Extreme Cold Weather Aviation System Boots

Propel proposes to enhance the performance of the US Air Force's current Cold Weather Aviation System (CWAS) Boot by identifying and testing innovative materials and technologies in order to develop prototype boots that can enhance the thermal insulation performance of beyond that of the current CWAS boot. The innovative CWAS boots will be comfortable for daily use, meet all Safe to Fly requirements, integrate with the CWAS garment system and protect from burn injuries while increasing operational efficiency over the current fielded CWAS boots. The project goal will be to extend the temperature range of the CWAS boot from -20F (2 hours) to -49F (6 hours) when worn with the CWAS ensemble in order to prevent frostbite after emergency evacuation from the air frame. Propel's technical approach will include designing and prototyping boots that make use of innovative passive materials with very low thermal conductivity as well as boots that include powered active heat .