PRODUCT TIERS
CAPRANEX™ MILITARY
Maximum throat and cervical protection for combat, SOF, and EOD operations.
- NIJ IIIA + removable ceramic throat plate for rifle threats
- Dyneema/Kevlar hybrid collar, mandible-to-nape coverage
- 6-DOF IMU with 200 Hz head/neck orientation tracking
- CapraLink twist-lock MIL-spec connector to CapraHelm™
- Hot-swap pull-tab breakaway with blast overpressure liner
- CBRN mask quick-release port with positive-pressure seal
CAPRANEX™ PROSUMER
Low-profile handgun-rated collar for law enforcement, executive protection, and private security.
- NIJ IIIA soft armor in slim concealable profile
- Dyneema/Kevlar flex panels, articulated 5-panel hinge
- 6-DOF IMU orientation tracking at 200 Hz
- CapraLink standard interface with quick-release mechanism
- Moisture-wicking TENCEL comfort liner
- Concealable under high-collar garments and suits
CAPRANEX™ CONSUMER
CE-rated impact and whiplash protection for motorsport, industrial, and adventure use.
- CE Level 2 impact armor with D3O inserts
- Lightweight GFRP shell with sport ergonomic profile
- 3-axis accelerometer for fall detection and impact logging
- CapraLink USB-C data port for basic system integration
- Ventilated design with whiplash reduction geometry
- Lightest configuration for all-day active wear
MATERIALS PLATFORM
Dyneema® SB117
Ultra-high-performance polyethylene laminate rated to NIJ IIIA. Lighter than Kevlar at equivalent protection level. Used in the military collar shell for maximum ballistic performance with minimum weight penalty. Self-lubricating fiber reduces friction heat during multi-hit scenarios.
Kevlar® KM2 Plus
Para-aramid fiber with exceptional flex fatigue resistance — critical for the hinged clam-shell design that articulates thousands of times per mission. Maintains ballistic performance across -40°C to +70°C operating temperatures. Forms the hybrid layup with Dyneema for multi-threat coverage.
Carbon-Fiber PA12-CF
Reinforced nylon housing for the clam-shell frame. High stiffness-to-weight ratio provides structural rigidity while allowing articulated hinge movement. Impact-resistant at joints and connector interfaces. Machined to MIL-STD-810H environmental tolerance.
PROTECTION MATRIX
| Specification | Consumer | Prosumer | Military |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballistic Rating | CE Level 2 | NIJ IIIA Soft | NIJ IIIA + Ceramic |
| Shell Material | GFRP + D3O | Dyneema/Kevlar Flex | Dyneema/Kevlar Hybrid |
| IMU Sensor | 3-Axis Accel | 6-DOF (200 Hz) | 6-DOF (200 Hz) |
| Connector | USB-C Data | CapraLink Standard | CapraLink MIL-Spec |
| Breakaway | Sport Release | Quick-Release | Hot-Swap Pull-Tab |
| CBRN Port | — | — | NATO STANAG |
| Coverage | Sport Collar | 5-Panel Hinged | Mandible-to-Nape |
| Profile | Lightweight | Concealable | Full Combat |
CAPRALINK™ INTERFACE
Twist-Lock Connector
MIL-spec twist-lock connector mates the CapraNex™ to the CapraHelm™ with one quarter-turn. Power, data, and cooling lines all route through a single ruggedized interface.
Hot-Swap Breakaway
Pull-tab breakaway design disconnects instantly under snag force. The collar separates cleanly without damaging connectors. Reattaches in seconds with a push-and-twist motion.
Cable Routing
Internal cable channels route power and data from the vest-mounted CapraPack™ through the collar to the helmet. No exposed cables. No snag points. Full cable management built into the armor shell.
CBRN Mask Port
Quick-release interface port allows CBRN gas mask attachment without removing the collar. Positive-pressure seal maintains NBC protection while the ballistic collar stays locked in place.
SYSTEM STATUS
CapraHelm™ HUD displays collar status, ballistic coverage, and cervical load in real time.
SAFETY DESIGN
Passive Ballistic Protection
The Dyneema/Kevlar collar protects regardless of power state. Electronics enhance awareness, but the armor works without them.
Emergency Breakaway
Pull-tab disconnects the collar from the helmet instantly. Designed for snag, drag, and entanglement scenarios. Spring-loaded release requires deliberate force to prevent accidental separation.
Cervical Overload Alert
If neck loading exceeds safe thresholds, the system alerts the wearer via HUD and haptic feedback. Prevents injury from sustained awkward postures or excessive weight.
Ventilation Channels
Engineered airflow paths prevent heat buildup around the neck even with the throat flap deployed. Phase-change cooling inserts extend comfort during sustained operations.
