proTeCTive faBriCS - TenCate

BuSineSS developmenT 

TenCate Solutions for military protection 

Protective Fabrics 

Outdoor Fabrics 

Advanced Composites 

Advanced Armour 

Geosynthetics 

Industrial Fabrics 

Grass

miliTary proTeCTion 

Introduction 

proTeCTing people 

TenCate develops and produces functional materials which are 

distinctive in terms of their characteristics. TenCate operates in 

international growth markets, in which the themes of ‘safety and 

protection’ and ‘sustainability and environment’ occupy a central role. 

The defence activities of TenCate are primarily focused on protecting 

people, materiel and the environment in risk areas. TenCate also 

supplies materials for the protection of populations and for 

reconstruction work. 

maTerial SCienCe 

TenCate operates in the field of material science. Technological 

developments are an important means of satisfying existing 

standardization and requirements, or of making a contribution 

oneself to any new demands. This enables ever higher levels of 

safety to be achieved and progress to be made in respect of 

functionalities. 

As a textile technology group, TenCate supplies materials, not end 

products. The majority of TenCate materials form an essential part 

of the end solution or the end product that is supplied to end-users 

elsewhere in the value chain. TenCate is, however, continuously in 

contact with end-users so as to be a step ahead of new functional 

requirements, or to give an impetus to new developments. 

army modernizaTion 

TenCate assesses and meets the needs of end-users in protecting 

the army of the future. By working together on developments within 

innovation programmes – such as the various army modernization 

programmes – TenCate can effectively anticipate future demand for 

2 

TENCATE SOLUTIONS 

new materials, modules and systems. The key aspects here are 

increasing comfort and freedom of movement, and improving the 

physical performance and stamina of military and other units. This 

also involves for example distance monitoring of the physical 

situation, preventing injuries, and actively dealing with their 

consequences. 

Increases in vehicle mobility and range of action, as well as 

reductions in fuel consumption are achieved through lightweight 

armouring. The active prevention of casualties in military vehicles 

through reactive and anticipatory systems is also among the 

possibilities for active protection. 

SoluTionS Through SySTem approaCh 

TenCate materials continue to form part of the bigger picture. 

Safety and protection are complex issues. TenCate materials form 

part of a system or concept. Cooperation within the chain 

contributes positively to the capability to generate solutions. 

A number of materials combine particular functional 

characteristics; multi-risk fabrics are an example of this. These can 

be employed by end-users for a variety of uses and reduce the 

costs of effective protection. In the field of armouring TenCate has 

design capabilities, which, in cooperation with vehicle, vessel, 

helicopter or aircraft manufacturers and their end-users, will lead 

to an integrated total solution. 

SuSTainaBiliTy 

The intrinsic characteristics of TenCate materials are part of the 

solutions and systems developed: these are not only safety and 

protection, but sustainability too. These characteristics are 

responsible for providing better protection of people, materiel and 

the environment, thus resulting in lower fuel and energy 

consumption, savings in the use of water, lower maintenance 

costs, etc. After all, the sustainability policy of TenCate is based on 

making as little impact on the environment as possible and 

providing the longest possible lifespan. 

Because many of the products of TenCate are used in a variety of 

end-products, they often remain invisible to end-users. However, 

even though these products remain in the background, TenCate 

materials make the difference time and again. Some ten of our 

customer-oriented solutions are described in this TenCate 

Solutions brochure for military protection. 

Frank Spaan, 

Corporate Director, Business Development

TENCATE SOLUTIONS 3

proTeCTive faBriCS 

Special Forces 

TenCate Protective Fabrics aims to protect people on the job from 

the harmful effects of heat, flames and other related risks. The 

primary applications in which our products are used include 

structural fire fighting, wild-land fire fighting and many industrial 

areas, and above all, for military personnel, such as Special Forces. 

The high-tech fabrics from TenCate become life-saving garments 

for those working under hazardous conditions in danger zones. 

