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Archive for the ‘FR’ Category

Army Combat Pants

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

Yes, the Army IS working on a new pair of pants to complement the Army Combat Shirt. The idea was to develop a pair of trousers that were designed specifically for combat. In addition to protection from flash and flame another major requirement was built in knee protection.

Produced by Massif, manufacturers of the ACS, the Government design features hard knee pads developed by Crye Precision. They are made from 7.3-ounce, fire-resistant twill and offer a reinforced, stretchable seat. This last feature was added since so many Soldiers have to slide down steep slopes in mountainous regions. Limited User Evaluations (LUE) were completed earlier this year in Georgia and West Virginia. Further tests are scheduled for FY10 in Afghanistan but who knows what will happen now due to the Congressional monkey wrench.

It is very important to note that at this point there is no validated requirement nor a formal program to procure the ACP. The development and evaluations are another case of the folks at PEO-Soldier leaning forward in the foxhole.

Tags: Crye Precision, Massif
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Drifire Two Piece Flight Suit

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Drifire has developed a new two piece flight suit in support of a Marine Corps requirement and it has been already been approved by NAVAIR for deployed evaluations. Designed as a flight suit, anyone can take a look at it and realize it will have a great deal of applicability for use as a ground combat uniform or for Law Enforcement Tactical Teams who require FR protection.

The jacket incorporates the most useful features of the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform (A2CU) but is streamlined and omits the more frivolous items such as ports for the micro climate cooling system. The trousers also have incorporated features from the A2CU such as zippered pocket access and knife pouch along the inner thigh but this latter feature has been a mainstay of flight suits for over 50 years.

While the design is excellent what makes this garment really stand out if the fabric. It has inherent flame resistance but also includes two other features rarely found in FR undergarments let alone in full clothing. It has inherent moisture management (4X faster than cotton) as well as anti-microbial protection. This means you are going to be much more comfortable in a hot environment.

It is sized XS to 2XL with regulars, longs, and shorts. This is a big leap for the guys that are heard to fit with traditional one-piece flight suits. For example, you can mix a X-Large top with a Medium bottom. It will soon be offered for purchase in both Desert Tan and Coyote Brown but other colors will be available with minimum order. For more information visit www.drifire.com.

Tags: Drifire
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Ghillie Suit Base Layer

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

PEO-Soldier is finalizing an improved Ghillie Suit Accessory Kit which for the first time, has included a Base Layer garment. Designed by Crye, the Base Layer, according to a PEO-Soldier briefing, provides “fire resistance as well as improved counter-surveillance protection, protection from flame and thermal threats, increased mobility and agility, increased multi-system operability, and anti-odor/anti-microbial properties.”

Of course this begs the question; is this an indictment of UCP? If snipers require superior camouflage why is it Multicam and not UCP?

Tags: Crye Precision
Posted in Camo, Clothing, FR, Multicam, PEO-Soldier | 1 Comment »

FREE Contract Award

Friday, April 17th, 2009

The US Army has awarded ADS Inc of Virginia Beach, VA a contract for the new Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE). ADS will lead a team of over ten U.S. technical garment manufacturers and technical textile companies to produce and supply the versatile, multi-layer, 17-component system for fielding this year.

The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office, Product Manager, Clothing and Individual Equipment (PM-CIE) awarded this indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract consisting of a base year and three additional option years. If all contract options are exercised the total contract value will exceed $1 billion.

FREE is designed specifically for aviation and combat vehicle crewmen, and utilizes advanced textile technologies in a range of garments, from lightweight base layers to weather-protecting outerwear. Contractors include Barrier-Wear, Massif, Darn Tough Vermont, Polartec and London Bridge.

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MICH Helmet Balaclava

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Designed specifically for wear with a helmet, the Eagle Balaclava features a NomexÂ® skull cap area to eliminate hot spots and the remainder the material is fashioned from Dri Fire also used by Crye The balaclava also has an elastic adjustment and there are button holes on both sides of the mouth to accommodate boom microphones or Communications and Ear Protection wires.

The Balaclava is available directly from Eagle Industries.

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Odor Eating Underwear on the International Space Station

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

I don’t know how we missed this. Japanese Astronaut Koichi Wakata is testing a new style of space-aged odor eating underwear during his stay on the ISS. The current garment must be changed every three days but the test item is designed to last a whopping seven days. Additionally, the wicking garment has FR properties.

So, they prevent stink for up to seven days, wick sweat, AND are FR? Sounds like heaven.

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Propper Releases New ACUs

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

FR ACUs
Propper has just released a new Army Combat Uniform constructed to military specification GL/PD 07-13 with Defenderâ„¢ M, a flame-resistant, combat fabric used by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. It exceeds ASTM D 6413-99 flame resistance standards and not only self-extinguishes but will not melt or drip. The FR ACU contains Lenzing FRÂ® which absorbs and evaporates perspiration faster for maximum comfort. Includes square marker on the left sleeve and left cargo pocket to identify a fire-resistant garment in the operational theater.

Coat and Trouser Available (Patches and nametapes not included)

NO FLY Zone ACUs
The No-Fly Zoneâ„¢ ACU is constructed to military specification GL/PD 07-14 and treated with the active ingredient Permethrin, a man-made insecticide that effectively repels mosquitoes, ants, chiggers, flies and midges. It offers 99% protection over an 8-hour period (when combined with 35% DEET on exposed areas of the skin.) Registered with the EPA and tested by the U.S. Military. Permethrin remains effective for 25 launderings.

Coat, Trouser, and Cap Available (Patches and nametapes not included)

Tags: Propper
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Propper Goes FR at SHOT Show

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

It looks like FR is the “in thing” for this year’s SHOT Show and Propper is sure to satisfy. In addition to their commercial FRACU (Fire-Resistant Army Combat Uniform), they will be unveiling Fire Resistant System (FRS) from Adventure Tech.

Additionally, Propper continues to innovate with the No Fly ZoneÂ® Army Combat Uniform â€œApparel That Repels Insectsâ€, AF APECS and GEN II ECWCS manufactured in the Dominican Republic and a cool and comfortable 100% Cotton ABU (Airman Battle Uniform).

Last but not least Propper will showcase their popular Advanced Protective Combat Uniform (APCU). I have been using the Level V Jacket and Trousers in Multicam for about two months now and they are both comfortable and durable. In fact the entire line was developed as an improved alternative to the issue PCU. To purchase APCU contact US Cav.

Be sure to visit Propper at Booth number 8877.

For more information on any of Propper’s line visit them on the web at www.propper.com.

Photo of Level V courtesy of US Cav.

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