A look at Buzz Aldrin’s Life

Thank You Buzz Aldrin

 

Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr., or more universally recognizable, Buzz Aldrin, is a prime example of someone who has achieved in multiple areas to become a monumental figure in the history of mankind. From his early days as a fighter pilot to his development into one of the most celebrated and recognized astronauts ever to his new-found talents as an author – he is a remarkable man we can be proud to call American.

 

His Military Days

 

Buzz Aldrin somewhat went against his father’s wishes to use his engineering degree and instead chose to become a fighter pilot for the US Air Force. His time with the services enabled him to fight in the Korean War. His talents as a fighter pilot did not go unnoticed with his peers and superiors. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Award before returning to university to earn a Ph.D. in astronautics at MIT.

 

His NASA Achievements

 

Following his graduation, he was quickly ushered to NASA’s space programme where he became the first Ph.D. holder to obtain a place in NASA. One of his earliest achievement while working for NASA was developing training techniques for astronauts walking with less gravity. He used underwater training to simulate spacewalking. At the time, he did not realize that he was preparing himself to walk on the moon a few years later.

 

This was to be just one of a series of firsts for the NASA genius. He completed the longest spacewalk at the time at a staggering five hours. He is also responsible for taking the first space “selfie” after he photographed himself after part of his equipment failed.

 

Later, he accomplished what most people know Buzz Aldrin for. He was the second person to walk on the moon. This was a televised event that drew in the largest audience in history at that moment. Following this event, Buzz Aldrin and his colleagues became heavily decorated and he even had an asteroid named after him.

 

His Later Career

 

After his time with NASA, Buzz Aldrin went on to exhibit his talents in other areas. He became an author of science-fiction novels, wrote memoirs about his one-of-a-kind experiences and even wrote children’s books. These are must-reads for any Buzz Aldrin fan or general space enthusiast.

 

A Big Thank You To Our US Forces!

 

We want to take the time to wish all of our servicemen and servicewomen a wonderful holiday season. We are thankful for the risks you take to keep our country safe. We hope you enjoy the time you get to spend with your families and wish you all the best for the year ahead!

 

As you serve us so well, we continue to strive and serve you as best we can. We endeavor to continue providing US military personnel with exceptional suits and overalls that keep you unseen and protected at all times.

CWU 27/P Nomex Flight Suit Left Chest Pocket

What Does NIR Compliant Mean?

Military Grade Flight Suits

When it comes to the heat of battle, just the tiniest of tactics can make all the difference for survival. One of the best tactics being, shield yourself from the enemy while knowing exactly where they are. Which is why NIR-Compliant uniforms are so vital for the military.

NIR-Compliance refers to a unique type of cloth used in the manufacture of military uniforms. This cloth has been developed to mimic the same radiation level as your surroundings. This should hide you from infrared technology.

Infrared sight, which many people know more as night vision, thermal imaging or thermal vision, is what militaries use to spot people in poor light or at during the darkness of night. This type of infrared technology, though, has two different ways of working, both of which use different areas of the infrared spectrum:

Thermal imaging

Thermal imaging is what most of us think of when we consider night vision. Such as when you watch real-life police television chases, where you see a perpetrator running through gardens who thinks he’s invisible. In reality, though, we can all see him as an orange blob due to the heat his body emits.

Thermal imaging works using the upper section of the infrared spectrum. This portion emits light as heat, so objects that are warmer will emit more light and be seen clearer. As a human runs with a core temperature of around 99 degrees Fahrenheit, this can be easily seen on thermal imaging against trees or houses, which don’t have a high core temperature.

Image Enchantment

On the lower part of the spectrum, image enhancement allows vision in darkness by amplifying the visible and infrared portions of light surrounding an object. These are boosted until it’s possible to see that object, even in poor light.

This is the method that most night-vision devices (NVDs) use these days. The NVD with have an ocular lens that contains an image-intensifier tube, which is what will collect the light – both visible and invisible to the naked eye – and boost it until you get the familiar green phosphor image that we are familiar with.

So How Does NIR-Compliance Keep Our Troops Hidden?

When a piece of clothing is NIR-Compliant it blends you into the darkness and environment around you, making soldiers harder to detect to potential enemies. NIR image detectors work by looking for changes in light radiation, if there’s little or no change, then the person will be hard to spot.

NIR-Compliant uniforms need to use a fabric blend that will neither reflect NIR or UV light. Think of it as having camouflage right down to a molecular level, rather than just a special color or pattern.

Every Carter flight suits for sale on our site is NIR-Compliant. Not only that, they are also: made from breathable fabric, equipped with 2-way zippers, flame-resistant fabric, lots of functional pockets and made to fit their wearer like a glove.