TenCate specifically helps to safeguard these men and women from 

the harmful effects of their vital jobs. Our fabrics become for these 

professionals their most important line of defence against 

dangerous elements. TenCate provides them with the most 

4 


innovative range of protective fabrics, such as TenCate Defender M, 

which sets the standard for inherently heat- and flame-resistant 

military fabrics. This breakthrough fabric is worn by many troops, 

including the United States Army and United States Marine Corps. 

The inherently flame-resistant military combat fabric is certified to 

meet or exceed the rigorous standards of performance as 

prescribed by army specifications. The protective fabric is not only 

cool and breathable – thanks to Lenzing ® FR fibres in the blend – 

but also highly durable, due to the use of para-aramid and 

polyamide fibres. 

Understanding the functions and limitations of gear is vitally 

important. TenCate Protective Fabrics works closely with 

customers, end-users, fibre and chemical manufacturers and 

independent laboratories. 

Courtesy © Multicam / Courtesy © US Department of Defense

dm 210 - 210 g/m 2 (65/25/10%) 

Lenzing ® FR / para-aramid / polyamide 

• Superior thermal protection 

• Extremely durable 

• Excellent protection from flash-overs 

• Cool and breathable thanks to: fibres 

• Patented TenCate technology 

• Printable with any camouflage pattern 

TENCATE SOLUTIONS 5


Naval Forces 

TenCate Protective Fabrics helps to protect naval, air and ground 

forces through the development of breakthrough flame-resistant 

fabrics for military applications. High-tech fabrics from TenCate offer 

significant advantages for military personnel in terms of: comfort, 

with increased air permeability providing improved breathability and 

moisture regulation; durability, with increased abrasion resistance 

for better fabric performance under rugged conditions; appearance, 

with reduced pilling and higher flexural rigidity to help garments 

maintain their shape. 

Flame-resistant military combat fabric of TenCate is not only certified 

to meet or exceed the rigorous standards of performance, as 

6 


prescribed by government specifications. It is also backed by our 

uncompromising commitment to ensure that the military men and 

women we serve always receive the highest quality protective 

fabrics. 

The naval protection of sea-lanes, troops, ports and shore 

installations, and the defensive purpose of the navy to frustrate 

seaborne projection-of-force by enemies demand that Naval Forces 

wear the most flexible yet protective fabrics. Knowledge and 

technological innovations of TenCate ensure constant renewal 

of these crew garments, from the naval personnel on the 

launching pad to the seamen on the lower decks. 

TenCate Defender M in the colour black is supplied to the 

Norwegian Defence Logistic Organisation. This new colour is the 

result of ongoing product development based on specific customer 

needs. Thanks to patented technology and the success of TenCate 

Defender M, developed by TenCate Protective Fabrics in the US, the 

Research & Development team in the Netherlands, has created a 

new composition. This protective fabric is thus also available in the 

colours dark blue and black. 

Thanks to this innovation, this ultimate protective fabric can also be 

used for other markets, such as Marine Corps and police forces, who 

principally wear the colours black or blue for their operations.

dp 9210 - 210 g/m 2 (59/29/10/2%) 

Lenzing ® FR /aramid / polyamide / Static-Control 


• Anti-static when there is risk of explosion 


• Protection from flash-overs 


• Solid colours dark blue or black with outstanding colour performance 

TENCATE SOLUTIONS 7


Air Forces 

Protection and safety are key priorities for the Air Force. TenCate 

Protective Fabrics uses patented technologies and innovative 

materials for the design and production of flying overalls with 

unparalleled performance. 

Great demands are made of pilots and of their flight uniforms, with 

both comfort and flexibility being essential. These qualities are 

indispensable when carrying out pre-flight inspections on the 

airstrip, at the base or on the deck of an aircraft carrier, but are 

nowhere more vital than in the tight confines of the cockpit during 

dangerous missions. In an emergency, a pilot must react 

8 


immediately, and this demands supple and light clothing, as 

restricted movement or emotional stress at high altitudes can be 

lethal. 

