Intended as a base layer, the wool mesh traps air providing insulation. It features padded shoulders for load carrying with thumb loops at the cuff. All stitching is flatlocked.
Made from a blend of Merino Wool and FR Polyster. Available in sizes XS-XXXL due to the tight fit.
Representatives from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam July 8-12 to introduce fighter pilots and aircrew flight equipment professionals to some of the newest developments in flight-suit technology.
Team Hickam’s Hawaiian Raptors, comprised of members from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons, have been selected to be the first aircraft operators to bring the gear, called the Integrated Aircrew Ensemble, into an operational capacity.
The visiting project managers from the Human Systems Program Office provided demonstrations, fittings and on-the-job training to F-22 Raptor pilots and the AFE Airmen who will maintain the state-of-the art ensemble.
“Being selected as the first unit, and also as the Air National Guard, over any other [major command] is definitely something to be proud of, said Senior Master Sgt. Michelle Davidson, 154th Operations Support Squadron AFE superintendent. “I think it says something about our work ethic and our integrity down here; that we’re willing to take on the challenge and be a part of this new process.”
Hawaii Air National Guard and Active Duty pilots were provided demonstrations and were individually measured for custom-fit equipment.
Unlike the currently used ‘legacy’ equipment, which had been piecemealed with additional support items over several decades, each component of the IAE has been designed to complement all other items. The IAE is built to support aircrew in all ejection-seat aircraft, to include fighters, trainers and bomb carriers. Its material has been influenced by recent advancements in sports technology to aid aviators who endure harsh flight conditions.
“It’s all strategically placed so items are not on top of each other; it minimizes the occurrence of friction, hotspots or wear-down on the system,” said Carl Medeiros, IAE program manager. “The material is also moisture-wicking, so it pulls moisture away from the body, removing and reducing thermal burden, while increasing mobility and comfort levels. When it all comes together, there’s a direct correlation and improvement to the physiological effects on the pilot.”
A combination of four layers can be used to support pilots in the face of natural elements and a wide range of mission sets. This includes a thermal undergarment for cold weather protection, a water-resistant environmental protection layer, a chemical/biological/radiological resistant layer and the coverall, which provides heat and flame protection.
While the new system will require additional familiarize training events for AFE Airmen, less man hours will be required to sustain and service the equipment. Developments, such as the new floatation device, make this possible, as it does not require sensitive munitions to activate and can be transported and handled without risks of explosive reactions.
According to Medeiros, the Hawaiian Raptors are projected to receive the IAE during the first half of 2020.
“Initially I think the buildup process is going to be quite tedious,” said Davidson. “It’s a big task to take on, but I think once the supplies are delivered and we’re all set up it’s going to be an amazing product for us to use.”
Story by SrA John Linzmeier
154th Wing Public Affairs
The latest version of the Canadian Navy’s Naval Enhanced Combat Uniform goes on trial soon with a Operational Wear test aboard a vessel. The earliest version was quite baggy, based on the Canadian Forces Combat Uniform, but in Black. It proved to be too baggy for use aboard ship. Logistik Unicorp produced the test uniforms and created a more streamlined fit as well as integrating features, like pocket designs, from a proposed next generation combat uniform.
The Naval Enhanced Combat Uniform is the replacement for the current No 5 Naval Combat Dress. Like its predecessor, it is black in color. However, two fabrics are currently being looked at, Nomex and Kermel, both competing pyramid fabrics with FR properties.
The shirt features onboard facing zippered Napoleon pockets as well as zippered hand pockets at the waist.
Additionally, there are zippered bicep pockets on either arm as well as a pile field for insignia.
One interesting feature is the integrated knee padding. It’s fairly simple and straightforward, but there are accommodations to add additional padding if needed.
In addition to fabric selection, they also hope to determine whether the trouser will feature a zippered rear pocket.