These suits are all manufactured in the USA and all come with a certificate of compliance that guarantees suits are made to military standard MIL-C-83141ª – if the military trusts us, so can you!

 

 

 

Charles Lindbergh

The Pilot That Captured the Heart of a Country

Charles Lindbergh “Lone Eagle”

Charles Lindbergh is most remembered for being the first man to fly solo in a non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927, and for the tragic kidnapping and murder of his son. However, his accomplishments throughout is 72 years of life went well beyond these two events.

 

His incredible fame from his monumental achievement allowed Lindbergh to help the industry that had been a huge part of his dreams since he first watched “barnstorming” shows as a young boy. He traveled throughout the country in his plane giving speeches and promoting the field of aviation.

 

President Herbert Hoover appointed Lindbergh to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. He served on the board of directors for Pan-American World Airways acting as a special advisor. Lindbergh can be credited with a hand in the development of the age of commercial aviation.

The public’s thirst for Lindbergh led to him becoming a celebrity across the world. His fame even led to the beginning of a long-running media tradition. Images of the man could be found on nearly every magazine cover across the country. All except for Time magazine.

 

Later that year, the editors who chose not to assign a cover to Lindbergh after his flight, came up with a way to make up for their poor decision. The devoted the entire issue to him and his momentous flight. Time magazine put Lindbergh on its cover and named him “Man of the Year”, a tradition that is still used to this day.

 

Beyond The Sky

Lindbergh’s interests were not limited to airplanes. When he learned of the experiments Robert Goddard was performing with rockets in 1929, Lindbergh reached out to the scientist. Their friendship was one that would last until Mr. Goddard passed away.

 

Lindbergh helped secure the funding that Goddard used in research and experiment that would later earn Goddard the title of “father of modern rocketry”. As the astronauts of Apollo 8 prepared to be launched into space, Lindbergh sent them a message of gratitude for helping to turn Goddard’s dreams into reality.

 

More than Just a Flyer

Lindbergh found another interest in 1930 when his sister-in-law developed heart problem that would eventually claim her life. He could not accept that it was impossible to surgically repair a damaged heart. Lindbergh met French surgeon Alexis Carrel, winner of a Nobel Prize.

 

The pair created a perfusion pump in 1935, which would allow doctors to sustain organs outside the body for a brief time. This invention was not successful in practical application. However, Lindbergh’s work led toward innovations that gave surgeons to stop a heart during surgery and the creation of the artificial heart.

 

 

Dreams As High As the Clouds

Lindbergh was a young boy when he saw a “barnstormer,” fly into town. “I remember lying in the grass and looking up at the clouds and thinking how much fun it would be to fly up there among those clouds,” he said. Lindbergh did, indeed, fly high. The rise of aviation that came in the 20th century could easily be attributed to all he accomplished.

 

 

Source: https://pixabay.com/en/smithsonian-dc-lindberg-museum-2501720/

A Brief History of Nomex

As the building flares up in flames, engulfing much of the residence, a sad and frightening event is taking place. On the second story of the apartment complex is an elderly person who did not have the speed or energy to get out of the burning room in time. When all hope seemed lost a man – a firefighter – came, extinguishing the fiery blazes and rescuing the elderly individual inside.

Thanks to the bravery, along with the Nomex fiber that can be found in the firefighters’ uniform, the firefighter and the elderly individual were able to make it out alive. So, if you are wondering what Nomex fiber is, let us take a closer look into this fantastic material.

A Brief History Of Nomex

Nomex was first created back in the early 1960s but would be marketed in 1967. Dr. Wilfred Sweeney created it in the now world-renowned DuPont laboratory. Nomex’s technical name is ‘Synthetic Aromatic Polyamide Polymer’. This, in layman’s term, means that this is a material that has been made in a lab.

When broken down to molecular level, it is made up of four neat piles of molecules, which are:

• Carbon • Hydrogen • Oxygen • Nitrogen

The Uses Of Nomex

Although the principal purpose and use of Nomex is to protect against fire and flames (hence why firefighters and race car drivers have this fiber manufactured into their uniforms) it is also used in a wide array of different areas that range outside the realm of protection against flames.

Race Car Drivers

We have made a small reference to this already, but race car drivers wear suits that have Nomex fiber material laced into their suits. This is because of the accidents that are involved in car racing, along with the flames that can arise from these dangerous and near-fatal car crashes.

Electric Conductive Suit

As mentioned already, Nomex is a multi-faceted material. The same molecular properties that stop the flow of heat from engulfing firefighters and race car drivers in flames is the same molecular structure that stops the flow of electricity as well. Nomex is an extremely poor conductor meaning that this is an excellent insulator.

