Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over technology for indigenous Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) to some Indian companies.

Context

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over technology for indigenous Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) to some Indian companies.

Key-points

• The Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System is an ergonomically-designed modular, three-layered technical clothing system that can be used at various climatic conditions in extreme altitude combat operations.
• It is designed to provide thermal insulation over a temperature range of +15 to -50° Celsius with different combinations of the layers and intensity of physical work.
• It embodies physiological concepts related to reduction in respiratory heat and water loss, unhindered range of motions and rapid absorption of sweat.
• It provides water proof, wind proof features with adequate breathability.
• The outer layer of the clothing is reversible for camouflage purposes in both snow bound terrain as well as areas without snow cover.
• ECWCS meets the insulation requirements (IREQ) for the widely fluctuating weather conditions in the Himalayan peaks.

Significance

• The Indian Army, till recently has been importing ECWCS and several Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) items for the troops deployed in high altitude regions.
• ECWCS is a viable import alternative for the Indian Army for its sustained operations in glacier and Himalayan peaks.