Aug 11 2009
Members of the U.S. Military, law enforcement and fire services professionals, and others recently participated in the "Warrior Days" show, hosted by ADS Tactical in Virginia Beach, VA. The annual show highlights safety technologies and new applications that help protect those who protect us.
Visitors to the annual “Warrior Days” watched THERMO-MAN® highlight the protective performance of garments made with DuPont™ Nomex® fiber.
This year, the show featured THERMO-MAN, the DuPont thermal mannequin portable demonstration unit, which is equipped with heat sensors and used to test and help predict the protective performance of garments made with DuPont Nomex fiber. For many in the audience who wear flame resistant apparel to stay safe while performing their job duties, this was their first opportunity to see a live demonstration of how Nomex works. Inherently flame resistant, Nomex is a leading brand for protection from fire. Earlier this year, DuPont launched new Nomex On Demand, a "smart" technology for firefighters that automatically reacts at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 20% increased thermal protection when they need it most.
DuPont Protection Technologies scientist Dr. Rich Young spoke to the crowd about the benefits of wearing Nomex when exposed to a flash fire event. The crowd then watched several THERMO-MAN burns. "It's always rewarding to showcase garments made from DuPont materials to actual end users," said Shari Litow, regional marketing manager for DPT. "It reinforces our mission to help protect people, critical processes, and the environment." In addition to Nomex, DuPont Protection Technologies showcased its Tychem line of chemical protective garments for military personnel and HazMat responders.
The Warrior Days also showcased the new U.S. Army Flame Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE). The FREE program contract was recently awarded to ADS and consists of a seven-layer system of flame resistant apparel designed for cold weather use by U.S. Army aviators. A majority of the layers are made with Nomex, and DuPont Protection Technologies (DPT) is working closely with ADS to find ways to increase supply chain speed so this critical system can get to Army aircrews before this coming winter.
"The FREE contract is a great affirmation of our strategy to increase our presence downstream in our value chains to generate end-user preference," said Craig Heilman, program manager for U.S. military thermal protection, DuPont Protection Technologies. "DuPont continues to work closely with the prime contractors that design new protective uniforms for the military. Our applications development experience and expertise are critical to strengthening our relationships and continued success in this industry."