Imagine a Humvee made with lighter-weight plastic parts. DuPont is working on a number of solutions to help reduce the weight of a soldier’s gear, ammunition and supplies—to create a lighter, more mobile U.S. Military.
- Reduced transportation costs. Shipping thousands of humvees overseas will be substantially cheaper if they weigh less.
- Elimination of rust. Plastic parts do not rust, so maintenance costs are reduced and the life span of the vehicle is often extended.
- Improved performance. Metal dents easily, while high-strength plastic is impact-resistant. Plastic is also quieter to operate, thus providing noise reduction benefits. In addition, plastic parts can withstand extreme heat and cold much better than their metal-based counterparts.
- Cost-reduced materials. Not only does plastic perform better than metal, but it is also less expensive.
DuPont has already developed many successful products in the area of “lightweighting” for the commercial sector. The company is now devising ways to make them available to respond to the needs of the government, including the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other agencies. Examples of these products include:
- Hyperwheel. A high-strength, low-weight wheel hub that replaces aluminum in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
- Res-Q-Tool. Designed initially for firefighters and rescue workers, this rugged, ergonomically designed tool stands up to heavy use and impact in emergency situations. It weighs about 75% less than comparable metal tools.
- Hytrel hospital gowns. The fabric of this gown breathes, but also affords protection from a number of disease agents. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and can be used for both surgical gowns and draping.
- Fire nozzle. Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, this nozzle is easy to handle and offers great resistance to high temperatures.