Jet fighters run the risk of catching fire at take-off and landing, so it 

goes without saying that top-quality, heat and flame resistancy, and 

anti-static properties are of the essence. The static electric load 

generated during a flight must be discharged from the clothing in a 

controlled manner, otherwise electrical discharges may disrupt 

instruments, even causing malfunctions. Thanks to the protective 

and comfortable fabrics from TenCate, the sky is literally the limit. 

The TenCate Defender M collection consists of fabrics that 

provide optimum protection against heat, flame and static 

electricity. The cool, breathable and durable fabrics from TenCate 

Protective Fabrics are used in many uniforms, including those of 

the US Army and the US Marine Corps. Colours and camouflage 

can be applied to specifications.

dm 9180 - 180 g/m 2 (64/24/10/2%) 

Lenzing ® FR /para-aramid / polyamide / Anti-Static 


• Anti-static when there is risk of explosion 


• Protection from flash-overs 


• Solid colours green or tan, printable with any camouflage pattern 

TENCATE SOLUTIONS 9

proTeCTive faBriCS & advanCed armour 

Ground Forces 

The global leadership of TenCate Protective Fabrics and TenCate 

Advanced Armour helps to safeguard a diversity of troops, such as 

ground forces. Thanks to our system approach we can offer 

customers a complete – multi-layered – solution, based on the 

ultimate combination of protective fabrics and advanced armour 

components. TenCate solutions have proved their worth in conflict 

zones, security operations and policing duties around the world. 

These protective fabrics help to safeguard military personnel from 

the harmful effects of heat, flame and other related risks. Our 

high-tech fabrics offer several significant advantages: comfort, 

with increased air permeability providing improved breathability 

10 


and moisture regulation; and durability, with increased abrasion 

resistance for better fabric performance under rugged conditions. 

TenCate Defender M fabrics set the standard for flame-protective 

military combat uniforms. This breakthrough fabric is worn by many 

troops, including the United States Army and United States Marine 

Corps. The inherently flame-resistant military combat fabric is 

certified to meet or exceed the rigorous standards of performance, 

as prescribed by army specifications. 

TenCate Advanced Armour designs and manufactures 

customized, lightweight ballistic protection solutions, also for 

personnel protection. We supply a wide range of insert plates 

designed for protection against both lead-core and armour piercing 

ammunition. The inserts are made of either pure fibre materials, such 

as polyethylene, or a hybrid, consisting of polyethylene with a 

ceramic strike face, such as TenCate Liba ® . 

TenCate Liba ® inserts are light in weight and are available in a wide 

range of shapes, from flat to complex ergonomic designs. This helps 

to ensure that the vest fits the user perfectly, providing 

maximum comfort while in use and greater endurance 

during operations.

• Protects from handgun bullets, 

knives and fragment blasts 

• Superior blunt trauma performance 

• Non-metallic for higher comfort 

and endurance 

• Suitable in all environmental conditions 

• Increased protection and survivability 

• Lightweight improved ballistic armour 

• Excellent multihit capabilities 

• Inserts tailored to meet individual needs 

• Ergonomic design to fit the user perfectly 

• Outstanding protection against armour piercing ammunition 

• Easy to repair in the battlefield 

dm 210 - 210 g/m 2 (65/25/10%) 








• Aramid or polyethylene based anti ballistic 

prepregs and fabrics 

• Fragment and / or bullet protection 

• Fits low trauma or high velocity impacts 

• Stable fit for electronic add-ons to helmet 

• High performance or cost efficient 

TENCATE SOLUTIONS 11

proTeCTive faBriCS & advanCed armour 

Ground Forces 

TenCate helps to safeguard a diversity of troops, such as Ground 

Forces, with a broad range of protective fabrics and advanced 

armour solutions. TenCate Advanced Armour is a worldwide 

leading developer and producer of advanced composite and 

ceramic materials for the protection of army, air force, navy, police 

and civilian service personnel, vehicles and vessels. 

