Heat stress and fire emergencies are top issues for aircrew in the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), who face unpredictable flight conditions in garments that must protect, but are not always comfortable. Drifire Inc., Columbus, Ga. (part of Optimer Brands), a manufacturer of military and commercial apparel, consulted NAVAIR aircrew in an attempt to elevate flight suit design. The resulting two-piece DRIFIRE® Comfortable FR Wear™ flight suit has the permanent no-melt, no-drip flame resistance that flight crews need—and drirelease® moisture management with FreshGuard® antibacterial odor control that aircrew want.
Designed and tested alongside active-duty NAVAIR aircrew, the flight suit incorporates design changes that reduce snag hazards and work with other pieces of the Drifire line, including short and long-sleeved shirts, boxer briefs, long johns, balaclavas and skull caps. The Drifire patented fiber blend is inherently flame resistant, uses no coatings or finishes, does not ignite, and self-extinguishes once the ignition source is removed.