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Uniform Integrated Protective Ensemble Air 2 Piece Under Garment Completes Testing at Dyess AFB

Tuesday, June 29th, 2021

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —

A joint military test team recently conducted ongoing developmental and operational testing of the Uniform Integrated Protective Ensemble Air 2 Piece Under Garment at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

UIPE Air 2PUG is a two-piece carbon-based protective undergarment designed to be worn underneath the CWU-27/P flight suit and is intended to provide chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protection to aircrews in toxic environments.

The test team was made up of members from the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s Detachment 2 and the 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Eglin AFB, Florida, the Navy’s Operational Test and Evaluation Force, and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Agile Combat Support Directorate Human Systems Division.

The new system is intended to offer better mobility, breathability, and a lower thermal burden on aircrews. UIPE Air 2PUG allows aircrews to stay in the suit longer and do their jobs with less heat burden or chances of heat casualties.

During this phase of testing, the UIPE Air 2PUG was tested on C-130J Super Hercules aircrews from the 39th and 40th Airlift Squadrons that are part of the 317th Airlift Wing at Dyess AFB. The aircrew simulated aircraft preflight checks and conducted a ground egress in order to field test the new UIPE Air 2PUG garment. The test event also focused upon the garment’s interoperability and compatibility with current equipment.

“The joint ground test provided critical feedback from the user to the engineering and testing team,” said Lt. Col. Brent Gaylord, 317th Operational Support Squadron commander. “The 317th Airlift Wing utilized a full aircrew complement to include female aircrew members representative of our diverse crew force and ensuring all ergonomic factors are considered. Updating decade’s old equipment is an exciting process to be a part of and is critical to maintaining our qualitative advantage over global competitors as we continually pursue full spectrum readiness.”

“This was the final ground compatibility test event,” said Tech. Sgt. Bryce Gardner, AFOTEC Det. 2 Aircrew Flight Equipment Program manager. “Previous test events were conducted with the KC-135 (Stratotanker) at McConnell AFB, Kansas; the HH-60 (Pave Hawk) at Nellis AFB, Nevada; and the F-15 (Eagle) at Eglin AFB. Multi-Service Operational Test and Evaluation will occur in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.

“This test event went very well and the test team gathered all the required data because of the outstanding support received from the Dyess Aircrew Flight Equipment team and the participating C-130 aircrew,” Gardner said.

Once testing is completed and UIPE Air 2PUG is approved, it will be fielded to all Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Army aircrews across fixed wing, rotary wing, ejection seat and large frame aircrafts.

AFOTEC’s mission is to inform the warfighter and acquisition through operational tests. AFOTEC evaluates the capability of systems to meet warfighter needs by planning, executing, and reporting independent operational assessments, tests, and evaluations. From concept development to system fielding, AFOTEC evaluates a system’s overall operational mission capability under realistic conditions. AFOTEC’s mission requires lock-step efforts with acquisition partners focused on shortening the combat capability delivery timeline.

By Katherine C. Gandara, Public Affairs Advisor, Headquarters Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, CBRNE, Guest Post | Comments Off on Uniform Integrated Protective Ensemble Air 2 Piece Under Garment Completes Testing at Dyess AFB

5th SOS Tests New Aircrew Protective Mask for C-130 Enterprise

Friday, June 4th, 2021

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. — The 5th Special Operations Squadron demonstrated the unique capabilities of the unit while testing a new protective mask for the 53rd Wing.

The squadron tested the Joint Service Aircrew Mask for Strategic Aircraft, which is slated to replace the current Aircrew Eye and Respiratory Protection System equipment. The equipment protects aircrew against Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats in the air.

The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron, which falls under the 53rd WG at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is responsible for testing new equipment in electronic warfare, armaments and avionics, chemical defense, reconnaissance, and aircrew training devices. They selected the 5th SOS to assist in testing the mask.

