post 36023977 by @hottod on 6 October 2018Following a request...

post 36023977 by @hottod on 6 October 2018

Following a request for information which was issued in April, the US Program Executive Soldier has issued a request for proposal for a new Improved Ghillie System (IGS) Overgarment and Kit. The Ghillie System is a camouflage outer garment worn by snipers. The request for proposal closed on September 24.

The Army has been seeking a more lightweight, breathable, faster-drying material than that used in the current sniper suits, with a minimum FR requirement of no melt, no drip. The material needed to offer some flame-resistance, but most of the soldiers’ protection was to come from the FRACU worn underneath. The objective was that the IGS material would self-extinguish when the ignition source was removed. Both inherent fibre FR and FR topical spray or finish were to be considered. Unless jute or hessian was used, the material components needed to be Berry compliant.

Lab and field testing of submitted samples will begin next month. Among other tests, the fabric will be tested for fire retardant effectiveness and tear resistance. A Limited User Evaluation is expected to commence in the US next Spring.

I’ve no idea if Alexium is involved but note the similarity of requirements with those of the Army’s IHWU program.

posted today by Todd South

An undisclosed number of suits were tested. But the Army plans to purchase as many as 3,500 suits, according to an Army posting. There are approximately 3,300 snipers across the Army, including conventional, Guard and special operations snipers.

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/12/18/army-and-special-operations-snipers-put-new-ghillie-suit-to-the-test/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=Socialflow+MIL