“We know that combat life isn’t easy and that it can be grueling on the body, uniform and gear,” said J.D. Long, global CORDURA brandinnovation manager. “CORDURA fabric is and has been designed to help provide our soldiers with enhanced protection that they need the most - including durability, abrasion and tear resistance, and quick-dry capabilities.”

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 fiber. Designed to help enhance the core strength of fabrics and particularly suited to use in lighter weight constructions, this CORDURA brand qualifying fiber technology is the strongest nylon 6,6 staple fiber 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.Digital Trendsrecognized INVISTA T420HT as “Best Of Show” at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in January.

For nearly 50 years, the CORDURA brand has been driving military textile innovation with performance solutionsfeatured 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 armor covers, knee/elbow pads and other similar tactical gear.

Available in a palette of six military colors 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.

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 programs, such as BDU, DCU, ACO, FRACU and SPS. This optimized fabric is a comfort blend of INVISTA T420 fiber and cotton. It’s engineered to help provide security and protection for warfighters and their vital equipment through US Mil-Spec performance at a lighter weight and exceptional durability.

The newest FR-coated CORDURA nylon 6,6 fabrics are designed to be the soldier’s first line of defense 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.

*Data based on 2013 independent life cycle analysis study in co-operation with authorized CORDURA® fabric producers.