November 7, 2013

Presentation to

Integrated Soldier Systems Branch Integrated Soldier Systems Branch Industry ForumIndustry Forum

Presentation to ADF

EPIC by Nextec EncapsulationPTFE LaminateCoating

CrossSection

Back

Nextec vs. Conventional Methods

Scanning Electron Microscopy

Nextec’s Advanced Technology

Encapsulation + Barrier

Barrier Inside Fabric

Cross Section

Surface

Individual Fibers Encapsulated

Scanning Electron Microscopy

• Extremely Low Absorbing

• Fast Drying

• Durable Water Repellency

• Wind Proof

• Breathable

• Packable

• Soft and Quiet

• Environmentally Friendly

EPIC by Nextec Performance FeaturesCreated the softshell category of fabrics

• SOF system temperature range requirements• ~12oC to -45oC (55oF to -

50oF) • Extremely versatile: From

wet tropic cold at altitude to extreme cold

• Super light and durable fabrics that can be Walk or “Cook” Dry in less than 30 minutes

• Minimal “Met” Output at Min Temp

• Fully Modular and Customizable

• Highly Packable

Special Operations Forces Requirements

Walk Dry Requirement

• Location: Kodiak Alaska• Full Emersion for 10 minutes in 33oF

water• What does it mean to “Cook Dry”• Warmth when Wet

How Did The US SOF Pick EPIC®?

• Joint SOF User Panel comprised of all US SOF forces unanimously chose EPIC® based on field performance

• Rigorous Downselect• Field Use• Breathability• Warmth When Wet – Highest “Wet Clo”

of all performers• Drying Time / Walk Dry• Packability• Environmental Protection Performance

After Extended Laundry Lifecycles• Who Competed

Coatings, Laminates, DWR’s from many suppliers including W.L Gore, Schoeller, etc.

NOTE: Through field testing competition conducted by SOF each year for over a decade EPIC continues to outperform all others

• Nextec is the premier supplier of Fabric to the US Army, Marines, Navy and Special Forces

• Nextec’s fabrics are the fabrics of choice for some of the most sophisticated militaries around the world

• Provides a tactical advantage over the enemy under a wide range of climate conditions and terrain

• EPIC fabrics are battle tested

EPIC®’s Performance - Bottom Line

US SOF New Environmental Protective Combat Uniform System (PCU)

Cutting edge, battle proven, seven-level environmental protection system

Nextec’s state-of–the–art, high performance fabrics were selected for three of the four outer shell fabrics

The most advanced fabrics and insulation designed for maximum comfort and performance across mild to extreme weather conditions

Different system components are used based on activities and weather

System is designed to self-dry by use of body heat. Special Operations Forces refers to this as the ability to “walk your self dry”

Level 1Light weightWear next to skinEvaporative cooling in warmer weatherWicks moisture, quick dry

Level 2Medium weightWear next to skinLight insulation in mild climates and serves as base layer in extreme cold climatesWicks moisture, quick dry

Level 3High loft fleece jacketOuter garment in cool conditionsInsulation layer in moderate to cold conditions

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Level 4 – Nextec Encapsulated ProductWind protectionDurable water repellencyDesigned to be used in transitional environments

Level 5 – Nextec Encapsulated ProductMost versatile utilized layer of entire systemSoft shell material is highly weather resistant and breathableModerate to cold conditionsStretchable for comfort & flexibilityQuick dryHighly versatile

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Level 6Hard shell rain gearEasy on/off side zippers

Level 7 – Nextec Encapsulated ProductHighly weather resistant soft shell materialHigh loft for maximum warmth in extreme cold conditionsExtreme low absorption in both outer shell and insulationRetains warmth when wet

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EPIC’s International Military PedigreeThe U.S. Military selects the most advanced products for its soldiers

The US Military selected EPIC as its fabric of choice for GEN III Levels 5 & 7; SOF’s PCU Levels 4,5, & 7; and USMC ECW Parka, trouser, Bootie, and SOF sleeping bag

2013: Russia’s military selected EPIC as the premier outer shell in a multi- layer $1 billion contract

The Turkish military is currently in the process of adopting EPIC for clothing, sleep systems, and gear

2013: Nextec’s encapsulated soft shell Glacier fabric is adopted by ADF for the General Purpose Jacket

• EPIC® pack fabrics will reduce weight, improve abrasion, be low absorbing, and help create fast drying packs & pouches

• EPIC® ballistic fabrics will be low absorbing, reduce moisture related performance degradation, and minimize moisture weight gain

• EPIC® encapsulated webbing will reduce weight, minimize water intake / weight gain, and improve abrasion resistance

• EPIC® encapsulated stretch knits will combine environmental protection with the comfort of a knit

• Ongoing FR development programs

Future Developments/Applications

EPIC: Encapsulated Sleep Systems

• EPIC® bags absorb minimal moisture from user and environment

• Low moisture weight gain• Speed drying • Very low absorption greatly reduces mold

issues associated with packing a wet bag• EPIC® fabrics are highly compressible (even

in extreme cold)• Strong weight to durability ratio• Provides a moderate weather barrier

ADF – Past, Current & Future Needs

• ADF operates in some of the most challenging environments around the world and its soldiers must be ready for all environmental conditions

• Nextec’s proprietary fabrics offer the soldier enhanced protection and reduced heat burden

• Nextec has you covered:• From the soaking NT Wet to the cutting sleety winds of

Puckapunyal• From -50°C on the mountains of Afghanistan in

January to High Range in July, Nextec’s fabrics enable operations and form the core of a functional clothing system

• Questions