DRDO Develops Survival Kit For Troops Deployed At Minus 50 Degrees Celcius

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on December 27 handed over technology for making extreme cold weather clothing to five Indian companies. 

The Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) is meant for troops operating at the limits of human endurance in high altitude areas and provides thermal protection against temperatures as low as Minus 50 degrees Celsius. 

This import substitution technology was formally transferred to Industry by the DRDO Chairman Dr G Satheesh Reddy. 

“The DRDO designed ECWCS is an ergonomically designed modular technical clothing with improved thermal insulation and physiological comfort based on the insulation required at various ambient climatic conditions in Himalayan regions during different levels of physical activity,” the Ministry of Defence stated. 

“The ECWCS embodies physiological concepts related to reduction in respiratory heat and water loss, unhindered range of motions and rapid absorption of sweat while providing water proof, wind proof features with adequate breathability and enhanced insulation as well as strength features required for high altitude operations,” the statement added. 

“The three layered ECWCS is designed to suitably provide thermal insulation over a temperature range of +15 to -50° Celsius with different combinations of the layers and intensity of physical work,” it elaborated.

The layered clothing reduces the requirement for different combinations to provide for widely fluctuating weather conditions on the Himalayan peaks. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Reddy emphasised the need for developing indigenous industrial base for Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) items, not only to cater to the existing requirements of the Army but also to tap the export potential.

Vishal Thapar

BW Reporters Group Editorial Head for BW’s Defence, Security & Police