DARPA funds research into next-generation PPE
Conceptual solution from FLIR Systems for the DARPA Personalized Protective Biosystems programme. (Photo: FLIR Systems)
DARPA is working with industry on 'unburdening the warfighter' by developing advanced and ultra-lightweight personal protective equipment. Its Personalized Protective Biosystems programme pre-dates COVID-19, but it arguably assumes even greater importance for defence procurement in the context of the pandemic.
COVID-19 has seen militaries worldwide function as an extra emergency and humanitarian aid service — highlighting the need for procurement agencies to obtain high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE).
The DARPA Personalized Protective Biosystems (PBB) programme pre-dates the pandemic but it focuses on developing new fabrics to reduce the weight of PPE against chemical and biological threats.
Industry participants include FLIR Systems, which was awarded a $20.5 million contract on 12 April to develop novel fabrics for protective suits and equipment like boots, gloves and eye protection for troops and other users such as healthcare workers.
The goal is to have such materials
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