What did SpaceShipOne pilots Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie wear when they made their historic private manned missions into space to clinch the coveted Ansari X Prize and $10 million? The answer is CarbonX, the most advanced technology in fire-resistant fabric. Chapman Innovations, makers of CarbonX, teamed up with Corvo Industries to create custom flight suits and gloves for the winning team.
Doug Shane, chief test pilot for Scaled Composites, the aerospace development company that designed and built the craft, said, "We have been working with Chapman and Corvo for the past year to design a superior flight suit and gloves that incorporate the cutting edge fabric CarbonX and a more functional design from Corvo. The effort has resulted in protective apparel that raises the bar in comfort and protection."
CarbonX flame resistant materials can withstand temperatures up to 2,000 degrees, can be comfortably worn next to the skin, and will not shrink or char when exposed to flame. Unlike competing fabrics, CarbonX allowed Corvo to meet or exceed performance requirements with a single layer of fabric as opposed to thick, multi-layered products commonly used today. The single layer gave astronauts and crew greater comfort and freedom of movement without reducing protection.
"We were amazed at the protection CarbonX provides and found multiple uses for the fabric in our SpaceShipOne program. With Corvo's design and CarbonX, we have set a new standard for flight suit design, comfort, and safety," Shane added.
CarbonX fabrics are the safest and most comfortable flame resistant fabrics available today. Comprised of a unique blend of carbon based fibers, CarbonX fabrics offer unsurpassed protection from heat and flame while still being comfortable to wear. CarbonX fabrics combined with Corvo's design resulted in a flight suit that has become the new standard for the astronauts and test pilots at Scaled Composites.
"Scaled Composites has redefined space travel and we've redefined space travel attire," said Matt Ford, vice president of sales for Chapman Innovations. "It's a great testament to the product when a company as innovative as Scaled Composites incorporates your product to raise the level of performance and protection in their programs."
'The ability to be even a small part of history will give us some great stories to tell our grandchildren," said Stephan Sendelbach, President of Corvo. "CarbonX has allowed us to make our vision a reality — safety without sacrificing comfort or function. We are grateful for the opportunity to work on the cutting edge of aerospace with the best and brightest of the civilian test pilot community."
About Chapman Innovations
Chapman Innovations develops and markets CarbonX non-flammable textiles. Everyday, people in extreme environments, including race car drivers, firemen, and steel workers depend on CarbonX products to protect themselves from heat and flame.
About Corvo Industries
Corvo Industries specializes in the design and manufacture of protective apparel for the aviation and industrial community as well as the development of fire barrier technology for a variety of machine applications. Working closely with the end user, Corvo tailors the performance of a design or material combination to exactly meet or exceed a performance goal.
posted 12-03-2006 12:19 PM
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