TenCate Advanced Armour UK is a substantial provider of 

composite armour for the UK Daring Class Destroyers, which has 

been rewarded with the Chairman’s Design Award for Innovation 

and Implementation by BAE Systems. TenCate Advanced Armour 

has provided a variety of armour for UK vehicles in theatre. 

12 


TenCate is currently engaged with a number of UK agencies 

including DSTL for the testing of a range of composite armour 

solutions against a wide variety of threats. TenCate has a dynamic 

Research & Development setup and is currently sponsoring a PhD 

candidate at the University of Cambridge for research into future 

ballistic protection solutions. Having a full UK manufacturing base, 

TenCate Advanced Armour is member of ADS and the Society of 

Maritime Industries and is being strongly supported by UKTI. 

Sister company TenCate Protective Fabrics is world leader in 

flame-resistant fabric, manufacturing TenCate Defender M 

aramid-based fabrics. These were developed to serve as the ideal 

component to its family of highly-effective, protective fabrics for 

the military. Combining flame-resistance, durability and 

breathability, TenCate Defender M has set the standard for 

military fabrics today in the US and parts of Europe. 

Designed to closely resemble the texture and appearance of 

traditional, non flame-retardant fabrics, TenCate Defender M is the 

fabric of choice for the US Flame Resistant Army Combat Uniform 

and the US Marine Corp’s Flame Resistant Organizational Gear, 

worn in war zones around the world. This everyday performance 

fabric is lightweight and breathable, wicks away moisture and 

perspiration, and minimizes discomfort when temperatures soar. 

© Crown Copyright / MOD 2011

This proprietary blend of fibres was created by TenCate to give 

troops an extra margin of protection. Once the heat source is 

removed, TenCate Defender M extinguishes itself quickly. 

It does not matter how many times the uniform is laundered or for 

how long it is worn. The patented, flame-resistant qualities will not 

wash or wear out of the fabric. Available in several weights and 

constructions, including a variety of wovens, stretch-wovens, 

laminates, and knits, TenCate Defender M fabric offers the best 

performance. A multi-layer TenCate Defender M laminate has 

been developed to provide exceptional moisture control by 

remaining impermeable to water, yet being breathable. 

dm 210 - 210 g/m 2 (65/25/10%) 









Courtesy © Commando Dienstencentrale NL 

ouTdoor faBriCS 

Coverings 

Safety and comfort are of central importance, not only in a civilian 

context, but particularly under military conditions. Military and 

civilian units are working together more and more often in tackling 

disasters and other emergency situations. TenCate Outdoor Fabrics 

makes high-tech fabrics that are extremely strong and thus 

eminently suitable for tents for military protection. Flame-resistant 

TenCate Campshield ® cloth has excellent breathable and moistureregulating 

capabilities, which are important to ensure a pleasant 

climate in the tent. And this is certainly important during major 

military, peace keeping or civilian operations, when people need to 

be able to perform their support tasks comfortably. 

14 


The robust, weather-resistant tents provide safety and a secure 

environment. The textile material is both strong and supple, which 

produces military and civilian tents that are resistant to impact, yet 

are also fast and easy to erect. This is certainly the case when 

inflatable tents are used, which are available in a range of sizes, 

from small to very large. They may even serve as a maintenance 

area for small military vehicles or as a mobile commando post. 

Innovative, inherently flame-resistant TenCate Campshield ® tent 

cloth is also resistant to scorching, smouldering and sparks. This 

flame-resistant cloth meets crucial quality requirements and 

standards. In emergencies, it allows members of military or civilian 

units more time to leave their tents. In addition to comfort, safety 

too is of paramount importance here.


• Cool and breathable 



• Treated against rot and mildew 

• Weather-resistant, strong fabrics that retain their shape 

• In accordance with European standards 

• ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified 


• Cool and breathable 



• Treated against rot and mildew 

• Weather-resistant, strong fabrics that retain their shape 

• In accordance with European standards 

• ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified 


advanCed CompoSiTeS 

Satellites 

TenCate Advanced Composites develops a range of composites 

in thermoplastic and thermoset versions. The unique properties 

of these high-tech materials make them ideal for both military and 

non-military space operations and exploration. Orbiters for security 

operations, global intelligence, intelligence gathering, and military 

communications are stretching military limits in interplanetary space. 

