Defense facilities in MA
13 facilities · 4 categories
Human Systems
Human Systems in MA →2-Person Chamber for MOPP Ensemble Man in Simulant Test (MIST)
Natick, MA
A Man-in-Simulant Test (MIST) Chamber has been constructed at the Natick Soldier Center to measure vapor leak through chemical protective clothing ensembles. The chamber uses common approved chemical agent simulants that are recaptured after use to evaluate the protection factor associated with chemical protective clothing. The 2-man chamber provides two-hour MIST testing of new ensemble designs to identify protection issues during the research and development phase of these items. This testing is particularly valuable in assessing mask, glove, boot and garment interfaces as well as screening potential closure systems of any chemical protective item during prototyping. On-site testing will reduce development time and cost, reduce the amount of agent simulant required by larger alternative facilities and provide an immediate feedback mechanism for evaluating new ensembles and closure technologies.
Biophysical Laboratory
Natick, MA
Using a variety of instrumented equipment including sweating thermal mannequins, a thermal hand, a thermal foot, a guarded hot plate, and a Rapid-k instrument, we can evaluate the thermal protection of materials, garments, personal heating or cooling systems, and sleeping bags, and predict performance in a variety of work/clothing/environment scenarios. This laboratory has assisted in the development of extreme and cold weather clothing, firefighter ensembles, personal heating and cooling systems, and chemical/biological protective gear.
Camouflage Evaluation Facility (CEF)
Natick, MA
Technological advances in sensors drive the requirement for enhanced individual signature reduction against current and emerging sensors as employed in battlefield and civilian scenarios. The Materials and System Integration Team works with DoD users to define and quantify requirements in support of systems that are responsive to diverse operational scenarios. Current projects include head/face and hand treatments, Reversible Camouflage, Improved Visual and Near-Infrared Camouflage Protection, and Short-Wave Infrared Camouflage Protection. All of these efforts are greatly enhanced by evaluations made in the Camouflage Evaluation Facility.
Design and Prototype Facility
Natick, MA
In the Design Facility, highly skilled clothing designers develop patterns and fabricate prototypes of end items. The facility has the various sewing machines, presses, fusing machines and ultrasonic machines necessary to accomplish this mission. These prototypes allow for initial fit/wear tests and assist in the preparation of technical data packages for large-scale procurement. Based on data collected, design changes are made and implemented, as necessary, throughout the development process, resulting in a proven final technical data package/purchase description and master pattern.
Doriot Climatic Chambers
Natick, MA
The size and configuration of the chambers provide great flexibility. The dual chambers allow simultaneous testing in both tropic and arctic environments. This enables you to have numerous studies completed in a relatively short amount of time, which calculates into savings. The sizes of the wind tunnels are 60 feet long by 10 feet high by 15 feet wide. The external access doors of each chamber are 8 feet high by 10 feet wide.
Hydro-environmental Simulator and Submersible Thermal Mannequin
Natick, MA
Our unique Submersible Thermal Mannequin is fully instrumented, permitting accurate measurement of body heat transfer while submersed in controlled air and water environments, including simulated seas. The mannequin is comprised of 10 independently controlled zones. Anti-exposure suits and diving components have been tested in this simulator with the submersible mannequin.
Materials
Materials in MA →Center of Excellence for Inflatable Composite Structures
Natick, MA
The Center of Excellence for Inflatable Composite Structures (CE-ICS) manages a textile technology process that are three dimensional, lightweight, load bearing members created when high strength fibers are formed into tubular structures that take predetermined shapes when filled with high pressure air or fluids. These replace metal structures and yield products that weigh 66% less then conventional items, take up less then 25% the volume when stored or shipped and cut deployment time by 60%. The Flexible Composite Structures are extremely lightweight and require minimal storage space during transit. The technology was transferred from the Army to Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and NASA. It was developed through both Government and Industry interaction.
Drop Tower
Natick, MA
The Drop Tower has two parts: an overhead crane with a weighted hook that holds and releases the test load; and below it cement pad. We fully instrument the test load to measure the impact shock and other variables, like temperature and pressure.
Textiles Performance Testing Facilities
Natick, MA
The Textiles Performance Testing Facilities has the capabilities to perform all physical wet and dry performance testing, and visual and instrumental color analysis on textile materials. Other unique capabilities include the Raincourt Facility, the Pilot Plant, the Shade Room and the Microscopy Laboratory.
Thermal Barrier Test Apparatus
Natick, MA
The Natick Soldier Center has the capability to evaluate flame retardant materials based on their flame/thermal protective performance at a heat flux simulating battlefield flame/thermal hazards. The performance is measured using a skin sensor that can predict temperature changes on the human skin surface resulting from heat penetrating the fabric sample. Compared to other conventional tests, this simple bench-scale apparatus is a quick and inexpensive method to get valuable information such as skin temperature profiles and burn injury times.