seat energy absorbers and protective interior trim solutions.
http://www.ndia-mich.org/michigan-defense-expo
Viconic Defense to Attend The International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans, November 28th -30th
November 9, 2018
Viconic Defense will be attending the International Workboat Show held on November 28th – 30th. This annual event located in New Orleans attracts around 15,000 participants involved in the commercial marine industry from around the world.
Earlier this year Viconic Defense launched its new shock-mitigating boat matting product called Shock Defender™.
Shock Defender™ is an impact-absorbing boat matting, which provides a non-slip surface with superior shock mitigation for occupants. The product keeps operators and passengers steady on their feet and safe from injury as the vessel endures rough seas at high speeds.
Additional information can be found at https://www.workboatshow.com/
Viconic Defense to Exhibit at the 2018 Multi-Agency Craft Conference (MACC) 2018
July 1, 2018
Viconic Defense will be exhibiting at the Multi-Agency Craft Conference (MACC) July 18th – 19th 2018 to be held at the United States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore MD. MACC is an open forum for the exchange of operational and technical information on small boats and craft between Government agencies and the maritime community. Information on new technologies and new product offerings as well as information on Army and Navy service craft, Navy and Coast Guard patrol boats, Navy and USMC expeditionary craft, and Naval Special Warfare craft are highlighted in chaired technical presentations, vendor and agency displays, and in-water demonstrations. Earlier this year Viconic launched a new shock-mitigating boat matting product called Shock Defender(tm). Leveraging its proven energy absorbing technology for blast-mitigation and vehicle occupant survivability solutions, Viconic has developed a low-cost boat matting that provides superior shock-mitigation on high speed watercraft. Working with the Navy’s NAVSEA Combatant Craft Division (CCD) the Shock Defender(tm) technology has underdone rigorous testing including shock attenuation, salt water immersion, solar radiation and surface friction.
Viconic Defense to Exhibit at the 2018 Michigan Defense Expo
April 11, 2018
For the 5th consecutive year Viconic Defense will be exhibiting at the 2018 Michigan Defense Expo held at the Macomb Community College (MCC) Expo Center on April 25th and April 26th. Viconic Defense is a leading provider of survivability solutions to the United States military used in the protection of warfighters against a wide range of threats. On display at this year’s MDEX will be Viconic’s Blast Defender™ technology currently fielded in thousands of vehicles including JLTV, FMTV, MATV and MaxxPro vehicles. Viconic’s blast-mitigating floor mats leverage a proprietary technology to reduce injury-inducing forces on the lower extremities. In addition, the company has developed low-cost blast seat energy absorbers and protective interior trim solutions.
http://www.ndia-mich.org/michigan-defense-expo
Senator Gary Peters Visits Viconic Defense
January 8, 2018
TAYLOR, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve visited Viconic Defense in Taylor, MI on January 8th. Senator Peters toured Viconic’s state-of-the-art production facility and was able to get a hands on look at Viconic’s portfolio of survivability related products and manufacturing systems. “I wanted to come out and see some of the work being done here to save warfighters lives,” Peters said. “This is something I focus a great deal on.”
Last year, Senator Peters supported provisions providing additional support to the U.S. Army’s Stryker vehicle program with upgraded weapons systems, survivability improvements to the vehicle hull, and other mobility and communication improvements. Stryker is the U.S. Army’s most versatile and deployable combat vehicle, and earlier this year, Peters helped lead a bipartisan letter with Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), calling for funding to complete much-needed upgrades. In addition, last year the National Guard issued a safety alert related to rollover mishaps and loss-of-control. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a provision encouraging the U.S. Army to mitigate the risk of humvee rollover accidents and requesting a briefing on plans to mitigate rollovers. Senator Peters has previously written to the Acting Secretary of the Army about his concerns related to humvee safety. Additionally, the Michigan National Guard has undertaken a pilot program for commercial off-the-shelf technology aimed at mitigating humvee rollovers using technology manufactured in Michigan.
“This is an example of what we have going on here in Michigan,” Peters said. “We have world class auto suppliers that are creating incredible products that work not just in the civilian market, but that can also be applied to the defense industry. This company can take that expertise and apply it in a way that will save soldiers’ lives. One of the most dangerous things to do right now isn’t necessarily being in combat but getting to combat. Explosive devices are everywhere.” Peters said that more deaths occur during troop transport and movement than in actual combat. “It’s companies like this that are incorporating technologies that will save lives.”
About Viconic Defense Inc.
Viconic Defense is a leading provider of survivability solutions to the United States military used in the protection of warfighters against a wide range of threats. It’s Blast Defender™ technology is currently fielded in thousands of vehicles including JLTV, FMTV, MATV and MaxxPro vehicles.
