The Aluminized Proximity Crash-Rescue Coat/Trouser Ensemble: A Technical Evaluation

The Navy Clothing & Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) developed a lightweight, knitted, aluminized Kevlar fabric for fabrication of new fire proximity crash-rescue suits, which provided greater flexibility and comfort to the firefighter in performing his or her duties. The standard suit, fabricated of 100% woven Kevlar, was heavier, stiffer, and much more difficult to move in than the new proximity suit. The new aluminized proximity Kevlar knit crash- rescue (APCR) coat/trouser ensemble then underwent a technical evaluation to show compliance with several development test and evaluation (DT&E) threshold parameters, including flammability, burn injury, and radiant heat penetration. The DT&E results demonstrated that the new APCR ensemble consistently met or exceeded the results development test thresholds.