Aerospace Application

Much like Kevlar, in regards to the durability and lightweight appeal of this material, Nomex is a great material to use in aerospace suits as well as in aviation uniforms.

Nomex is a fantastic material that has not only helped to protect many people, but it has also helped many people to save others as well.

This lightweight, yet highly durable material, has also been used outside of just protecting people but also their living environment.

Carter Utility Coverall

How Does My Flight Suit Protect Me?

 

One of the main functions of wearing a flight suit is to ensure that you stay well protected from any eventuality. A flight suit must not only be comfortable to wear, but must be able to effectively resist fire and protect the wearer in infrared sights. Carter Industries’ flight suits are trusted by the US Military precisely because they can offer this essential protection.

Protection From Extreme Temperatures And Flame Resistance Built In

Carter’s Nomex flight suits are made from 92% meta aramid fibers which are not only highly resistant to extreme temperatures but also abrasion and chemical degradation. Able to effectively withstand tensile stress even when exposed to temperatures as high as 400 degrees Celsius, our suits ensure maximum safety for the wearer in dangerous conditions where flames may be encountered.

NIR Compliance For Optimal Safety In The Field

A flight suit which protects the wearer’s presence from being detected by their enemy is the best possible choice in the field. Carter’s NIR Compliant Nomex flight suits allow wearers to remain unseen by making them appear to have the same level of radiation as the atmosphere surrounding them. NIR (or Near-Infrared) Image Converters are often used to spot the infrared radiation released by humans that cannot be seen by the naked human eye. Our Nomex flight suits ensure that members of the military remain unnoticed by blending the radiation they release with the atmosphere around them.

Not only can NIR Compliant flight suits prevent the wearer’s detection by an NIR Image Converter, they can also make the wearer less visible when in a low light environment as they reduce light reflection. This makes them, overall, the safest option when in the field.

The Ultimate In Comfort

When you feel comfortable in your flight suit, you can focus fully on the operation in hand. Carter’s flight suits are designed to be extremely comfortable to wear thanks to their breathable fabric construction that keeps the wearer cool, a glove-like fit, adjustable Velcro waist belt, two-way zippers and a number of highly functional pockets that allow for the storage of all of the essentials when out on the field.

You’ll Have Complete Peace Of Mind

Carter’s signature CWU 27/P Nomex flight suit is made in the USA, so you can be certain that only the best equipment and materials have been used in its manufacture. As our flight suits are also made under compliance of the Berry Amendment, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are wearing the safest and highest quality flight suit on the market. We even supply you with a compliance certificate, so you have a complete guarantee that every flight suit meets military standard MIL-C-83141a.

When you choose the Carter Nomex flight suit, you can be confident that you are choosing a manufacturer that you can trust. The US Military trust us to design and manufacture their flight suits, so you can depend on us too.

 

 

A New Use for our Suits: 313 Ghostbusters

When we ship out one of our NOMEX suits, we expect a pilot to be flying in it. However, there are more uses than you would think!

While they may not be flying, they’re stopping the flying ghosts! The 313 Ghostbusters in Detroit are a passionate group of people that bring joy to the community by bustin’ some ghosts and keeping the city safe.

 

We had an interview with one of the Ghostbusters, George, about what his organization does and the impact that they have on the Detroit.

 

What is your organization?

Bustin’ makes us feel good because we do good! 313 Ghostbusters is a group of folks that have come together to do some good in Detroit. Ghostbusters fandom spreads all over the world and we are using our own love for the franchise to help give back- right here in Detroit! There is a positively charged response when we are seen at events which gives us the perfect platform to discuss local drives, charities, and fundraisers with fans. We also love to take photos and give people the opportunity to quote the movie with us, ask us who we are going to call and use our equipment.

As Ghostbusters, we promise to: 1. Use our guise as Ghostbusters to help local charities. 2. Act and imply that we are actual “Ghostbusters” at events. 3. Bring smiles and photographic opportunities to all. 4. HAVE FUN

 

How do you use your flight suit?

I wear my flight suit all over the Metro-Detroit area doing charity work as a member of the 313 Ghostbusters. I’ve worn it raising money for the Detroit Children’s Center, participating in the annual Detroit Autism Hero Walk, and visiting patients at the Detroit Children’s Hospital just to name a few occasions.

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How did you start doing this?

For over 10 years I’ve been making costumes as mostly a hobby. About 2 years ago I made a pair of elaborate Ghostbuster costumes for my wife and myself for Halloween. Little did I know there was a huge Ghostbusters presence in the Detroit area. Shortly after posting a picture on Facebook, I was contacted by other Ghostbusters and found myself joining this wonderful fandom and charity group.

