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O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt and DuPont Join Forces

11 September 2000

O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt and DuPont Join Forces In Development of Super-Lightweight Composite Armor

                        IMPAK(TM) Advanced Technology
          Manufactured Exclusively For O'Gara Light-Armored Vehicles

    FAIRFIELD, Ohio, Sept. 11 O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt, the
world's largest and most experienced developer of armoring systems for
passenger vehicles, has entered into an exclusive agreement with DuPont, the
world leader in advanced fibers, for the design and manufacture of a
super-lightweight composite armor product developed specifically for O'Gara
light-armored vehicle protection systems.
    Available for O'Gara armored cars on a worldwide basis, the newly
developed IMPAK(TM) Advanced Vehicle Armor marks the first time that a
composite armor has been specifically developed to bring distinct advantages
for armored cars and trucks.  It also signifies the first step in a long-term
commitment by the two companies for the ongoing research and development of
lightweight armoring solutions for vehicles.
    The new technology offers a wealth of advantages in ballistic integrity,
quality assurance and physical properties that make it among the most
effective materials available for light-armored vehicle protection systems.
Previously, light-armor materials were developed primarily for use in soft
body armor applications (bulletproof vests, etc.) and lacked many of the
characteristics desired in vehicle protection systems, such as formability and
resistance to environmental factors.
    "The teaming of experts at DuPont and O'Gara has resulted in IMPAK
advanced vehicle armor -- a new technology that is far superior to existing
protection systems," stated O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt CEO Bill O'Gara. "This
innovative technology will provide us with the unique opportunity to offer our
worldwide customers a protection system that cannot be matched by any of our
competitors."
    IMPAK provides high-tensile strength, utilizing Kevlar(R) fibers that are
five times stronger than steel on an equal-weight basis. The thermo-formable
system permits enhanced molding of panels for precise fittings in today's
aerodynamically designed vehicles.
    Adding less than 40kg to the average sedan, IMPAK's super-lightweight
characteristics results in reduced weight being utilized in the finished
vehicle, thereby providing excellent getaway performance capabilities and
reduced wear and tear on brakes, drive train and suspension.
    IMPAK(TM) has also been designed to meet all weather-related challenges.
By utilizing Kevlar(R), the technology is resistant to extreme heat, as it is
capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 400 degrees Fahrenheit before
any appreciable loss in tenacity.
    Kevlar(R) fiber technology can also withstand extreme cold, performing in
temperatures as low as -50 degrees Centigrade without any signs of shrinkage
or expansion.  In addition, IMPAK armor panels are water resistant through the
use of coating that protects fiber layers from moisture.
    "We are excited to partner with O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt in the
development of ballistic armor technology for the fast-growing armored vehicle
segment," said Dale Outhous, Global Marketing Manager for DuPont Kevlar(R).
"IMPAK is a superior product delivering outstanding quality and performance in
the armored vehicle marketplace."

    Armored Vehicle Market Booming
    The development of IMPAK advanced vehicle armor comes amidst robust
international demand for O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt's light-armored protection
packages.  In newly released figures, the company reports that worldwide sales
of light-armored vehicles have grown by more than 1100 percent in the United
States from 1996 to 1999, and by more than 700 percent in Latin America over
the three-year period.
    Accordingly, total armored vehicle sales have grown dramatically at
O'Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt.  The company sold 1400 armored cars worldwide in
1999, six-times the number of units O'Gara sold in 1996.
    Virtually undetectable and providing security assurance without calling
attention to the vehicle or driver, O'Gara's light-armored handgun protection
system incorporates a myriad of safety enhancements, including state-of-the-
art composite armor, multi-layered glass with a polycarbonate inner layer,
run-flat tires, an explosion-proof fuel tank and a bullet-resistant battery.
Designed to defeat from 9mm up to .44 Magnum ammunition, the system can be
equipped on more than 50 sedans and Sport Utility Vehicles.