Functional Underwear
Sven Kirsching
Over the past few years the outer layers of Pilot Flight Equipment have been optimised, for example for immersion- and g-protection. Our next step in the development of high tech functional pilot flight clothing is to improve those components which are next to the skin.
The appearance, tailoring, sizing, and materials have not been advanced for generations and therefore have a low acceptability within the flying community. Pilots and crew have taken to using their own private clothing made from highly flammable, static materials. Since this type of clothing is not flight-cleared it limits the protection grade of the overall clothing system accepting all possible consequences for flight safety.
Surveys within the user groups have identified a need as well as the potential for considerable improvement. This paper discusses a new approach to state-of-the art functional underwear. Key areas are functionality, sweat management, seamless design, nanotechnology, as well as body zoning. Besides the finishing and tailoring of the garment, the functions and features of different fibres will be presented and test results from textile institutes as well as feedback from practical trials illustrated. bfa specialises in the design and development of state-of-the-art high tech clothing for a range of military applications.
To download the full paper CLICK HERE (.PDF)