“The 5th SOS is perfect for the test because we’re all instructors and evaluators with thousands of flight and combat hours,” said Maj. Justin Eulberg, 5th SOS AC-130J Ghostrider evaluator and pilot. “It was very natural for the 5th to take on that role and apply our experience to the ergonomics of this equipment.”

Eulberg was one of the pilots flying during the JSAM SA tests.

The 28th TES needed a dynamic environment with many moving components to test the practicality of the new system. The 5th SOS operates AC-130J Ghostriders, which offer a diverse culmination of specialties all happening within a limited space, creating the ideal testing environment for the new system.

“We’ll have gunners in the back moving around loading ammo, sensor operators talking over radios and pilots flying, so the work load is heavier [than a standard airframe,]” said Eulberg. “In their own terms, [the 28th TES] wanted to test it on one of the most difficult airframes last.”

JSAM SAs are more comfortable and designed to include a helmet and hood in the event of a CBRNE threat, according to aircrew who conducted the assessment. The dual helmet-mask design is also capable of supporting communications equipment, doesn’t fog up as easily as the AERPS and doesn’t require a second blower to provide oxygen.

“I’m 100 percent for this new system, I think it could potentially save lives downrange” said Master Sgt. Justin Spurling, 28th TES aircrew flight equipment manager. “The updated technology will keep our aircrew safe in a CBRNE environment and is much easier to maintain.”

Spurling assessed and routed the results of the test to Air Combat Command for further evaluation.

The 5th SOS was the last squadron to test the JSAM SA before C-130 platforms across the U.S. Air Force could field the system. The tests yielded positive results, rating higher than the AERPS in a range of topics from hypoxia prevention to ease of respiration.

“We have our fingers in a lot of different pies, not just training at the school house,” said Eulberg. “We also conduct tests and augment our active duty counterparts. Our participation in the test changed the future of how we protect aircrew against CBRNE threats.”

The tests lasted eight days and required aircrew to evaluate the effectiveness of the mask in a variety of scenarios.

“These tests play an important role in the larger modernization of the Air Force,” said Spurling.

Reserve instructors and evaluators have conducted similar tests in the past on new equipment and processes that fall under United States Special Operations Command priorities such as crew workload tests.

“The 5th SOS is in a unique position because of how diverse the expertise is within the squadron,” said Eulberg. “We offer a unique melting pot of experience, there’s just not another squadron like it in the Gunship community.”

To see more examples of how the 5th SOS and other squadrons throughout the 919th Special Operations Wing continue to leverage technology and innovation, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

By SrA Dylan Gentile, 919th Special Operations Wing

Posted in Air Force, CBRNE, Guest Post | Comments Off on 5th SOS Tests New Aircrew Protective Mask for C-130 Enterprise

Socks for Chem/Bio Environments Featuring GORE CHEMPAK Selectively Permeable Fabric

Tuesday, May 18th, 2021

WL Gore & Assoc offer a an Advanced Chemical/Biological Sock made with GORE CHEMPAK Selectively Permeable Fabric.

These breathable socks are designed to be worn under standard combat boots, offering protection against a broad range of threats, including Chemical Warfare Agents, Toxic Industrial Chemicals, and Biological hazards. By allowing the operator to wear standard boots, there’s no loss of traction or mobility due to clunky over boots.

Air impermeable and liquid-proof, the sock offers broad protection against liquid and wind driven agents in liquid, vapor, or particulate form , such as contaminated wind driven sand.

What’s more, their Multiple wash/wear capability allow them to be reused if they have not been exposed to chemicals.

Check out WL Gore & Assoc’s portfolio for the SOF Operator at www.goretexprofessional.com/SOFIC2021.

Posted in Advertiser, CBRNE, Materials, SOFIC | 2 Comments »

Are Your Hazmat Crews and First Responders Equipped for Nuclear and Radiological Threats in 2021?

Saturday, May 8th, 2021

(Wellington, FL, April 27, 2021) – Paratore Enterprises, Inc, a Florida company, is proud to offer First Responders better ways to protect themselves from radioactive sources.

