Flexible tents with functional layers

At the Buitink Technology Centre, we conduct practical research and testing on flexible, lightweight, tensioned, inflatable, and membrane-based structures for use in demanding environments. A specific part of these activities focuses on defence, security, and crisis management, with an emphasis on validation under realistic conditions.

An important area of research concerns flexible tents with a multi-layered, functional structure. These concepts combine different material technologies into a single integrated system.

• Load-bearing flexible tent construction for dimensional stability and rapid deployment.
• Spacer fabric for thermal insulation, decoupling and controlled air layers.
• Aramid layer for splinter protection and limited bullet resistance.
• IR-block layer to reduce heat radiation and visibility for thermal imaging systems.

The spacer fabric creates a stable air layer that contributes to insulation value, comfort and functional separation between the different layers. The multi-layer structures are tested for manufacturability, assembly, durability and functional performance under realistic conditions.

Small-scale shelters (trenches / 2 × 3 m modules)

In addition to larger tent and camp structures, the research also focuses on compact tent modules for use in trenches and temporary shelters.

Examples include modules measuring approximately 2 × 3 metres, intended for:

• Covering and protection of trenches.
• Temporary shelters and resting places.
• Sheltering equipment, workplaces or small-scale medical posts.

The focus is on rapid deployment with minimal resources, low visual and thermal signature, insulation and climate buffering through spacer fabric, and robustness and repairability in harsh conditions.

Testing under realistic conditions

Various practical tests are carried out to validate concepts.

• IR testing with thermal imaging cameras.
• Mechanical and impact testing, including shooting tests on composite material structures.
• Tests focused on thermal behaviour and insulation properties.
• Evaluation of assembly time, disassembly and reusability.

These testing activities are in line with existing testing disciplines within the Technology Centre, such as material behaviour testing and dynamic load testing. The results provide input for further optimisation towards practical application.

Contributing ideas and scaling up

Buitink Technology actively collaborates with defence organisations and partners at an early stage, from concept development and functional requirements to test setups and prototypes.

Thanks to our in-house production capacity, successful concepts can also be scaled up to series production. We have at our disposal:

• The Netherlands, focused on engineering, prototyping and production of specialised solutions.
• Romania, with two locations for industrial production, upscaling and assembly.

From concept to deployable solution

Research and testing are carried out in close collaboration with engineering and production. This allows concepts to be further developed into:

• Functional prototypes.
• Customer-specific test setups.
• Scalable customised solutions for specific operational requirements.

The Buitink Technology Centre thus forms the link between brainstorming, validation and actual deployment.

Interested in working with us?

Buitink Technology is keen to engage in discussions with defence organisations, knowledge partners and integrators about the further development and application of flexible and scalable structures.

Whether it's exploring new concepts, testing and validating existing ideas, or scaling up to deployable solutions, we are happy to contribute our ideas from initial concept to prototype and production.

Call us on +31 (0)316-250830. But even easier: fill in the contact form below. We will contact you as soon as possible!