Speaking to The Indian Express from Ahmedabad, John Bissell Research Chair head Dr Pradyuman Singh Jhala said, “From the feedback we got from the troops, it emerged that most of the issues revolved around fitting and ergonomics. We found problems associated with the current special clothing, for example discomfort at the neck and wrist areas, the need for better designed pockets, and more efficient insulation.”

Here’s why NID thinks it can be one up on the special clothing that India imports for its high altitude forces from countries like Switzerland, Italy and Australia:

• NID’s surface modifications of angora fibre at the micro and nano level will give the yarn greater friction and resistance, instantly making it pack in more heat than merino wool.

• Fine angora fabric will replace merino in all special clothing between the inner layer of fine polyester and the outer layer of nylon. It will reduce the overall weight of troop clothing by about a quarter. The deadweight of a full set of special clothing for a Siachen soldier is roughly 9-10 kilos. The new material will bring that down by at upto 2.5 kilos.

• Using the new technology will make economic sense. For example, while a single down-jacket used by a soldier at Siachen costs Rs 19,000, a down jacket using the new fibre and technology will be “at least” Rs 1,500 cheaper. With the Army inducting a total of 19,754 soldiers a year to patrol the Saltoro Ridge overlooking Siachen and the Hanif and Yaldor sectors in Kargil, savings add up considerably.

... contd.