DEPLOYMENT SCENARIOS
Combat Operations
- NIJ IIIA collar stops handgun fragments and secondary blast debris targeting the exposed neck zone
- Ceramic throat plate upgrades frontal protection to rifle-class for sustained firefights
- Pop-up throat flap deploys in under 1 second when contact is initiated
- Hot-swap breakaway prevents drag injuries if the operator is caught in vehicle egress or snag scenarios
Law Enforcement
- Prosumer tier provides NIJ IIIA handgun protection in a concealable low-profile collar
- Fits under high-collar tactical shirts and standard duty uniforms without printing
- 6-DOF IMU logs impact events with timestamp and vector for use-of-force documentation
- Articulated panels allow full tactical head movement for weapon shouldering and corner checks
Motorsport & Racing
- Consumer tier CE Level 2 impact armor absorbs crash forces without ballistic bulk
- Whiplash reduction geometry limits hyperextension during high-G deceleration events
- Lightweight GFRP shell with D3O inserts keeps total weight under 400g
- Fall detection with automatic emergency alert transmitted via CapraCore mesh network
Industrial & HAZMAT
- Neck protection against falling debris, sparks, and chemical splash in industrial environments
- CBRN mask interface port enables gas mask attachment without removing the protective collar
- Cervical load monitoring alerts workers to sustained awkward neck postures before injury onset
- High-temperature variant withstands radiant heat up to 300°C for foundry and welding operations
MATERIALS SCIENCE
| Dyneema SB117 BALLISTIC | Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) unidirectional laminate. Cross-plied 0°/90° layup for multi-directional threat resistance. NIJ IIIA rated against .44 Magnum at 436 m/s. Areal density ~5.5 kg/m² at the IIIA protection level. Hydrophobic matrix sheds moisture without degradation. |
| Kevlar KM2 Plus BALLISTIC | Para-aramid fiber woven into the inner collar layers. Superior fragment resistance and cut protection versus UHMWPE alone. The Dyneema/Kevlar hybrid layup combines UHMWPE’s weight efficiency with aramid’s multi-hit durability. Each layer is individually calendered for consistent areal density. |
| Alumina/SiC Ceramic BALLISTIC | Optional throat plate insert for rifle-class threats (Military tier only). Mosaic tile architecture distributes impact energy across adjacent tiles for multi-hit capability. Reaction-bonded silicon carbide backing provides fracture toughness. Adds approximately 280g to frontal coverage area. |
| Carbon-Fiber PA12 STRUCTURAL | Carbon-fiber reinforced nylon (PA12-CF) injection-molded clam-shell housing. Provides the rigid frame that the ballistic panels mount to. Glass-transition temperature >150°C ensures dimensional stability in hot environments. Hinge pins are 17-4PH stainless steel for fatigue resistance. |
| Phase-Change Inserts COMFORT | Microencapsulated paraffin PCM (melt point 28°C) embedded in closed-cell foam pads. Absorbs thermal energy during the first 90 minutes of wear, then slowly releases as ambient temperature drops. Each insert is rated for ~15 kJ of latent heat storage. Machine-washable at 30°C. |
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Helmet Interface
The CapraNex upper collar ring mates directly to the CapraHelm™ lower cowl via a quarter-turn twist-lock connector. Power (12V/2A), CAN-FD data, and optional liquid-cooling lines route through a single ruggedized interface rated to 10,000+ mate cycles. The docking geometry enforces correct alignment before the lock engages.
Vest Attachment
The lower collar mounts to the CapraSkin™ shoulder yoke via a slide-rail quick-release. Internal cable channels run from the vest-mounted CapraPack™ battery through the collar to the helmet. No exposed cables, no snag points. The rail geometry distributes collar weight across both shoulders.
IMU Sensor Fusion
The CapraNex 6-DOF IMU broadcasts orientation data at 200 Hz on CAN-FD arbitration ID 0x3A0. CapraCore fuses this with CapraHelm™ IMU data (0x3B0) to build a complete cervical spine model. Relative head-to-torso angles detect fatigue postures and impact events with directional accuracy.
Graceful Degradation
If CapraLink is severed or the collar operates standalone, all ballistic and structural protection continues to function. Smart features (IMU telemetry, cervical load alerts, HUD status display) go offline. CapraCore recalculates its body model without neck data within 200 ms of disconnect detection.
ACCESSORIES & ADD-ONS
Ceramic Throat Plate
Rifle-class Al₂O₃/SiC composite insert upgrades frontal throat coverage from NIJ IIIA to Level IV. Mosaic tile architecture for multi-hit capability. Adds ~280g. Drop-in replacement: no tools required, secured by retention clips inside the throat flap pocket.
CBRN Mask Adapter
Quick-release adapter converts the CapraNex front panel into a NATO STANAG-compatible CBRN mask dock. Positive-pressure silicone gasket maintains NBC seal while the ballistic collar stays locked in place. Attaches to existing mounting bosses with a quarter-turn.
Phase-Change Cooling Pack
4-pack replacement PCM inserts for the internal collar lining. Each insert absorbs ~15 kJ of latent heat at 28°C melt point, extending comfort by approximately 90 minutes in hot environments. Machine-washable at 30°C. Replacement schedule: every 12 months for daily field use.
