The Army displayed energy-efficient technologies within the Pentagon courtyard which are used or being developed to make Soldiers more advantageous at the battlefield.
The G-4 Operational Energy team hosted the development Nov. 14, showcasing technologies comparable to a rigid wall shelter, an Integrated Soldier Power/Data System, generators and transportable solar panels.
Army leaders who toured the displays include Under Secretary of the military Dr. Joseph W. Westphal, Sgt. Maj. of the military Raymond F. Chandler III, and Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the military for Installations, Energy and Environment.
Lt. Col. Roger D. Kuykendall, product manager for Common Engines with PEO Aviation at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., mentioned the enhanced Turbine Engine Program for Black Hawk and Apache helicopters.
The improved engine that’s being developed has more power, greater fuel efficiency, and expands operational capacity, he said.
“Compared to the present engine, you could save basically 14 million gallons of fuel per year,” he said.
The improved 3,000-shaft horsepower engine has some great benefits of more power over the two,000-shaft horsepower engine, allowing Soldiers to hold a heavier load and go farther.
The current engine can carry five passengers 120 kilometers, while the enhanced engine could carry 11 passengers 240 kilometers, he said.
“It’s crucial program for Army aviation and it saves tax payers’ dollars and provides increased capability to the warfighter,” he said.
Maj. Mitchell J. Wisniewski, commander of the 542nd Quartermaster Company, headquartered in Fairview, Pa., was available to speak about the readily deployable shelters, Force Provider units.
“Our unit is answerable for developing, operating and maintaining the Force Provider units, that are very energy efficient, as they utilize solar shade liners, a bath water reuse system, and a microgrid generation system to minimize the quantity of fuel it is used,” he said.
The water reuse system reduces the volume of water it is essential to be trucked right into a base camp, said Wisniewski, thus keeping concentrate on the mission, increasing efficiency, and reducing the variety of potentially dangerous resupply trips.
A rigid wall shelter, in accordance with a 20-foot container, is now under development, he said. That unit, he said, can accommodate a kitchen, latrines, a bath system and sleeping quarters.
The stronger walls provide increased protection for the warriors, and the shelter can be insulated to avoid wasting energy. Moreover, it uses less energy to run and uses a far smaller system, he said.
“They’re all just about self-contained where you’re able to drop these right into a location, pull out the perimeters and manage a camp,” he said.
Maj. Aleyzer Mora, with PEO Soldier-Project Manager Soldier Warrior, showcased technologies that power equipment for individual Soldiers.
“Our mission is to supply expeditionary power solutions for the foremost disadvantaged environment,” he said.
At his display were solar-powered blankets, together with lighter, more efficient batteries. The technologies allow a Soldier to hold less while being more efficient.
Looking down the street, Mora said, Soldiers can have the Integrated Soldier Power/Data System, or ISPDS.
“Currently we offer an answer that transfers power throughout the conformal battery, but one day, not just is the ISPDS going to transfer power, however may even transfer data,” he said.
The transfer of information will allow Soldiers, like forward observers, to mark distances and instructions with greater accuracy before calling in for fire, he said.
Also under development are “smart” textiles which are embedded into the vest of the Soldier. It’s far about one pound, said Mora, and transfers power and knowledge.
“We specialise in lightening the weight for the Soldier and we also provide power solutions so they can make him more lethal,” said Mora.
Sgt. 1st Class Brian W. Pessink, with the Rapid Equipping Force at Fort Belvoir, Va., demonstrated efficient battery chargers, lightweight generators and transportable solar panels.
The technologies give Soldiers power sources and make allowance them to recharge batteries and sustain what they’re already carrying, rather than bringing in new supplies. Reduction of weight is significant, as Soldiers must carry ammunition, weapons, food, water and clothing.
“It all boils all the way down to how much weight is reduced at the Soldier, but getting him the utmost capacity of what he needs,” said Pessink.
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