Improved Chemical-Biological (CB) Warfare Ensemble Hood

This SBIR proposes the development of a new hood material as an alternative to bromo-butyl rubber for an aircrew B respirator application. This new material provides for a significant improvement for dispersi on of water vapor and heat generated by the head. The new material r etains all the necessary material performance characteristics for Hea d-Eye-Respiratory (HER) protection. The feasibility of bonding this hood material to polycarbonate will be demonstrated. This prototype would represent achievable performance and producibility goals for in corporation into a aircrew respirator hood. Technologies will also b e researched for complimentary approaches to manage head heat transfe r for the combined respirator and flight helmet systems. DOD documen ted data will be used for threat information, aircraft platform IPE r equirements, shipboard operational and maintenance conditions, and CB design/material guidelines. Technical analysis and Phase I evaluatio ns will be accomplished for the new hood material.