Viconic Defense Launches New Shock-Mitigating Boat Matting Product
November 27, 2017
Viconic Defense announced today the launch of a new shock-mitigating boat matting product called Shock Defender™. Leveraging its proven energy absorbing technology for blast-mitigation and vehicle occupant survivability solutions, Viconic has developed a low-cost boat matting that provides superior shock-mitigation on high speed watercraft. “We are very excited about the prospects of our technology to better protect occupants of high-speed watercraft by absorbing the significant forces of wave slam impacts,” said JB Audi, Vice President. Working with the Navy’s NAVSEA Combatant Craft Division (CCD) the Shock Defender™ technology has underdone rigorous testing including shock attenuation, salt water immersion, solar radiation and surface friction. Shock Defender™ is designed to custom fit the entire deck of a boat accounting for necessary removable areas over hatches and other areas of the deck that require regular access. Relative to other competitive matting, Shock Defender™ delivers nearly 10% lower tibia acceleration and over 30% better surface friction.
About Viconic Defense Inc.
Viconic Defense is a leading provider of survivability solutions to the United States Military used in the protection of warfighters against a wide range of threats. It’s Blast Defender™ technology is currently fielded in thousands of vehicles including JLTV, FMTV, MATV and MaxxPro Vehicles.
Additional information about Viconic Defense can be found at www.viconicdefense.com.
U.S Army Places $195 Million Order For Joint Light Tactical Vehicles
August 1, 2017
Oshkosh Defense announced today that the U.S. Army has placed another order for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program including 748 vehicles and 2,359 installed and packaged kits. The order valued at more than $195 million, is the fifth order for JLTVs since the contract was awarded in August 2015.
“Soldiers and Marines need a reliable, transportable, and protected mobility solution that balances payload, protection, and performance,” said Dave Diersen, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager of Joint Programs. “The Oshkosh JLTV is that solution.”
The JLTV program is currently in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and remains on-schedule, on-budget and is completing reliability and performance test activities as well as logistics supportability evaluations around the country. The program anticipates a Full Rate Production decision in FY19, with the first Army unit equipped by mid-FY19 and both Army and Marine Corps Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in early FY20.
The Oshkosh JLTV
- A vehicle 1/3 smaller and 1/3 lighter than the Oshkosh MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle, or M-ATV
- Off-road speeds 70 percent faster than today’s gold standard, the Oshkosh M-ATV
- A modular design that can be quickly and efficiently outfitted for a full range of missions
- Banks® 866T, 6.6 Liter Turbo Diesel Engine, based on GM® Duramax® architecture
- Fully transportable by air or sea, such as C130, CH-53 and CH-47
- Network ready and VICTORY compliant
- Superior ride quality
Viconic Defense to Exhibit at MDEX 2017
March 24, 2017
On April 26th and 27th, Viconic will be exhibiting at the 2017 Michigan Defense Expo at the Macomb Community College (MCC) Expo Center. This will be the 4th year in row Viconic has participated in this event. Viconic’s focus is to engineer survivability solutions that provide the most effective protection from impact-related injuries to better protect today’s warfighter. Our technology has a proven history of optimizing cost, mass and performance. Viconic engineers have developed an improved blast-mitigating floor mat that provides superior force reduction compared to currently fielded mats leveraging our proprietary technology and can be customized for virtually any specific military vehicle. We have validated performance at the Army Research Lab (ARL) meeting MRAP specification for ballistic shock mitigation and reduced lower tibia force 22% more than a competing technology. In addition to blast mats, we have developed several prototype impact management solutions including interior trim protection and energy absorbing seat cushioning products for numerous military vehicles.
http://www.ndia-mich.org/michigan-defense-expo
U.S. Army Places $42 Million Order For The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program
September 26, 2016
OSHKOSH, Wis. (September 26, 2016) — Oshkosh Defense, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) company, announced today that the U.S. Army has placed a $42 million order that exercises available options for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program including vehicles, installed kits and packaged kits. The order is the third since the contract was awarded in August 2015. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with an estimated completion date of November 2017.
“This latest order demonstrates that the JLTV continues to be a central piece of the Army’s future ground force and a modernization priority,” said Dave Diersen, Oshkosh Defense vice president of Joint Programs. “The JLTV program is moving forward with a focus on giving Soldiers and Marines the next generation light vehicle they need for their missions.”
The JLTV program will replace 55,000 of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps’ uparmored HMMWVs. The JLTV designed and manufactured by Oshkosh delivers unmatched performance, protection, networking and off-road mobility in a light vehicle package to support Soldiers and Marines as they perform missions outside the wire. Designed with room for growth as threats evolve, the JLTV’s scalable design is able to adapt to future requirements.
The Oshkosh JLTV, which will be on display at Modern Day Marine 2016 from September 27-29, is outfitted with an EOS R-400S-MK2 remote weapon system integrated with Orbital ATK’s M230 LF 30 mm lightweight automatic chain gun to demonstrate the vehicle’s ability to support increased lethality including a medium caliber weapon system.
About Oshkosh Defense Oshkosh Defense is a leading provider of tactical wheeled vehicles and life cycle sustainment services. For decades Oshkosh has been mobilizing military and security forces around the globe by offering a full portfolio of heavy, medium, light and highly protected military vehicles to support our customers’ missions. In addition, Oshkosh offers advanced technologies and vehicle components such as TAK-4® independent suspension systems, TerraMax™ unmanned ground vehicle solutions, Command Zone™ integrated control and diagnostics system, and ProPulse® diesel electric and on-board vehicle power solutions, to provide our customers with a technical edge as they fulfill their missions. Every Oshkosh vehicle is backed by a team of defense industry experts and complete range of sustainment and training services to optimize fleet readiness and performance. Oshkosh Defense, LLC is an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE: OSK].
