Soon, Indian forces to get special AC jackets
What's the story
Our forces are all set to get air-conditioned jackets soon. According to former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, trials are already on. The government hasn't yet said what material the jackets would be made of, or the technology being used. Such jackets are in use in the US Army. They are worn under body armor to provide cooling, especially for soldiers posted in hot areas.
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How will the hi-tech jackets help?
"In a Special Forces operation, there is extensive exercise. Body heats up, (the soldier) is very uncomfortable. At that time if he has an air-conditioned jacket, he is more comfortable," Parrikar said. This will work especially in hot climates like Rajasthan.
History
AC vests and jackets have been explored before
In 2014, reports emerged that forces deployed in hot climates will be supplied body-cooling vests, which reduced temperature by 10-15 degree Celsius. It was an indigenous product developed by the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, and used Man-Mounted Air Conditioner System (MMACS). In March, MoS MSME Giriraj Singh unveiled khadi AC jackets priced Rs. 18,000-25,000. They had been designed by NIFT students.