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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 »

DRIFIRE Fortrex Burn Test

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012

We saw this video at last week’s Warrior Expo East and we’re glad we can share it with you. It’s good to be able to show you what a burn test looks like. Fortrex is a performance FR material from DRIFIRE that also provides moisture management and antibacterial properties.

www.DRIFIRE.com

Tags: Drifire
Posted in FR, Materials, Warrior Expo | 9 Comments »

Warrior Expo East – DRIFIRE Fortrex Fabric Follow Up

Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

DRIFIRE Fortrex

Here is some additional information on DRIFIRE’s new Fortrex fabric which combines drirelease‘s fast dry moisture management and odor control with the known FR protection of Dupont’s Nomex and Kevlar.

www.drifire.com

Tags: Drifire, Warrior Expo East
Posted in ADS, FR, Materials, Warrior Expo | 1 Comment »

Adaptive for Play in Multiple Environments

Friday, July 13th, 2012

Let’s face it, DOD budgets aren’t exactly getting larger these days, so, in the interest of diversifying their customer base and product portfolios, Serket has teamed with TenCate (scrap fabric only – no real Defender M was harmed in the manufacture of this sun dress) and Travis McDowell (and his Grandma) to develop a functioning prototype of the world’s first flame resistant, no-melt, anti-static, anti-microbial, MultiCam sundress (concept only – hold your money orders, operators are NOT standing by).

Test/evaluation is currently underway in Somalia, Syria, The Congo (in Kryptek Mandrake) and Asheville, N.C.

Tags: Secret, TenCate
Posted in Clothing, For the Ladies, FR, Multicam, WTF? | 4 Comments »