MILIPOL 2023: Stunt team tests GORE-TEX PYRAD®

Military forces must be able to trust that their flame-resistant equipment protects them from risks in deployment - whether it's the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) or an accident while refueling a military or aviation vehicle. Deployment suits with PYRAD® product technology from GORE-TEX Professional (Gore) protect against sudden heat and open flame. Combined with an additional GORE-TEX membrane, the PYRAD® technology also provides additional protection against common chemicals, fuels such as petrol and diesel, and most diluted acids and alkalis. This has been confirmed by various tests conducted by Gore with an experienced stunt team, recreating realistic scenarios that military forces may be exposed to.

The PYRAD® product technology is based on a physical effect: it consists of countless small reactive graphite particles evenly incorporated into the fabric. When the particles are strongly heated by a sudden flame, they instantaneously react to form a stable, seamless carbon layer that effectively prevents heat flow through the laminate and stops the spread of the flame.

Paul Jennewein, product specialist at GORE-TEX Professional for flame-resistant military clothing, explains: "The PYRAD® product technology elevates the equipment of soldiers to a new level. It provides critical protection against sudden open flames and, at the same time, a high level of comfort and freedom of movement through the lightweight fabric."

Durable heat and flame barrier with and without membrane

The PYRAD® textile technology is used both for combat suits without a membrane and for weather protection with the GORE-TEX® membrane - depending on the operational situation and weather conditions: The PYRAD® technology by GORE-TEX LABS offers effective protection against sudden heat and open flames, and when combined with an integrated GORE-TEX membrane, additional protection against common chemicals, typical fuels like petrol and diesel, the majority of diluted acids and alkalis.

Combat suits with the PYRAD® textile technology without a membrane are ideal, especially for operations in warm areas. Soldiers then only need a combat suit with integrated PYRAD® flame protection. They also serve as Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) specifically for physically demanding activities: The BDU contains only one textile layer and can therefore be comfortably worn under the combat suit.

PYRAD® technology by GORE-TEX LABS in Fitness-for-use Test

Gore had the "fitness for use" and operational readiness of the PYRAD® product technology simulated in a realistic scenario. Under controlled conditions and with strict safety requirements, deployment clothing with and without a membrane underwent real tests:

Accident while refueling military or aviation vehicles
During refueling of military vehicles and aircraft under combat conditions, fuel can come into contact with soldiers' clothing and ignite by contact with an ignition source such as open flame, sparks, or extremely hot surfaces. In the test, a GORE-TEX PYRAD® Defence FR rain suit was sprayed with a diesel-petrol mixture and ignited by a small gas ignition.

Heat and flames from improvised explosive devices
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) pose a threat to soldiers in global operations. In the test: PYRAD® combat clothing by GORE-TEX LABS, confronted with two large gas explosions and a continuously burning gas flame as a heat source, as well as lycopodium as an additional fire effect in the background.

"The tests under real conditions have impressively shown that the PYRAD® technology lives up to its promise: Our technology protects the forces that stand up for our society - under the toughest conditions," evaluates Paul Jennewein the fitness-for-use tests. ALL INFORMATION about GORE-TEX PYRAD® directly at GORE-TEX PROFESSIONAL.

GORE-TEX Professional (Gore) presents the PYRAD® product technology for armed forces at Milipol 2023 in Paris (November 14 - 17, 2023) at booth 5 C 110.

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