If all goes well, a final version will soon become the new No 5 dress for Canadian Navy personnel. Perhaps, some of the features of this uniform will find also their way into the combat uniform worn by ground-based Canadian forces.
Austria-based Carinthia makes some fantastic gear for some of Europe’s most elite military units. For instance, they developed this rain suit for the British Royal Marines.
Made from WL Gore’s Pyrad material, it is a waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex shell which is also FR. It is also printed in the British military’s Multi Terrain Pattern camouflage.
The suit is based on Carinthia’s PRG rain suit which incorporates large zippered chest pockets as well as zippered bicep pockets and zippered underarm ventilation.
Carinthia products are available in Canada from Rampart International.
Heading to SOFIC? Stop by the TenCate Protective Fabrics booth for a Free TechT4™ T-Shirt (Booth #348 *while supplies last).
Designed with the wearer in mind, TechT4™ is an all-new, t-shirt-like fabric that performs similar to top-of-the-line athletic wear, while at the same time providing inherent FR protection. Engineered with COOLDERM™ Technology, TechT4™ keeps wearers dry, comfortable, and safe thanks to sweat-wicking and evaporative technology built right into the fabric.
Join us next week to see our full lineup of innovative fabrics designed to keep you comfortable and protected in the field and on the job.
Here’s a quick look at Coolderm™ Technology
Outlaw™ tactical gloves are made from the highest quality materials available and are designed for extreme environments with protection in critical areas, high dexterity, a non-slip grip, comfort, and durability. A7 Outlaw™ gloves are very robust with tops of genuine leather, flexible knuckle protection, and a breathable 4 way stretch material with palms and thumb cradle made of a proprietary silicone webbing that is extremely durable, flame resistant, chemical resistant, and provides extreme grip even when wet.
a7defenseandaerospace.com/product/outlaw-gloves
Massif’s Hellman Combat Pant and Advanced Quarter Zip Combat Shirt are NAVAIR approved. As a recent SOA list addition, these new items are interchangeable with the approved Massif 2 Piece flight suit to give Aircrews the flexibility to pick and choose flight gear based on mission and environment. This is huge for Naval Aircrews as this is the first time a Combat-Style pant with integrated knee pad has been approved for flight use. Navy and Marine Corps helo crews spend lots of time on their knees and this move is bringing much needed relief.
Massif has done a great job of working with various communities like naval and Marine Corps aviation to not only boost performance, but also preventing injuries.
* Sigma 4 Start Fabric powered by DuPont Nomex and DuPont Kevlar
* Integrated/removable Crye Precision Airflex Kneepad
* Intuitive Hand Pockets and utility pockets built with comfort and usability in mind
* Dual entry cargo pockets
* Available in Sage Green, Tan, and OCP
Tech sheet and sizing chart can be found at www.massif.com/profession/navy/hellman-pant.
* Proprietary 4 way stretch fabrics now fielded in over 7 million combat shirts
* Superfabric covered elbows offer protection and abrasion resistance
* Ultra lightweight collar and zipper
* Adjustable cuffs and thumb loop for secure fit
* Advanced breathability and wicking properties
* Available in Sage Green, Tan, OD Green, Black and OCP
* Women’s fit available in Sage Green and OCP
Tech sheet and sizing chart can be found at www.massif.com/profession/navy/advanced-14-zip-combat-shirt.
The upcoming Firewalker Boot Sock by FITS is not only FR, but also Berry compliant. Verified to NFPA 1971, 2018 Edition Structural and Proximity Firefighting Standard, it is made from 69% Merino Wool, 24% Nylon, 4% Polyester and 3% Lycra® Spandex. The Merino content offers inherent FR, moisture and odor control. The Firewalker also incorporates FITS’ proprietary features; Heel Lock® provides heel security that limits the chances of a blister when combined with a properly fit boot and their Dynamic Toe Cup® limits the amount of material in toe box to prevent bunching in a critical area of the foot.
For more info, contact John Siver II, john@fitssock.com.
