The US Air Force is developing a heated glove to withstand extremely cold temperatures during outdoor operations.
Led by Minot AFB’s innovative team Atomic Spark, the project aims to protect airmen exposed to frigid winter conditions.
The new custom glove fills the gap in standard-issue gloves that protect personnel from extreme weather but do not provide much dexterity.
The plan to create a heated glove was pitched by the 54th Helicopter Squadron in partnership with IGNITOR, a working group exploring facilities, contractual, or process improvement solutions for tactical problems.
Through observation, Atomic Spark and IGNITOR saw that the specialized equipment could help solve this problem across Minot AFB, including the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing.
“You can’t effectively employ your weapon system or the hoist if you can’t feel your fingers in the winter,” 54th Helicopter Squadron Flight Engineer Staff Sgt. Mathew Brown explained.
“The previously issued version had some limitations, so it was determined that an improved glove was needed.”
“It can be difficult to get good training in ambient temperatures of 20 below zero or lower if you’re only thinking about how cold you are so anything that can help you focus on the task you’re accomplishing in the aircraft only makes you and your squadron better.”
‘Hotbed for Innovation’
Atomic Spark and IGNITOR have acquired over $45 million in Small Business Innovation Research funding to develop technologies for airmen in the last two years.
Funds like this have enabled Minot AFB to identify small industry partners to produce solutions rapidly and efficiently.
Over 40 projects are being handled by Atomic Spark, IGNITOR, and the Minot AFB specialists.
“Atomic Spark is critical to Team Minot’s innovation goals, having been extremely successful obtaining Department of Defense innovation funds,” 5th Contracting Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Stephen Kroft stated.
“The partnership between Atomic Spark and IGNITOR has been a key factor in turning Team Minot into a hotbed for innovation.”
