Combat uniforms of the future will host a range of smart features. They will allow patchless identification and have the ability to identify other combatants in the field as friend or foe. They'll feature RFID tags and functional computer input devices. The fabrics employed in them will be self-cleaning and be embedded with blood clotting agents.Suitable for use in all seasons, they will be customised through just-in-time manufacturing processes and are also likely to feature radiation shielding, far spectrum signature protection and advanced display capability. It is also likely that they'll be biodegradable. All of these features, however, will not appear overnight, but are the subjects of intensive research and development currently being carried out by the US military. In the 40 years since the Vietnam War, many improvements have been made to the functionality, comfort and protection offered by the US Army's combat uniforms. However, with advances in technology come new threats, which require further protection to safeguard troops. Potential enhancements the US Army is currently evaluating include: Intelligent textiles serving as the backbone for electronics, optics and other sensors; lighter ballistic protection; improved camouflage/signature management; selfdetoxifying, chem/bio protective fabrics and membranes; flame rotection, antimicrobial protection; improved fit, comfort and durability; and, less logistical burden through enhanced mobility. In the short term, options that are likely to be adopted include improved fasteners, better sizing options, passive/active cooling and venting, UV resistance, insect repellancy, improved water repellancy and a one-piece, simplified design. Something as simple as the replacement of Velcro with mesh knit hook and loops systems which will result in a 27 % noise reduction can be a very nice improvement. The introduction of insect repellancy is vital in situations like the current conflict in Iraq in staving off potential illnesses. Mid-term advancements were likely to involve the use of e-textiles to some extent, with other introductions including the wider use of antimicrobial and flame retardant materials, extended infrared protection and stitchless seams. Traditional electro-optical devices, cables and antennas are not designed for wearable applications and few technologies exist at the moment to integrate electronics into textiles, but the US Army is now actively exploring the use of body-conformal networks, visually covert antennas and other textileintegrated electronics to improve mobility and communications. One specific garment was the JSLIST (joint service lightweight integrated suit technology) overgarment for chem/bio protection. While more light weight than previously, the JSLIST is still a lot heavier and bulkier than needed. It is based on activated charcoal, and the latest version is now launderable, but work is still ongoing on an improved version. The latest concept envisages reducing the amount of activated charcoal and a lot of work is being done on membrane structures, as well as more efficient closure systems, to ensure there is no vapour or aerosol egress. Work is also ongoing, on developing an integrated protective fabric system which is self-detoxifying. Catalysts are being experimented with which will hopefully chemically react to make any contaminated clothing safer. At the moment once clothing has been contaminated there is no intention of it ever being used again, and this doctrine will continue until a successful catalyst has been identified.


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    Titel :

    Future fighter. Vast resources are at the disposal of the US Army in developing new functionality for clothing


    Erschienen in:

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2008


    Format / Umfang :

    1 Seite, 1 Bild



    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Print


    Sprache :

    Englisch




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