April 8, 2020 3.02 pm This story is over 47 months old

BAE Systems supports NHS trusts with protective face shields

What a great gesture
BAE Systems is donating over 120,000 face shields to help protect NHS staff on the frontline. Photo: BAE Systems

A multinational defence, security and aerospace company is donating over 120,000 face shields to help protect NHS staff on the frontline during the coronavirus crisis.

BAE Systems will provide 1,000 shields for Lincolnshire, and will also 3D print more over the coming weeks.

Staff in its air sector, who normally produce parts for combat aircraft, and its Submarines business are 3D printing parts for the newly designed face shields. The firm will deliver over 120,000 face shields to the NHS this month.

BAE Systems are donating over 120,000 face shields to help protect NHS staff. Photo: BAE Systems

The first 20,000 shields will be delivered to communities in the north west, east and south of England this week. The first locations to receive the shields are Barrow, Preston, Blackpool Lancashire, Lincolnshire, London, Portsmouth and Southampton.

It is anticipating a further 50,000 shields will be delivered next, with an additional 50,000 the following week.

Staff in its Air sector, who normally produce parts for combat aircraft, and its Submarines business are 3D printing parts for the newly designed face shields. Photo: BAE Systems

It plans to scale up production of its 3D printed face shields to deliver around 10,000 single-use visors, with a smaller number of re-usable head straps, over the coming weeks, subject to government approval.

It is also continuing to work with its supply chain to source further face shields to donate to the NHS.

The first 20,000 shields will be delivered to communities in the north west, east and south of England this week. Photo: BAE Systems

Dave Short, Technology Director, said: “We’ve all been moved by the personal bravery of those working in the NHS who face the virus close up every day, so we wanted to help in any way we could.

“Our employees heard about the need for face shields, so we looked for the quickest way to get effective products to users.

“At the same time as talking to suppliers, colleagues from our Technology team and our Air sector joined forces to design and manufacture our first 3D printed face shield in less than 24 hours. We kept in constant dialogue with our NHS contacts to ensure this met their requirements and had the first shields with them in less than two days.”