Delta Scientific, the US manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control barriers, reports that 20 of its MP5000 mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers have been ordered by the Secret Service ahead of the January 20 inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. It’s to protect people in Washington DC at the ceremony from terrorists, using vehicles as a weapon. Provided through Global Access Control Systems of Pittsburgh, the mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers carry a K8 rating (M40 ASTM rating), stopping 7.5 ton (6400 Kg) vehicles travelling at 40 mph (64 kph).
Delta Vice President-Sales and Marketing Greg Hamm says: “With the highly publicized vehicle attacks in Nice, Ohio State, Berlin and, last week, in Jerusalem, it is an absolute necessity that attendees at the January 20 inauguration of Donald Trump be protected against this threat. In a tip of the hat to the Secret Service, they’ve been prepared for these threats since way before Nice. These barriers were used at both the Republican and Democratic conventions in 2012 and this past year as well as during the 2012 inauguration.”
The self-contained MP5000’s tow into position to control vehicle access within 15 minutes, the makers say. No excavation or sub-surface preparation is required. Once positioned, the mobile barricades will unpack themselves by using hydraulics to raise and lower the barriers off their wheels. DC-powered pumps will then raise or lower the barriers. Once the event is over, procedures are reversed and the barriers are towed away.
Delta adds that it always keeps an inventory of the MP5000s for purchase and delivery at their factory in Palmdale, California. The company’s products are in use at the US Capitol and other Washington landmark buildings, nuclear power stations, high-rise office buildings, Buckingham Palace, embassies and military bases; and the Ronald W Reagan and George HW Bush Presidential Libraries. Pictured is a MP5000 in use in downtown Philadelphia during Pope Francis’ visit to the United States in September 2015.
For video of crash tests of the barrier, visit the Delta website.
