Exponent is working with the U.S. Army Product Manager - Soldier Equipment (PM-SEQ) to provide an iterative solution to the soldier's combat uniform needs through the use of currently available off-the-shelf technologies, utilizing a block improvement approach.

The ACU concept configuration consists of a five-layered system composed of an under layer(s), a battlewear layer, a chemical/biological protective layer, an insulation layer(s), and a cold/wet protective outer layer.

Exponent was tasked to quickly identify available technologies for use in the ACU and develop prototypes for an integrated set of clothing and individual equipment with the best available commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies. Through a collaborative approach with the customer and user representatives, Exponent enabled the opportunity for impact on design and development of the system.

Exponent’s efforts have focused on improvements in clothing fabrics and materials, chemical/biological barrier materials, and environmental and ballistic protection by analyzing physical and human system requirements, clothing and electronic technology integration, and system human performance. This project has also focused on making marked improvements for the dismounted soldier in the areas of moisture management, mobility, weight reduction, flexibility, reduction of heat stress, clothing design features, and integration.

Exponent demonstrated wireless integration of physiological status monitoring to aid in combat casualty care. All the prototypes demonstrated weight reduction and functional integration consistent with PM-Soldier’s vision of the soldier as a system-of-systems.

This is the fourth phase of this effort and will complete final design improvements and configuration management of the combat uniform. Exponent is under contract for this phase, and will deliver a final report in March 2003.

Subsequent Phases, 2 through 4, will transition the ACU concept to an acquisition program and then initial system fielding. ACU will serve as a baseline for future combat uniform developments under Objective Force Warrior.

ACU Press Releases:

Foster-Miller Receives Additional $3 Million from DoD for Electro-Textile Health-Monitoring Vest Development
October 6, 2003

Exponent Receives Additional Funding for Advanced Combat Soldier Uniform Development
October 8, 2002

Exponent Receives Phase II Funding for Advanced Combat Soldier Uniform Development
September 26, 2001

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