A great diversity of military satellites are produced by NASA and 

ESA using TenCate composite materials for a variety of applications, 

including support for solar panels, antennas, communication dishes 

and heat shields. 

16 


The toughness of these composites is matched by their ability 

to withstand extreme heat and cold. These materials are also 

lightweight and durable, two crucial factors when sending probes 

into space and keeping them operational in the hostile galactic 

environment for years at a time. 

TenCate Advanced Composites credits its leading position in the 

space industry to years of experience as a materials developer 

and supplier. Because of the conditions in outer space, and the 

considerable costs involved in setting up a space mission, 

it is important not to compromise on the materials used. All materials 

must be – and remain – completely reliable under the most extreme 

conditions.

Space prepreg production equipment of TenCate 

• Represents state of the art in prepreg and mix equipment available in the world today 

• Fully computer controlled process parameters for both film and prepreg operations 

• Focused on tightening fibre areal weight, resin content, cured ply thickness and improving the 

consistency of prepreg material 

prepreg product attributes 

• Dimensionally stable 

• Low outgassing 

• Low micro cracking 

• Excellent electrical properties 

• Thermally stable 

• High modulus / lightweight 

• Low moisture pick-up 


advanCed armour 

Vehicles 

TenCate Advanced Armour designs and manufactures customized 

lightweight ballistic protection solutions for vehicles and personnel 

protection. These solutions are well-proven products whose 

effectiveness has been demonstrated in combat zones and peace 

keeping operations around the world. Add-on armour is capable of 

withstanding many different kinds of impact, including vibration 

and shock. 

Add-on armour is a lightweight protection system that adds least 

possible weight to the vehicle, whilst providing maximum 

protection. With an eye to mobility, manoeuvrability and energy 

consumption, vehicle armour must be as light as possible, while 

18 


still providing the highest level of protection and mobility required. 

Military vehicle armour is a demanding market, where the trends 

are towards protection against roadside bombs and the need for 

lighter, fuel-efficient vehicles. 

Complementary to its present armour solutions in the vehicle 

protection business, TenCate Advanced Armour and its business 

partners are developing the patented TenCate ABDS active blast 

countermeasure system. This innovative defence solution is 

intended to protect people and materiel against shrapnel and 

flames, providing life-saving protection against a number of 

improvised explosive devices – such as roadside bombs, which 

form the greatest threat in war zones. It is supplied to the 

protection market in close cooperation with selected Original 

Equipment Manufacturers in Europe and North America. 

TenCate Advanced Armour and its commercial and governmental 

partners have successfully completed a full-scale, underbelly 

improvised explosive device test on a fully instrumented military 

vehicle. This phase 3 system level test was completed on a 15-ton, 

flat-belly Armoured Personnel Carrier with the fully integrated 

ABDS active blast countermeasure system, incorporating the 

Trigger and Activation System (TAS).

Innovative integration concepts are designed for a range of combat 

and tactical military vehicles. The ABDS active blast 

countermeasure system effectively mitigates the devastating 

effects of IEDs, defeating the acceleration of the vehicle and 

vehicle structure. This technical solution provides an automatic 

and instantaneous response to the detonating IED, delivering a 

structural and biomechanical response mode, fulfilling STANAG 

4569 at classified levels. 

The validated ABDS active blast countermeasure system is easily 

retrofitted to a wide range of vehicle platforms, to meet ever 

changing, urgent field requirements, aimed at addressing the 

continuing and evolving IED threat. 



Vessels 

At sea, as on land and in the air, man and materiel must be protected. 

In this respect TenCate Advanced Armour offers naval armour 

solutions based on lightweight ceramic and composite materials, 

both soft and hard armour. In order to achieve the optimal 

configuration for protection – whilst respecting seaworthiness and 

the vessels specific gravity point (VSG) – TenCate collaborates with 

raw materials suppliers, vessel manufacturers, test and knowledge 

institutes, and others. 

