The Natick centre is currently developing a modular ballistic protection system (MBPS), a lightweight armour system not very different from soldier armour, which can be used where mobility prevents the use of sandbags and concrete.
#Airbeam shelter portable
While protecting soldiers against blasts and explosions has never been a traditional role of portable soldier shelters, the threat of insurgency and the growing threat of nuclear warfare have forced the military to drive innovation in this sector. Other improvements include incorporating a wide ready-made insulation barrier, novel insect repellents and the development of a fielded shelter that can protect sensitive equipment from outside electro-magnetic signals and radio frequency interference. The centre is also researching a flexible photovoltaic system called PowerFilm that can be integrated into the solar covers to capture and store solar power that can be used to create a self-powering shelter capable of powering up portable electronics.Īt the cutting edge of such technologies being used in the field is the deployable rapid-assembly shelter (DRASH), which integrates all power, lighting, heating and cooling systems into one package.Īt the cutting edge of this integrated system, DHS Technologies, which makes the DRASH, has recently announced research projects to build shelters capable of matching power supply to power need, to make sure that all systems are only using what they need and no more. Scientists are focusing on developing new materials that block solar rays as well as allow good airflow, reduce heat build-up and allow wind penetration. Natick is therefore focusing its efforts on developing shelters that can protect against extreme conditions. The shelters used in such locations need to be heated and air conditioned, which causes an enormous drain on logistics and the need for a fuel supply chain. The US Army’s Natick soldier systems centre, which researches ways to maximise soldier efficiency, has named energy management as its primary focus in shelter development because of the extreme environmental conditions found in Iraq and Afghanistan. The shelter has few parts and interconnected pieces, and has been successfully passed wind, driven-rain, and snow load testing required by the army at its Aberdeen test centre.
#Airbeam shelter skin
Utilis shelters use a traditional frame design, which then uses an innovative system of ropes and pulleys to quickly set up a protective PVC outer skin and interior liner. In this regard another US company, Utilis, has been a leader in folding frame designs, which have seen considerable action by both US and European forces. Rigid structures, however, carry the benefits of a substantial structure. “Speed and ease of shelter deployment are crucial.” The value of AirBeam technology is that it replaces traditional tent poles and rigging, which are heavy to carry and awkward to set up, especially on a large scale. It has been successfully used in applications including the world’s biggest rapid-deployment aviation hangar operated by the US Army. Vertigo uses a fibre-reinforced elastomeric composite that can be formed into a multitude of different shapes.
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US-based Vertigo has been a leader in AirBeam technology, which involves using an easily inflatable AirBeam pressure system to keep tents erect. One of the most important has been in AirBeam or air support technology. To tackle the trade-off between weight and set-up requirements and structural integrity a few critical advancements have been made in shelter structure over recent years. Most rigid structures also use materials such as canvas and can be assembled and arranged to create multipurpose spaces, such as mass sleeping quarters, storage, administrative headquarters and even field hospitals and operating rooms. Rigid shelters, however, are more permanent and can be constructed from aluminium, wood, foam or other lightweight materials.
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The Nemo Equipments range of Nemo, Morpho and Tanto low-weight hostile environment tents, for example, are built to be set up within 15 seconds, and are designed specifically with soldier gear in mind.