Delta Scientific, the US manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, in 2012 announced that 26 16-foot Delta MP5000 mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers were used by the Secret Service at both national political conventions: the Republican Convention in August and the Democratic Convention in September. Provided through Global Access Control Systems (Pittsburgh), these mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers carry a K8 rating (M40 per new ASTM rating), stopping 7.5 ton (6400 Kg) vehicles traveling 40 mph (64 kph).
“First used successfully to protect NATO troops in Kosovo and elsewhere, Delta’s quick deployment, modular portable solutions can be rapidly set up on existing concrete or asphalt roads, level compacted soils and other hard surfaces,” said Greg Hamm, Delta Scientific vice president of sales and marketing. “Towable barricades answer the needs of clients that require a temporary barricade system to address a specific threat or secure a facility during special events, such as these conventions.”
In both Tampa and Charlotte, the self-contained MP5000’s were towed into position to control vehicle access within 15 minutes. No excavation or sub-surface preparation is required. Once positioned, the mobile barricades unpack themselves by using hydraulics to raise and lower the barriers off their wheels. DC-powered pumps then raise or lower the barriers.
Over 1,000 of the MP5000 mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers are being used around the world; many in the Middle East to protect US troops from truck bomb attack. In Iraq and Afghanistan, such as at Camp Victory, the 16-foot clear opening model allowed large-tracked vehicles, such as Strikers, to pass through the barricade.
Both the operation of the barrier as well as deployment and retrieval are push-button controlled. A standard system includes a battery-operated power unit, replenished from a solar array or local low voltage source. Optionally, a Delta Hydraulic Power Unit operated on a locally supplied power or full manual system, or combination, is available.
