Washington, D.C.
– A funding bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives
Tuesday includes $3.5 million for Hollister company Pacific
Scientific to continue testing of a system that uses airbags to
protect soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan from rocket propelled
grenade attacks.
Washington, D.C. – A funding bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday includes $3.5 million for Hollister company Pacific Scientific to continue testing of a system that uses airbags to protect soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan from rocket propelled grenade attacks.
The funding, which was written into the bill by Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel), will be used to further test the Tactical RPG Airbag Protection System. Developed by Pacific Scientific and scientists from the Naval Postgraduate School, the TRAPS uses commercial airbags and radar to fend off RPG attacks on Humvees.
“Ensuring that our troops’ vehicles are protected from daily attacks is the least we can do,” Farr said in a written statement.
While the funding bill has been approved by the House, the U.S. Senate must also pass it. Farr spokeswoman Jessica Schafer said the Senate will most likely ultimately approve the $3.5 million earmarked for Pacific Scientific. She said she expects a final version of the funding bill to be approved by fall.
“This project is very safe,” she said.