 

Why do you do it?

Just about the only thing I love more than making costumes is working with charities and non-profits. Getting to do meaningful work, raise money for great causes, and bring smiles to faces is just about the most rewarding thing I can do with my time.

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How long have you been bustin’ ghosts?

I’ve been a charitable Ghostbuster for about 2 years as of this October.

 

Why do kids love it?

I think why kids love it, is the same reason I love it. I can think back to when I was little-watching something I could really enjoy with my dad. It is all about how you connect with the things you like. The idea of being or seeing a Ghostbusters to a kid makes life less scary. It represents silly fun that a kid or adult can connect with instantly in a meaningful way.

 

Do you have any stories worth sharing?

I pretty much have to go have an ugly cry after most of our children based events. The kids we work with are usually experiencing some pretty difficult points of their life. I can think about a dozen stories of seeing a kid’s face light up and say how excited they are to meet us, tell us just about their entire life story, and ask to become a team member either on the spot or when they grow up.

 

If you want to learn more or show some support for their cause, please check them out here:

Website: https://www.313ghostbusters.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/313Ghostbusters/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/313ghostbusters/

How Did The US Air Force Start?

For more than 100 years, the US Air Force has been instrumental in defending America. The origins of the organization dates back to 1903, when two bicycle salesmen from Ohio took to the skies for the very first time in a powered aircraft that was heavier than air. This groundbreaking achievement set the scene for innovations which would put the USA on course to become one of the world’s most advanced and powerful nations.

The Early Origins

The history of the Air Force begins in 1907 when the US Signal Corps’ Aeronautical Division was formed. This division was only made up of 2 enlisted men plus a single officer, and their original aircraft were kite balloons, however, in 1908 their first true airplane was acquired. Between this time and the start of the First World War, the division obtained more aircraft and a tradition of experimentation and innovation was established.

The First World War

It was the First World War which gave early aviators the chance to try their skill in combat. When the United States joined the war effort, the air arm of the Signal Corps was transformed into a section in its own right which conducted both training and air combat operations. Frank Luke and Eddie Rickenbacker were just two of the pilots who became famous names during this period for their successful missions.

Between The Wars

Although the Aeronautical Division was officially commanded by the United States Army, by the end of the First World War, it had moved towards independence. The inter-war period brought more achievements and innovations in the aviation industry, with rocket launches, helicopters and aerial refueling becoming more prevalent. Aircraft designs improved and this led to brand new records being set for flight endurance. In 1926, the Air Service was once more redesignated and given the name US Army Air Corps.

The Second World War

At the start of the Second World War, the President increased the Air Corps’ aircraft numbers to 20,000, and this proved to have been a useful move when Pearl Harbor brought American into the war. The nation’s factories went into overdrive, producing bombers, transport planes and fighters while more Airmen were trained to fight for their country.

It was during this time that women started to play a greater role in the military services, with the Women’s Army Air Corps being set up. In 1941, the Air Corps became the Army Air Forces and then in 1947, it became known as the US Air Force. This was the first time that the title by which this branch of the military is known today was used.

The Cold War And Beyond

The US Air Force took a leading role in developing sophisticated platforms for weapons at the end of the Second World War, and the Korean War saw impressive jet fighter combat while the conflict in Vietnam saw ait-to-air missile dogfights and ongoing bomber operations. In more recent times, the US Air Force has moved into the space arena, establishing networks for early warning of missiles and aircraft while developments in rocketry have led to increasingly sophisticated platforms in space that will protect us from future dangers.

With recent developments comes the need for more advanced flight suits, and Carter Industries specializes in producing military grade flight suits for the US Military. Having been in business for over two decades, our products are made from high-quality materials and in accordance with the Berry Amendments. We supply only authentic and genuine Nomex flight suits that meet the high standards set by the US Air Force.

 

Southwest Pilot, Tammie Jo Shults, Hailed as an American Hero

 

Who is the first person that comes to mind when you think of an American hero? George Washington, the brave general who lead the first US Army into battle and defeated the British troops, thus ensuring the independence of the American colonies? Or maybe Abe Lincoln comes to mind for abolishing slavery. Women wouldn’t have the right to vote if it weren’t for the heroic deeds of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. These women are among the first to confront men and speak for Women’s Suffrage. These women, and others like them, did everything they could to be heard by others which was extremely difficult. Mrs. Stanton wrote essays and other writings, but many newspapers refused to print her work.

