Invista's Cordura brand will share its latest fabric innovations for military gear and apparel at IDEX 2017, which will be held from 19-23 February in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

"As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are proud to look back on the strong military heritage associated with our brand," said Cindy McNaull, global Cordura brand and marketing director. "We are dedicated to bridging this history with the innovations of tomorrow, pushing the boundaries of technical fabrics used in soldier systems."

The range of new hardwearing and versatile soldier systems fabric technologies on display will include fabrics featuring the new patent-pending Cordura brand qualifying Invista T420HT fibre, Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN) technologies with built-in NIR/SWIR reflectance capabilities, lightweight comfort Cordura Nyco Tactical uniform fabrics and FR (flame retardant)-coated Cordura brand polyamides for protective vests.

Invista T420HT fibre

First in a suite of many product improvements for 2017 and targeting next generation durable uniform fabrics, the new T420HT is a state-of-the-art, patent-pending high tenacity staple fibre.  Designed to help enhance the core strength of fabrics and particularly suited to use in lighter weight constructions, this Cordura brand qualifying fibre technology is the strongest nylon 6,6 staple fibre ever produced by Invista.

Already adopted for use in combat uniforms by a major international military, multiple wear trials with fabrics made with T420HT are underway, including extensive testing by the US military, the company reports. Digital Trends recognised Invista T420HT as Best Of Show at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in January.

Solution Dyed Nylon (SDN) technologies

For nearly 50 years, the Cordura brand has been driving military textile innovation with performance solutions featured in both fabrics and webbings used extensively in combat gear, such as Cordura brand SDN yarn technology. These solutions are suitable for use in load carriage equipment, boots, body armour covers, knee/elbow pads and other similar tactical gear.

Available in a palette of six military colours that meet both lot-to-lot shade and IR (infrared) requirements, these textiles have built-in NIR/SWIR reflectance capability, as well as resistance to sunlight UV fade and strength degradation. Through the brand's Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), 1000d SDN Cordura fabrics also have proven sustainability benefits related to energy, water and CO2 emissions versus equivalent weight conventional piece dyed nylon 6,6 alternatives.

Cordura Nyco Tactical uniform fabrics

Focusing on lightweight comfort, Cordura Nyco Tactical fabric is the latest innovation in a long line of Cordura brand solutions for Future Force Warrior uniform programmes, such as BDU, DCU, ACO, FRACU and SPS. This optimised fabric is a comfort blend of Invista T420 fibre and cotton. It's engineered to help provide security and protection for war fighters and their vital equipment through US Mil-Spec performance at a lighter weight and exceptional durability.

FR-Coated polyamides

The newest FR-coated Cordura nylon 6,6 fabrics are designed to be the soldier's first line of defence in protective/ballistic vests. These fabrics are tested to meet DIN EN ISO standards for protection against heat, flame and thermal propagation in protective apparel and footwear, the company explains.

www.cordura.com