Headquartered in Wellington, FL, Paratore Enterprises, Inc, understands that after a year of lockdown throughout most countries, now in 2021 the world continues to have its nuclear and radioactive threats. With over 70 years of experience working in defense and law enforcement distribution in various capacities, Paratore Enterprises helps First Responders and Hazmat crews procure the means to do their job while being protected.

“There are three main types of nuclear terrorism,” explains Dalia Paratore, President and Founder of Paratore Enterprises, “nuclear explosives (nuclear bomb), nuclear sabotage (taking over a power plant) and detonation of radiological devices (dirty bombs or RDDs)”

The immediate health effects from exposure are determined by the amount of radiation absorbed by the body, the type of radiation (gamma, beta or alpha), the distance from the radioactive agents and the length of time of exposure. The general population is in danger but much more so are First Responders and Hazmat crews. They need to be ensured the highest level of protection.

The number of the FBI’s domestic terrorism investigations has doubled to 2,000 since September 2020. Arrests on charges related to domestic terrorism have also jumped by nearly 70% to 180 in the most recent fiscal year. RDDs are comparatively easier to acquire material for and detonate and for this reason are popular among terrorist groups.

“Many First Responders use Demron radiation suits, vests, shields and blankets. Demron radiation protection is similar to lead shielding, while being lightweight and flexible. Demron is proven by the United States Department of Energy to significantly reduce high energy alpha and beta radiation and reduce low energy gamma radiation,” explains Paco Paratore, Paratore Enterprises’ Chemical Engineering Subject Matter Expert. “These suits are thermo-conductive, meaning the wearer will not overheat as opposed to other suits and will be able to work longer. They are also reusable, something key for organizations’ budgets.”

Posted in CBRNE, Press Release | 1 Comment »

FLIR Wins DARPA Contract Worth Up to $20.5M to Develop Revolutionary New Protective Fabrics for Chem-Bio Defense

Monday, April 12th, 2021

Personalized Protective Biosystems (PPB) Program Will Create Fabrics with Built-In Ability to Fight Chemical and Biological Agents, from VX to Chlorine Gas to Ebola Virus

ARLINGTON, Va.–FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced it has won a contract with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to rapidly develop novel fabrics with embedded catalysts and chemistries that can fight and reduce chemical and biological threats upon contact. The revolutionary fabrics will be incorporated into protective suits and other equipment such as boots, gloves, and eye protection that can be worn by troops on the battlefield, medical experts, healthcare workers, and more. FLIR received $11.2 million in initial funding for the potential five-year effort worth up to $20.5 million, including options.

The goal of DARPA’s Personalized Protective Biosystems (PPB) program is to reduce the substantial weight and physiological burden of current Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) so soldiers and other specialists can better perform their tasks. PPB will combine novel, lightweight protective materials with new prophylactic medical technologies that mitigate chemical and biological threats at vulnerable tissue barriers, notably the eyes, skin and lungs. The complete system will enable troops and first responders to operate without the burden of carrying and wearing PPE, which can cause heat stress and reduce time spent completing the mission.

“With lives at stake, future operators wearing PPB suits will gain a major edge in staying protected from toxic chemicals and emerging biological threats such as dangerous viruses,” said Mark Stock, VP and general manager of the Sensor Systems business at FLIR. “We’re honored DARPA has chosen us to lead this extraordinary and highly innovative effort to develop first-of-its-kind protective fabrics for our nation’s warfighters, health and public safety officials.”

FLIR and its teaming partners will develop a prototype fabric material, the Integrated Soldier Protective System (ISPS), for testing by government laboratories. Work will be performed at FLIR facilities in Pittsburgh. The ISPS award consists of a two-year base period, two-year first option, and one-year final option. The result after five years will be a suite of prototype protective fabrics and garments ready for transition to a program of record with the U.S. Department of Defense.

FLIR safeguards people and property by providing tools that see and sense harmful Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) substances. For more on FLIR Systems’ threat detection products, visit www.flir.com/threat-detection/.