These naval systems focus on personal protection through the 

armour-plating of large military vessels and smaller, manoeuvrable 

naval ships, like composite patrol boats. They provide maximum 

20 


protection in accordance with several NATO STANAG levels, with a 

minimum of weight, and negligible effect on payload and speed. 

Naval vessel armour is used to protect mission-critical areas on 

board, including ammunition magazines, bridge stations, combat 

information centres, communication equipment and weapon 

systems. TenCate also seeks to protect the crew: from the naval 

personnel on the launching pad to the seamen on the lower decks. 

Like personal and vehicle protection, vessel protection is also a 

complex, dynamic and global market, which is characterized by 

numerous international standards. Important factors in the right 

solution are often weight, performance or price – or a combination of 

these. Consequently, ceramic and composite materials have the 

advantage, as they are considerably lighter than, for example, steel, 

which has traditionally been used. Furthermore, product life cycle 

will play an increasingly important role. 

TenCate Advanced Armour itself integrates armoured prototypes. 

Contacts are maintained with Departments of Defence in order to 

follow developments in commissions and requirements, while 

fundamental research, for example into new materials, is carried out 

with universities and knowledge institutes.

production 

• Tailor-made to meet customer and 

user requirements 

• Permanent integration into the 

structure of new vessels 

• Unique mounting systems to integrate easily into any structure 

• Retrofit on existing ships and boats 

materialization 

• Can be formed into various shapes, 

including 3D shapes 

• Minimum increase of weight, saving 

fuel consumption 

• Long durability, especially when coated with our multi resistant 

coating TenCate Rosist 

protection 

• Lightweight protection 

• Very high multi hit resistance 

• When a panel gets damaged after being 

hit, the panel can be repaired aboard the 

ship or boat, even at sea 



Aircraft 

While TenCate Advanced Composites designs and produces SMC 

and BMC glass and carbon-filled, compression-moulded 

lightweight parts – ranging from hydraulic clamps to helicopter 

inserts to missile fins – TenCate Advanced Armour designs and 

produces antiballistic composite materials and integrates these 

armour systems into helicopters and other aircraft, specifically 

focused on protecting both crew and materiel. 

The production of tailor-made protective materials for helicopters 

at the facilities of TenCate Advanced Composites meets specific 

user requirements for either permanent integration into the 

structure of new aircraft, or for add-on protection for existing 

22 


aircraft. TenCate protection technology includes a wide range of 

optional equipment to meet customer requirements for either 

permanent mounting or protection kits, which can quickly be 

added or removed as and when needed. Customized solutions are 

available to meet specific needs and types of aircraft. 

In protecting aircraft, each kilogram of weight counts, because of 

its effect on payload and radius of action. Advanced aircraft 

armour is therefore designed to provide maximum protection with 

a minimum of weight. This is achieved by using the most 

lightweight materials currently available, such as TenCate Liba ® 

and TenCate Ceratego . These solutions result in a multi-hit 

capability, protecting aircraft against the effects of being struck by 

multiple projectiles or fragments.

high-end light improved ballistic armour lightweight armour solutions high performance anti-ballistic materials 

multi-protective coatings 



Installations 

Composites are used ever more frequently in the civil construction 

industry due to their dimensional stability, strength, reduced weight, 

impact resistance, low flammability, low maintenance, design 

flexibility and high speed of construction. These composites are 

increasingly used in new areas, such as buildings and bridges. 

Carbon-fibre wrappings also provide protection against earthquakes. 

TenCate Advanced Armour designs, develops and produces a range 

of solutions for the protection of installations, such as containers, 

military buildings and other constructions. Armour composites 

provide protection from shell fragments, blast, bullets and other 

projectiles. 

24 


Uniform protection is provided by the entire composite panel, which 

is available in a variety of thicknesses, to meet different levels of 

threat. 

Armoured panels can be adapted by TenCate Advanced Armour to 

offer protection for walls, doors and areas in high risk premises. 