Comfort Liner Pack
4-pack antimicrobial TENCEL moisture-wicking liners sized for all three tiers. Hook-and-loop attachment for tool-free swap. Each liner rated for ~200 hours of wear before antimicrobial treatment degrades. Machine washable at 40°C.
BILL OF MATERIALS
| Component | Specification | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Shell | NIJ IIIA Dyneema SB117 / Kevlar KM2 Plus laminate collar | BALLISTIC |
| Inner Liner | TENCEL moisture-wicking comfort fabric, replaceable | COMFORT |
| Throat Flap | Articulated Dyneema panel with spring-loaded pop-up hinge | BALLISTIC |
| Clam-Shell Frame | Carbon-fiber reinforced nylon (PA12-CF) hinged housing | STRUCTURE |
| IMU Module | 6-DOF MEMS IMU (3-axis accel + 3-axis gyro), 200 Hz | SENSORS |
| CapraLink Connector | MIL-spec twist-lock, IP67, power + USB 3.x data | INTERFACE |
| Breakaway Assembly | Pull-tab quick-release latch, hot-swappable design | SAFETY |
| CBRN Interface | Quick-release mask dock, NATO STANAG compatible | INTERFACE |
| Cooling Channel | Engineered airflow paths with phase-change inserts | THERMAL |
| Wiring Harness | Shielded twisted pair, CAN-FD bus to CapraCore | ELECTRICAL |
RISK ANALYSIS
Ballistic-to-Mobility Tradeoff
NIJ IIIA neck protection limits head rotation range. Mitigation: hinged clam-shell design maintains 85%+ ROM; articulated throat flap deploys only when threat detected; comfort mode retracts armor for full mobility.
Thermal Buildup
Sealed ballistic collar traps heat around the neck and throat. Mitigation: engineered airflow channels; phase-change cooling inserts rated for 2-hour thermal soak; TENCEL moisture-wicking liner.
Breakaway Reliability
Pull-tab breakaway must release under snag load but hold under ballistic impact. Mitigation: shear-pin calibrated release mechanism tested at 1,000+ cycles; dual-stage latch with manual override.
CBRN Mask Compatibility
Interface seal between collar and CBRN mask must maintain integrity. Mitigation: NATO STANAG-compliant dock geometry; silicone gasket compression seal; pressure-test QA at manufacturing.
PROTOTYPE ROADMAP
BALLISTIC VALIDATION
Dyneema/Kevlar laminate testing against NIJ IIIA threat matrix. Clam-shell hinge fatigue testing at 10,000 cycles. Throat flap deployment mechanism prototyping.
INTEGRATION PROTOTYPE
Full collar with CapraLink connector, 6-DOF IMU, and breakaway assembly. CapraHelm interface testing. Thermal management evaluation across -20°C to +50°C.
FIELD TRIALS
Wear trials with military and law enforcement advisors. CBRN mask integration validation. Range-of-motion studies across body types. Breakaway reliability certification.
PRODUCTION HARDENING
NIJ certification. MIL-STD-810H environmental qualification. Manufacturing process for Dyneema laminate at scale. Consumer and prosumer tier variants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Military tier provides NIJ IIIA soft armor with an optional ceramic throat plate for rifle-class threats. The Prosumer tier offers NIJ IIIA soft armor in a slimmer profile. The Consumer tier provides CE Level 2 impact protection for motorsport and industrial applications. All tiers protect from mandible to nape with overlapping articulated panels.
The hot-swap pull-tab breakaway design disconnects the collar from the CapraHelm™ under deliberate snag force (approximately 25-35 lbs of pull). This prevents drag and entanglement injuries. The spring-loaded mechanism requires intentional force to release, preventing accidental disconnection during normal operations. Reattachment takes under 3 seconds with a push-and-twist motion.
Yes. The Military tier includes a CBRN mask quick-release interface port. The gas mask attaches to the collar's front panel without removing the ballistic collar. A positive-pressure seal maintains NBC protection while the ballistic coverage remains locked in place. Compatible with NATO standard CBRN mask connectors.
The hinged clam-shell design with 5 independently articulating sections allows approximately 35° of rotation and 20° of lateral flex. The ballistic panels overlap during movement to maintain continuous coverage. Most operators report unrestricted tactical head movement after a brief adaptation period.
The 6-degree-of-freedom inertial measurement unit tracks head and neck position at 200 Hz. Combined with the CapraHelm™ IMU, it monitors cervical spine loading, detects falls and impacts, logs orientation data for after-action review, and alerts the wearer to sustained awkward postures that could cause neck injury.
The CapraLink™ twist-lock MIL-spec connector mates the collar to the CapraHelm™ with a quarter-turn. Power, data, and cooling lines all route through this single ruggedized interface. Internal cable channels run from the vest-mounted CapraPack™ through the collar to the helmet with no exposed cables or snag points.
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