Compression Resistant Air Barrier (CRAB) Wetsuit

Navy divers and other underwater operators need the ability to conduct lengthy and complex missions anywhere in the world. Hypothermia is a common concern when diving in cold or deep water, potentially endangering the well-being of divers and compromising the success of the mission. Given the strategic importance of seas surrounding Russia and others, and the increased economic stakes placed on accessing the Arctic sea and its mineral resources, US warfare operators cannot afford to be hampered by hypothermia in their missions. ADA Technologies proposes to develop a new cold water wetsuit, capable of preventing hypothermia by incorporating an incompressible air gap in the wetsuit’s structure, combined with a radiant heat reflective layer. Preliminary modeling of a 9 mm wetsuit incorporating these elements shows that it could reduce body heat losses sufficiently to enable long cold water dives. In Phase I, ADA will assemble and thermally test CRAB (compression resistant air barrier) wetsuit coupons to determine the optimal design structure. ADA will benefit from the expertise of a variety of undersea medicine experts to assist in the project. In addition, Aqua Lung, a leader in diving equipment, has expressed interest in the technology for use in military and commercial markets.