These can be used not only in buildings, but in vehicles and planes 

too. Panels can be easily cut to size on site, using standard 

equipment, making installation quick and cost effective. More 

complex shapes can be machine-cut prior to installation. The 

composite panels can be fitted directly onto traditional timber 

studwork, and wallpaper can be applied directly to the surface. 

Door armouring is treated as part of integral building protection. 

Most of the protected doors are found in banks and cash offices, but 

could also be adapted to embassies and other government buildings 

at home and abroad. 

TenCate Advanced Armour has installed a number of ‘Safe Rooms’ in 

private and specific public environments. These consist of steel and 

UD aramid panels. Installation is normally carried out by a 

specialised building company.

Protection for containers and the facades of buildings concentrates 

on mortar protection from overhead attack on military environments. 

Strategic parts of military bases can be protected against any 

terrorist attack. Although test results are classified, it can be stated 

that these building panels – in a wide variety of sizes – prevent injury 

from certain sizes of mortars. 

TenCate protective armour meets the fire resistant standards of 

BS476 Class 2 and is manufactured under the strictest control 

procedures, with batch-proof testing at an independent firing range. 

exterior composite applications in buildings 

• Columns 

• Pediments 

• Domes 

• Cornices 

• Formworks 

interior composite applications in buildings 

• Safety walls 

• Flooring 

• Sanitary-ware 

• Functional items (letter boxes, meter boxes) 

• Window profiles 


geoSynTheTiCS 

Constructions 

Geotextiles from TenCate Geosynthetics saved lives during the 9/11 

attack on the Pentagon in Washington DC, although this attack still 

claimed 189 lives. The impact of the assault blasted through three of 

the five rings of the building and damaged some 400 steel support 

columns. The plane obliterated the first and a part of the second floor 

when it crashed. The third, fourth, and fifth floors, however, remained 

suspended in mid-air for 35 minutes allowing hundreds of people to 

escape. 

The Pentagon dates back to 1943. Renovation work started in 1993 

and part of the remit was to strengthen the structure with steel and 

geotextile-based wall panels. Before embarking on the renovation, 

26 


the engineers approached TenCate for samples of various 

geotextiles, and from the tests in their research centre in Mississippi, 

the TenCate Geolon ® HS1715 geotextile emerged as the best and 

most resistant to attacks and rubble. Exacting scale models were 

built and then miniature explosions were set off to determine the 

effectiveness of each design. 

The US Army Corps of Engineers (COE) at that time studied numerous 

terrorist attacks. Each of the past terrorist assaults taught the COE 

something new about designing building structures to survive such 

attacks. One of the most significant discoveries was the devastating 

impact of flying debris. The final redesign of the Pentagon building 

was to reinforce the outer ring with floor-to-ceiling steel beams. 

Between those beams and within the walls, panels of a high strength 

polyester geotextile were placed.


geoSynTheTiCS 

Parachutes 

Materials from TenCate Geosynthetics are also used in specific 

military applications, such as geotextiles suitable for cargo 

parachutes. High and low velocity parachutes are part of the US 

Army’s low cost aerial delivery systems programme (LCADS). This 

programme has cut costs by over 50% when compared to traditional 

aerial deployment systems. 

TenCate Geosynthetics initial foray into supplying parachute fabric 

was in the high velocity canopy business. TenCate is listed as one of 

the suppliers for high velocity webbing by the US Army Soldier 

Systems Center (SSC), sometimes called Natick Army Labs. 

28 


The success of these geotextile materials has been in the supply of 

low velocity webbing to parachute manufacturers. The Low Cost, 

Low Velocity (LCLV) parachutes are a one-time use, expendable 

parachute system, which is a part of the LCADS programme. 

The parachutes deliver mission-essential supplies such as gas, 

ammunition and food to troops in rough terrain and isolated 

locations. These airdrops lower the risk of IED attacks by taking 

convoys off dangerous roads. The number of these cargo 

deployments is on the rise. 

