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MultiCam Materials – TenCate Defender M

Thursday, September 13th, 2012

SSD regularly showcases a different MultiCam print fabric from Duro Textiles LLC. This week, we are covering the Defender M fabric from TenCate. MultiCam is a single camouflage pattern designed to hide the wearer in varied environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions. After a great deal of commercial success and adoption by elements of US Special Operations Forces, in 2010 MultiCam was selected for use by the US Army as its Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP).

TenCate‘s Defender M is a 6.5 ounce fabric that balances durability, breathability, and comfort. Additionally, it provides FR protection at the fiber level meaning it won’t wash or wear out. Not only does it not melt or drip but also extinguishes in the event of an explosion or flame threat. Manufactured from Lenzing FR Rayon fibers which originate in Austria, TenCate mills the fibers along with other materials to create Defender M. It is then printed by Duro in the MultiCam pattern and used by finished goods producers.

Defender M is used in the manufacture of the US Army’s Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform (FR ACU) as well as the Australian Army’s Operational Combat Uniform.

Duro will soon stock Defender M in the MultiCam print making the manufacture of FR garments easier than ever. They offer progressive pricing based on the number of yards ordered. For more information on this or any of the full line of MultiCam fabrics visit www.multicamfabric.com or email Galpen_Ben@DuroLink.com. Also, stay on the look out for an updated MultiCam fabric website soon.

Tags: Crye Precision, Defender M, Duro, Duro Textiles LLC, Multicam, TenCate
Posted in FR, Materials, Multicam | Comments Off on MultiCam Materials – TenCate Defender M

TenCate Protective Fabrics and Digital Concealment Systems Announce Defender M in A-TACS Camo

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

Both TenCate’s FR Defender M fabric as well as the A-TACS family of camouflage patterns from Digital Concealment Systems are familiar to SSD readers. What is new, is that TenCate will be offering Defender M, the standard FR fabric for US ground combat uniforms, in the A-TACS patterns. Currently, the only other camouflage available for sale in Defender M is MultiCam, making this pretty big news. Yes, there are a few national patterns printed on Defender M but they are restricted. Below is their press release.

TenCate Defender M sets the standard for flame-resistant military grade fabric, having been specified by both the United States Army and Marine Corps as the uniform material of choice for its ground troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thanks to its patented technology, TenCate Defender M not only provides exceptional protection from flame and heat, but also offers the level of comfort and durability required in combat uniforms. Now, TenCate and Digital Concealment Systems are proud to announce that both the A-TACS AU and A-TACS FG Camo patterns are available on Defender M fabrics. A-TACS Camo is now available on Tencate Defender M from Tencate. For more information, contact Mr. John Blackmon by email at j.blackmon@tencate.com or TenCate Customer Service by e-mail at: contactus@tencate.com.

Tags: A-TACS, Digital Concealment Systems, TenCate
Posted in Camo, FR, Materials | 6 Comments »

Propper Adds Army Combat Pant to Online Catalog

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

Propper has added their version of the Army Combat Pant to their ecommerce site. We covered the pant in-depth during last year’s Modern Day Marine, showing the various features. The ACP is manufactured from TenCate Defender M and integrates the Crye Precision knee pad.

This indicates that it may soon be for sale, at least to Government clients. Their description –

“The PROPPER ACP based on the Crye design is a specialized garment incorporating feedback from field trials and tests conducted in Afghanistan. The ACP, while resembling the appearance of the current Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform (FRACU), includes unique features, capabilities and characteristics necessary for improved performance on the modern battlefield.

The ACP offered by PROPPER is available in the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP or MultiCam).”

www.epropper.com

Tags: Crye Precision, Propper International, TenCate
Posted in Clothing, FR, Multicam | 11 Comments »

Breaking News – Dutch Seeking New Combat Uniforms

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

Earlier today, the Dutch military released a solicitation seeking manufacture of a new combat uniform.

-A new basic combat uniform for the entire armed force of the Netherlands including the Army, Air Force and most likely Marines as well
-Made in the official new camouflage pattern of the Netherlands, Fractal Pattern Green (NFP Green) and most likely adapted as well, NFP-TAN (Arid version)
-180 grams Flame Retardant fabric with insect repellant qualities
-Initial delivery of 13500 sets in the first year for NFP-Green uniforms

So far we don’t have any official photos of this new pattern. However, we understand that the basic pattern geometry in this photo is correct although there may be some slight shading changes.

