FirstSpear TV

Archive for the ‘FR’ Category

Comparative Burn Test Video Dismounted FREE vs GEN III ECWCSADS

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

Wiley X Paladin GlovesADS Tactical

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.

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

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

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

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

Adaptive for Play in Multiple Environments

Friday, July 13th, 2012

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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.

Warrior Expo East – DRIFIRE Fortrex Fabric

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

DRIFIRE has introduced their new Fortrex fabric. The blend offers the benefits of drirelease fast dry moisture management and odor control in combination with the known FR protection of Dupont’s Nomex and Kevlar. it offers a great combination of durability, comfort and FR.

20120712-125045.jpg

Fabric is available in the range of 4.5 oz to 6 oz. Additionally, there are both plain and twill weaves available. The first operational use of the fabric is a two-piece flight suit for US Air Force Special Operations Command in both MultiCam and Digital Tigerstripe prints. Additionally, DRIFIRE is expanding its use by integrating the material into their combat ensemble.

www.drifire.com