With the expected increase in deployment, TenCate Geosynthetics is 

ramping up the production of LCLV parachutes. The simple design 

makes it easy to build and enables it to support the surge demands of 

the US military. These cargo parachutes are manufactured with a 

lightweight polypropylene webbing.


geoSynTheTiCS 

Infrastructures 

Severe damage to property and injuries to people can be induced 

by accidental detonations or terrorist bomb attacks. As a natural 

material, soil is widely used for civil and military structures and 

infrastructures to absorb ground shock and to stop sharp debris 

from explosives. 

Geosynthetic reinforced soil structures are capable of protecting 

human lives from blast effects, without producing sharp secondary 

debris. With the inclusion of geotextiles, soil structures can 

effectively be used in the protection of property and personnel due 

to their energy-absorbing capabilities, rapid construction, costeffectiveness, 

minimal occupied ground area, ability to withstand 

30 


large deformation before failure, and high tolerance for different 

settlements. TenCate Geosynthetics is the leading company in 

creating stabilization and rehabilitation solutions for civil and 

military engineering. 

By designing, developing and producing geosynthetic solutions – 

based on woven and non woven products – TenCate offers an 

innovative and reliable line of turnkey solutions for civil and military 

infrastructure that has been damaged in warfare or during peacekeeping 

operations. These reconstructions may relate to airstrips, 

transportation, temporary roads (to military bases), railways, 

retaining structures, embankments and tunnel constructions. 

When it comes to transportation constructions, TenCate 

Geosynthetics offers a system approach, consisting of six specific 

elements: road reconstruction by pavement restoration, 

stabilization and reinforcement; water management through, for 

example, subsurface drainage; earth stabilization by restoring 

slopes, walls and embankments. 

In civil engineering the interaction between the soil and the 

geosynthetic – and its strength – leads to enormous savings in 

reconstruction and maintenance, compared to traditional methods 

of reconstruction. The same applies to military engineering.

The knowledge and worldwide expertise of TenCate Geosynthetics 

ensures flexible production methods. Its quality product range is 

engineered with advanced application knowledge to meet military 

project specifications, increase performance and reduce costs. 

TenCate Geosynthetics has several solutions for the stabilization of 

soft terrains – such as the creation of temporary take off and 

landing locations for helicopters. Mobile soil reinforcement is the 

quick answer for secure military operations. 


geoSynTheTiCS 

Aquastructures 

TenCate Geosynthetics specializes in the design and production of 

geotextiles for the civil and militarily relevant protection of marine 

structures, such as shoreline protection and water management; and 

erosion control. 

TenCate Geotube ® technology is used in a variety of marine and 

hydraulic engineering structures, serving as an integral component 

to the design and construction. These structures are used as a core 

of sand dunes, dykes, breakwaters and even to create entirely new 

islands in the sea. Geocontainment technology is easy to install, with 

installation possible beneath the surface of the water or in other 

difficult conditions. Once in place, these products are very durable 

32 


and deliver high performance and are also cost effective when 

compared to traditional marine constructions. These products 

minimally impact the environment while providing a beneficial use 

for dredge material. 

Geocontainment technology from TenCate has been used for a 

variety of breakwater, groynes, and spoil-containment applications. 

The geocontainers protect and enhance beachfronts by aiding in the 

reclamation of sand. They also serve as containment devices for fill 

and spoil materials.

Shoreline and coastal protection and remediation 

• TenCate Geotube ® shoreline containment systems are used in more than 50 countries 

• Many hundreds of kilometres of coastline are protected worldwide 

• This technology is virtually invisible when the installation is completed 

• The protection system works well for both short and long term solutions 

• Dozens of wetlands have been created with this geocontainment technology 

• Geocontainment structures are a cost effective alternative to traditional engineering structures 

• Specially designed high strength fabric combined with special high strength sewing techniques 


BuSineSS developmenT 

TenCate Solutions for military protection 

North America 

South America 

www.tencate.com 

Europe 

Middle East 

Africa 

Asia 

Australia

proTeCTive faBriCS - TenCate

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