Posted in CBRNE, Contracts, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on FLIR Wins DARPA Contract Worth Up to $20.5M to Develop Revolutionary New Protective Fabrics for Chem-Bio Defense

Gentex Announces Contract with Republic of Korea for Pilot Protective Clothing Set

Tuesday, February 16th, 2021

GENTEX PILOT PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SET II (PP-II) TO BE USED AS COMPLETE CBRN DEFENSE SYSTEM.

CARBONDALE, PA February 9, 2021 – Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, announced today that it has signed a contract with the Republic of Korea for the Gentex Pilot Protective

Clothing Set II (PP-II) to be used as a Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defense system. The PP-II includes complete head to toe CBRN protection including CBRN suit, gloves, socks, and the Tacair respirator for F-15 and F-16 pilots.

The $20.6M production contract of the TACAIR product line provides the Republic of Korean Air Force with a system that seamlessly integrates mission essential equipment such as the Gentex oxygen mask, optical and communications devices. The contract also includes extensive training on product operations and maintenance, as well as testing and storage for up to 10 years shelf life. The Gentex TACAIR Hood Assembly incorporates the MBU-20/P oxygen mask technology for positive pressure breathing (PPB) protection for both altitude and high G levels. The comfortable lightweight system is completely man-mounted and requires no aircraft modifications or power.

“For over 60 years, Gentex has been the leader in aircrew protection solutions,” said Robert McCay, vice president at Gentex, “This contract brings our industry-leading protection to the Republic of Korea, and we are proud to continue to protect global defense forces.”

Gentex’s portfolio of air products includes helmets, optical protection, respiratory, and situational awareness solutions. For more information visit, www.gentexcorp.com/gentex/defense/air.

Posted in Advertiser, Aviation, CBRNE, Contracts, International, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Avon Protection’s FM50 Mask Chosen by the Netherlands

Thursday, January 7th, 2021

Avon Protection is pleased to announce they have received an order from The Netherlands for FM50 masks and FM61EU filters under the NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract.

The Netherlands joins other NATO Nations and Partners, Norway, Belgium and Finland, in purchasing the FM50 to protect their militaries. Developed in conjunction with the United States Department of Defense to counter the multiple CBRN threats met in modern war fighting, anti-terrorist and peace-keeping operations, the FM50 is the most operationally proven and widely deployed battlefield respirator in the world.

Commenting, James Wilcox, President, Military at Avon Protection, said:

“We are proud The Netherlands continues to choose Avon Protection to provide the best CBRN protective equipment for their troops. We look forward to continuing our relationship with this strategically important customer to deliver and support this world leading military capability.”

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Three NATO Nations and Partners Choose Avon Protection’s FM50 Mask System

Thursday, December 17th, 2020

Avon Protection has received an order to supply two NATO Nations and one Partner, Belgium, Finland and Norway with their market leading CBRN respiratory protection including FM50 mask systems, filters, spares and accessories.

The FM50 provides operational flexibility required by NATO Allies and Partners forces; designed to protect troops in the most demanding of environments. Developed in conjunction with the United States Department of Defense to counter the multiple CBRN threats met in modern war fighting, anti-terrorist and peace-keeping operations, the FM50 is the most operationally proven and widely deployed battlefield respirator in the world.

Commenting, James Wilcox, President, Military at Avon Protection, said:

“This order demonstrates the continued confidence and reliance on Avon Protection to supply product of the highest quality and performance to protect militaries around the world. We look forward to continuing our relationship with these strategically important customers to deliver and support this world leading capability.”

This is the first order for Avon Protection under the NATO Support & Procurement Agency contract worth $33 million. The framework contract enables NATO countries and partners to purchase Avon Protection’s market leading respiratory protection system, based around FM50, full suite of filters, MP-PAPR, (Powered Air Purifying Respirator), ST53 (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and accessories.

www.avon-protection.com

Posted in CBRNE, Contracts, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Three NATO Nations and Partners Choose Avon Protection’s FM50 Mask System