104995 00 Jas en Broek Basis Vlamwerend en Insectenwerend

Tags: Netherlands
Posted in Camo, Clothing, Foreign, FR | 2 Comments »

Comparative Burn Test Video Dismounted FREE vs GEN III ECWCS

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

In this very powerful video demonstration ADS, Inc presents a burn comparison, in cooperation with DuPont and their Thermo-Man testing equipment, simulating the effects of fire exposure associated with an IED blast, demonstrating the effective differences between Dismounted FREE (Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble) and the current issue GEN III ECWCS (non-FR) clothing systems.

RESULTS
While the Dismounted FREE garments self-extinguish within seconds, the older, non-FR GEN III ECWCS continues to burn. The results of which are clear within the burn data:

Dismounted FREE – 99% Survival Rate, 9% Total Burn* (2.5% 2nd degree, 6.6% 3rd degree)
GEN III ECWCS – 67% Survival Rate, 53% Total Burn* (23.8% 2nd degree, 29.5% 3rd degree)

*Unprotected Thermo-Man head accounts for 7% of Total Predicted Burn Injury.

TEST:
Scenario: 4-second exposure, 60-second acquisition
GEN III ECWCS (Current Issue Cold Weather Clothing System)
-Cotton Base Layer
-Level II
-Level V

Dismounted FREE
-Level I
-Level II
-Level V

I’ve written about Dismounted FREE before. I encourage you to check out my previous article explaining its makeup and that it is an FR environmental clothing system for ground troops.

www.adsinc.com/dismounted-free

Tags: ADS Inc, Dismounted FREE, Dupont, THERMO-MAN
Posted in ADS, FR | 2 Comments »

Wiley X Paladin Gloves

Monday, August 6th, 2012

The new Wiley-X FR Paladin Combat Gloves meet ASTM D 6413 Flame Resistance, ASTM F 1790 Fabric Cut Resistance and NFPA 1971-07 Thermal Resistance. They incorporate DRIFIRE fleece insulation which provides both warmth and moisture wicking for intermediate to cold weather use.

They also incorporate a Kevlar weave throughout the fingers and back of the hand for both strength and FR as well as FR treated goatskin palms. Additionally, the Paladin includes a padded knuckle protector.

Offered in Coyote Brown and Foliage Green sizes Small – XXLarge.

Wiley X products are available for unit and agency purchase from www.ADSinc.com/Wiley-X.

Tags: ADS Inc, Wiley-X
Posted in ADS, FR, Handwear | 1 Comment »

Purnell – A New Brand of Workwear for Industrial Athletes to Debut at Outdoor Retailer

Friday, July 27th, 2012

This is exciting news. Originally developed for windmill techs, Purnell’s new line of performance workwear is targeted at a new audience; the Industrial Athelet. What I find fascinating about this is that we are beginning to refer to the Soldier and LE Officer as Warrior Athletes. The concept of an Industrial Athlete parallels the Warrior Athlete movement. Hopefully we’ll also see an emphasis on functional fitness as well as the development of performance clothing and equipment.

Let’s face it. Many construction and industrial jobs require the workers to face hazardous conditions and extreme weather. Items like this FR Harness Hoodie are designed to be worn by those who find themselves suspended in a harness. Also, I’d hazard a guess that this is the first time that features like bicep pockets have been integrated into industrial clothing. They’ve also introduced a lightweight as well as a non-FR version of the garment.

Purnell has developed an entire line of clothing and I’d say it’s worth a look. I’ll be sure to follow up during next week’s OR Summer Market.

purnellworkwear.com

Tags: Purnell
Posted in Clothing, FR, Industry | 4 Comments »

Applied Orange FR-UBAX

Thursday, July 26th, 2012

Dutch newcomer Applied Orange has introduced their take on the combat shirt. Called the FR-UBAX, it is an FR garment manufactured from TenCate Defender M fabric. What’s more, it’s manufactured in Europe to create a true high end and ‘locally’ made product.

Features include
-Full Ten Cate FR fabrics, Dutch woven sleeve and collar fabric and USA made Jersey and Mesh
-V shaped mandarin collar construction for better wearability with vests
-Double sleeve pocket construction with inner zipper closed pocket and full harmonica outer pocket for larger items

Look for these becoming available in August with multiple color variations including MultiCam with Tan 499 body for the US market.

www.appliedorange.nl

Tags: Applied Orange, TenCate
Posted in Clothing, Foreign, FR | 3 Comments »