To learn more about Oshkosh Defense, please visit us at www.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency, military and specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide by rental companies, concrete placement and refuse collection businesses, fire & emergency departments, municipal and airport services and defense forces, where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, please visit www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
SAE Automotive Engineering focuses on Viconic Defense Technologies
April 3, 2015
In March, SAE Automotive Engineering published an article featuring Viconic Defense and our recent innovations with thermoplastic technology. The report highlights our energy absorption solutions being used to protect soldiers from severe impact injuries. To read the article online visit http://articles.sae.org/13988/
Viconic Defense Completes Renovation of Global Headquarters in Michigan
March 5, 2015
Viconic Defense announced today that it has completed renovations to its global headquarters. “We are extremely proud of the recently completed renovations at our global headquarters,” said Dick Audi, President and CEO of Viconic Defense. “The new offices provide our team of engineers, sales professionals and executives a first class environment to collaborate and continue the innovation surrounding our patented energy absorbing safety technology. The state-of-the-art interior design provides an open environment that promotes greater interaction and creativity.”
General Dynamics Awarded $26 Million for Cougar Survivability Upgrade Program
March 28, 2014
The U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va., has competitively awarded General Dynamics Land Systems – Force Protection a contract valued at $26 million for survivability upgrades for Cougar combat vehicles previously delivered under the Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) program.
The company will develop, design and produce 468 Seat Survivability Upgrade (SSU) kits for the MRAP vehicles. The kits will include energy absorbing seats, five-point seatbelts and blast mats to enhance the survivability and operation of the Cougar. Additional improvements include a reconfiguration of the internal crew Automatic Fire Extinguisher System, upgrades to the driver and co-driver compartments, and other improvements to the interior layout and stowage.
General Dynamics will complete delivery of the kits by July 2015.
http://www.generaldynamics.com/news/press-releases/detail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1811=18984
Viconic Launches New Military Blast Mat
December 18, 2013
Viconic Defense, Inc. recently launched a new cutting edge energy absorbing blast mat designed to significantly bolster troop’s safety in military vehicles around the world. The threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) presents a very severe threat to troops in today’s global operational environments. The company started full production this month for a first order of over 1000 mats for a prime contractor.
The blast mats made from Viconic’s proprietary technology can be customized for each specific vehicle and mat thickness can be varied to match specific floor contours. Recoverable for multi-hit flooring applications, the stiffness can be tuned to unique vehicle blast or crash pulse by changing beginning sheet thickness of thermoplastic used to form the impact absorbing technology. The mats are relatively lightweight made with durable, washable, high-impact thermoplastics giving the product a long lifecycle.
Viconic Impact Absorbing Technology Applied to Military Vehicles
July 22, 2013
To improve safety and survivability, Viconic Defense, Inc. has developed a kit of impact absorbers for the interior of military ground combat vehicles . These absorbers protect an occupant’s head from impact with interior hard points during blast, crash and rollover events. Unlike passenger cars and trucks that contain soft plastic and fabric trim, the interior of combat vehicles is made up of rough steel surfaces, sharp beams and rigid equipment.
Viconic’s absorbers are made from a highly recoverable thermoplastic that allows them to recover to their original shape after abuse from harsh mission environments. Viconic has shown that it’s absorbers provide superior head impact protection compared to foam padding. Viconic solutions can be developed and implemented quickly to make any combat or transport vehicle safer within months of initial consultation. This includes retro-fitting existing vehicles. Viconic technology is leading choice of impact protection in today’s passenger cars and trucks.
Improved Helmet Suspension System
October 24, 2012
Viconic Defense senior development engineer, Ryan Brooks, attended an industry day on October 17th held by Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) Product Manager Infantry Combat Equipment (PdM-ICE). The PdM-ICE is looking for new technologies for an Improved Helmet Suspension System (IHSS). The IHSS will be leveraged to help reduce and/or prevent concussions, skull fractures, and other injuries caused by blast, blunt impact, and ballistic trauma to the head. Viconic will be responding to the PdM-ICE solicitation with its patented helmet liner technology. Blunt impact testing at independent laboratories has shown that the Viconic helmet liner performed better than standard issue pads. The Viconic liner has a 36% lower peak head acceleration when tested at 14.1 ft/sec. Please contact Ryan at [email protected] for more information on how Viconic Defense products can protect our soldiers in action.
Evolution: Crushable to Recoverable
September 5, 2012
Viconic continues to improve on the first generation of “crushable” blast mat technology. Understanding the current market and realizing that the military has a use for a recoverable, multi-use blast mat, Viconic’s engineers investigated new geometries, technologies and materials and unveiled their new mat made from a thermoplastic polyurethane. Viconic’s leadership and engineering team is pleased with multiple blast simulation test results – realizing 37% more protection over the closest competitor.