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Cut and Puncture Resistant Low Mass Diver Dry Suit with High Mobility

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Special Operations Command
Contract: H92222-10-P-0069
Agency Tracking Number: S101-001-0025
Amount: $99,873.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: SOCOM10-001
Solicitation Number: 2010.1
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-08-22
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2011-02-22
Small Business Information
301 Turnpike Road, PO Box 409
New Ipswich, NH 03071
United States
DUNS: 001030667
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Charles Howland
 Chief Engineer
 (603) 291-1000
 chowland@warwickmills.com
Business Contact
 Steve Bauguess
Title: Contracts Administrator
Phone: (603) 291-1035
Email: sbauguess@warwickmills.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

We propose to provide essential protection from lacerations, punctures and abrasion for SOCOM’s free swimming diver force using a multi-layer laminate. The key technology will employs a novel stretch-pleat design with a proven puncture and cut resistant fabric that will allow a lower diving mass ensemble with a focus on mobility. The core puncture and cut layer is based on a lightweight puncture resistant fabric we designed for several NASA’s Mars space flights, where mass was also mission critical. This material was used to build the inflatable impact bags that protected Pathfinder, Spirit and Opportunity vehicles as they did a controlled crash-landing on Mar’s surface with its sharp volcanic rock surface. In addition to this cut and puncture layer, we propose a novel stretch knit made from a unique combination of stretch yarns and high modulus yarns. These two textiles layers will form a lightweight flexible stretch system that will offer the SOCOM diver force unprecedented protection without restricting their mobility. The third component that we propose is a high performance, breathable water barrier that will be sandwiched and protected by the two textile layers, creating a complete system for thermal management essential for the diver adapting to diverse environments. BENEFITS: Stretch-pleat concept with puncture and cut resistant fabric will provide essential protection from lacerations and punctures for free swimming SOCOM diver force and commercial diving community. The technology will combine inherently puncture resistant fabric with stretch pleat design to allow a lower diving mass ensemble with focus on mobility.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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