PMCI - October 2017

BCB FIREDRAGON
Visitors to the world’s leading Defence and Security
Trade event, DSEI, were able to see for themselves a
new fuel made from sugar beet which British soldiers
are now using to heat their combat rations and warm
their drinks. PMCI takes a closer look.
163 year old Cardiff-based survival equipment
manufacturers, BCB International Ltd, have developed
the world’s first solid bio-ethanol fuel called ‘FireDragon’.
Following extensive laboratory and field trials, the UK’s
Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided to replace traditional
hexamine fuel tablets with the novel ‘FireDragon’ fuel
which is made in Great Britain.
BCB International’s Managing Director, Andrew Howell, said:
“Warm food raises a soldier’s morale, energy and
concentration levels. Unfortunately, for far too long soldiers
were also unknowingly inhaling toxic fumes each time they
used hexamine fuel tablets to cook their food in the field.
“FireDragon is a safer and cleaner alternative. The
FireDragon fuel boasts many features. It is made from
sustainable natural ingredients, it is non-toxic, burns
cleanly, can be ignited even when wet and if necessary
can be used as a hand cleanser.”
Many Armies, and indeed Cnotracting companies,
worldwide are still issuing their personnel with hexamine
fuel tablets. But as Andrew Howell explained, the British
Army’s decision to make the switch to ‘FireDragon’ has
encouraged others to rethink their military rations heating fuel:
“There is a growing body of evidence about the health
risks associated with hexamine based fire-lighting fuels.
This combined with the UK MoD’s decision to use a superior
alternative, has led to those in charge of combat feeding
programmes in other armies to reconsider hexamine’s
suitability as a fuel for the future.
“We are currently in discussions with several armies
that are interested in integrating ‘FireDragon’ into their
operational ration packs.”
BCB formulated and developed the ‘FireDragon’ gel to
help people who venture in the great outdoors cook their
rations and boil their brews quickly, safeguard their health,
while protecting the environment. The fuel is non-toxic,
non-drip and made from 100% natural ingredients. It is
easy to light, burns cleanly and BCB’s research shows that
it boils quicker than meths.
FireDragon Gel fuel is an ideal companion when it comes
to efficient cooking in hostile environments. Whether in
driving rain, the freezing arctic or searing heat, the fuel will
perform in extreme conditions. The fuel is also relatively
inexpensive and comes supplied with a small lightweight
cooker which can be packed with three ‘FireDragon’ fuel
blocks.
• Easy to Light
• Quick Boil – Boils quicker than meths.
• Non-Drip – The non-flowing gel and bottleneck widget
prevent leakage.
• Clean Burn – The gel produces very little soot.
• All Weather – FireDragon gel is waterproof and will burn
even when wet. The ultimate all weather gel fuel.
• Non-Toxic – Gives off an odourless clean burn.
• Environmentally Friendly – Made from 100% natural
ingredients, FireDragon is kind to the planet.
• FireDragon Gel is supplied in two sizes: 250 ml and 1 Litre.
For more information and some excellent video of the fuel
in use please visit www.firedragonfuel.com
GEAR ON TEST
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