Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System

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.