BLUCHER GmbH

General

BLUCHER GmbH, a German company based in Dusseldorf, together with its U.S. licensee TEX-SHIELD Inc. are internationally renowned in the NBC defence industry.

The heart of our business is the continuous development of the SARATOGA™ technology - the world market leader for permeable NBC Protective Clothing.

Protection Factor

SARATOGA™ is a unique patented composite filter fabric based on highly activated and hard carbon spheres fixed onto textile carrier fabrics. With a carbon density of between 180g to 220g per square meter, it is the maximum on the market, providing a minimum of 24 hours protection and at least 45 days of wear under battlefield conditions, including several field washings.

References

Over 4.5 million suits have been sold to 24 nations and 10 out of 19 NATO member states protect their forces with SARATOGA™. Since 1997, SARATOGA™ has been the standard for all U.S. Forces as it was the only technology to fulfil the stringent requirements of the JSLIST Program (Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology Program).

Countries with hot climates using SARATOGA™ include The United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Wear Physiology

The better the wear properties of a protective suit, the longer it can be worn for preventive protection without fear of serious loss to operational strength.

SARATOGA™ NBC protective garments can be worn under all climatic conditions with minimal impact on combat effectiveness. The JSLIST suit was tested at 10 locations worldwide including arctic, tropic and desert environments.

The high flexibility of SARATOGA™ filter materials leads to a "pump effect" which increases the microclimate, i.e. a quick exchange of the air in between the inner and outer textile layers. The suits are also highly air permeable meaning that sweat and heat stress are reduced.

Reusability

Due to excellent mechanical properties, SARATOGA™ protective suits can be used for training purposes without problems; after being washed and packed, the protective suits are fully suitable to be re-used.

Positive effects on the skin

Different tests (conducted by TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory and during the JSLIST program) have revealed that SARATOGA™ protective suits do not expose the wearer to any danger (e.g. skin irritation).

Storage time

Annual controls prove that more than enough chemical protection exists even after 15 years of storage under correct conditions.

Custom made solutions

SARATOGA™ incorporates an entire family of products for military and civilian personal NBC protection:

overgarments (worn over the regular clothing),

duty uniforms (worn over underwear),

undergarments (worn instead of underwear in combination with regular clothing).

Garments are also available in flame retardant versions. NBC protective gloves, socks and hoods complement the range of SARATOGA™ garments.

Civilian organizations such as civil defence, police, fire fighters, EOD, coast guard and inspectors (OPCW and UNMOVIC) also use our garments.

Domestic Preparedness

The SARATOGA™ HAMMER SUIT is the new generation of permeable chemical warfare protective overgarments for domestic preparedness. It is a 2 piece, lightweight overgarment consisting of a coat with integral hood and separate trousers, incorporating a 2 layer fabric system of a liquid repellent cotton fabric and a SARATOGA™ liner. This suit is also available as a one piece coverall with integral hood.

Cost

Economically speaking, SARATOGA™ is the best NBC protective garment system money can buy: garments can be worn for a minimum of 45 days and laundered at least 6 times under field conditions; together with a storage time of at least 15 years and its logistical advantages, SARATOGA™ demonstrates by far the lowest life cycle costs.