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Spotlight on S&T - February 2007

New Revolutionary Protective Combat Gear for CF Members

A group of Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) researchers is developing a combat uniform prototype, called the CB^plus uniform that provides protection against chemical and biological agents. This uniform would protect Canadian Forces (CF) personnel against chemical and biological (CB) agents and provide some protection against toxic industrial hazards (^plus) -- hence its name -- while offering similar comfort and weight to the current CF daily combat uniform.

DRDC scientists faced the significant challenge of balancing sufficient levels of protection, comfort and thermal properties in a daily combat uniform. Designed to meet CF operational requirements, the CB^plus uniform proposes one of the most interesting solutions to just-in-time, transparent protection in a daily wear uniform. Novel materials are being developed based on carbon sphere and fiber technologies. Although the CF uses chemical protective clothing when needed, the current suit was not designed to be worn as a daily wear uniform or for longer periods of time in warm climates.

To validate the performance of the uniform concept, DRDC developed a unique test chamber located at DRDC Suffield. It is equipped with a simulation-based anthropomorphic mannequin that can perform a range of motions. The CB^plus test chamber can reproduce realistic environmental conditions by combining wind, temperature and relative humidity; the test chamber can produce liquid, vapour and aerosol challenges using chemical or biological simulants. The mannequin is anthropometrically correct and can run, walk, bend at the waist, lift and squat. The chamber is expected to be fully commissioned in 2007.

The CB^plus Technology Demonstration Project is in its final year. Work is underway to develop and test production-level materials. In addition, DRDC will continue to study the uniform in a number of human and mannequin system-level studies. The CB^plus concept will be considered by the Department of National Defence's Integrated Soldier System Project for possible introduction into the Forces by 2010-2012. The CB^plus uniform is also expected to offer response communities with a possible uniform to meet civilian protection requirements against chemical, biological and toxic chemical hazards.