 

What about modern-day heroes, like the famous NFL player for the Arizona Cardinals, Pat Tillman. He left an outstanding career to become an Army Ranger during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Tillman saved his fellow rangers and provided cover for them when they were under “friendly fire.” The military awarded Pat with the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for paying the ultimate price and for his valiant acts.

 

The most recent American hero to come on the scene is Southwest pilot, Tammie Jo Shults. Back in April of this year, she executed an emergency landing in Philadelphia, PA. She landed the huge Boeing 737 successfully without injuring her passengers. Nor did the aircraft sustain further damage from the emergency landing. When Tammie contacted Philly’s tower, she described the situation in short, yet clear statements. She knew exactly what happened with the engine, and what she needed when they landed.

 

So, why was she forced to land the plane as soon as possible? One of the engines exploded and took out a passenger window. Unfortunately, a traveler was pulled through the window part way, but other people on board the flight rescued her. About seven others suffered minor injuries during the emergency. Once the plane landed, Mrs. Shults made rounds to all of the passengers and spoke with them directly to make sure they were ok.

 

Tammie is a fantastic pilot and served in the US Navy as a fighter pilot. She met this with great opposition though, because she was a woman. Still, she was among the first women to become a pilot. Not only that, but she also became one of the first to fly an F/A Hornet for training missions during Desert Storm as women were not permitted to fly official combat missions. Still, she became a Lieutenant Commander in 1995, which is quite an achievement in the male-dominated US military.

 

Mrs. Shults credits her military training with helping her land the Southwest plane in a professional, calm, and orderly fashion. The military teaches pilots to evaluate situations and prioritize then tasks quickly and efficiently. Military training is different than training to be a commercial pilot because although airlines have emergencies, they are not fighting the enemy at the same time. Pilots trained in the military learn necessary skills to assess and arrange tasks quickly to complete the mission successfully. Once this is mastered, it becomes second-nature.

 

Tammie Jo Shults is one of the most recognized American heroes of 2018. She is a woman of great courage and has intense compassion for humanity. The outstanding character of this woman will stand the test of time.

 

 

United States Air Force flight Suits

Why the US Military and Pilots Chose Nomex Flight Suits  

 

Nomex is the chosen material employed by the US Military and its air force pilots. The material offers a much more unique experience than that of traditional flight suits worn by pilots during the wars of the 20th Century. It is because of this that the flight suits are used by the US Military, as the benefits are worlds ahead of the suits of the past.

 

Flame Resistant

 

Nomex fiber is flame resistant, something that is beneficial during missions and exercises where anything can happen. Taking measures to understand the dangers of these missions is essential to the design of flight suits.

 

While cockpit fires are rare, this does not mean that they will not happen. In military jets, with an array of wiring and other instruments, the potential for fire is even greater. Having a suit that will protect the pilot from fire will save lives should the worst happen.

 

Safety First

 

Considering that these flight suits are used during often-dangerous missions, manufacturers need to ensure that they are safe for use. The flame resistant material covers much of the dangers associated, but there are also factors such as its temperature-resistant abilities. The Nomex flight suit can withstand temperatures of up to 5720℉ (300℃) and do not suffer molecular changes when exposed to such temperatures, such as melting or brittleness.

 

These kinds of properties make NOMEX the ideal material when considering how to outfit military personnel. It is no surprise that the US armed forces have elected to use Nomex exclusively in their uniforms.

 

Comfort is Key

 

Being in an enclosed area, things can get quite claustrophobic, because of this, it is essential that the suits provided to the pilots are comfortable and lightweight. Previous suits were traditionally bulky and heavy which, while ensuring the pilot remains warm, can quickly cause discomfort. The NOMEX suit weighs just 4.5 lbs, helping to provide a lightweight solution while still ensuring protection.

 

Additionally, built-in insulation provides the wearer with comfort when reaching higher altitudes, but can still prevent overheating. Its glove-like fit along with adjustable waist belt gives the opportunity to fit pilots of all shapes and sizes, meaning that no matter who you are you will feel comfortable and secure when wearing your flight suit. There is also a single zipper for quick removal and six pockets to store any necessary equipment

 

Quality Check

 

The Nomex flight suit is created with a sturdy material that reduces rips or tears through its rip-top fabric design. This is especially useful when in the cockpit or even moving to and from such tight areas as there is little chance of catching on hooks, latches and other protruding instruments.

 

Furthermore, the suits are solution dyed to prevent fading and discoloration. This ensures a professional appearance throughout the rank and promotes a sense of camaraderie. Everyone is working towards the same goal together as a team.

 

The NOMEX flight suit has proven highly effective in protecting pilots. The material offers a degree of safety, comfort, and quality that is not found in other suits on the market.