HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The U.S. Army booth at the Association of the United States Army Winter Symposium and Exposition showcased an array of science and technology examples to defense and industry officials who attended the event Feb. 19-21.
In a three-day timespan, about 5,800 exhibitors and participants attended the event.
"This year we wanted to show the direct connection between the U.S. Army Materiel Command and Office of Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, Technology," said Rick Sims, co-director for the Army exhibit. "When individuals enter the exhibit they'll see the full lifecycle from identifying requirements and design, all the way through the process. Each portfolio has a great story to tell about what it does for the Army and how they all work together to benefit the Soldier."
The display featured 10 different portfolios with a diverse group of subject matter experts on hand to answer questions.
For example, Master Sgt. Brian Anscombe, the senior enlisted advisor for the Product Manager of Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, presented the Army Combat Uniform Alternate and the Army Air Combat Uniform Alternate.
"The ACU-A is a uniform design for smaller stature Soldiers. There have been some slight modifications such as narrowing the shoulders and waist. Its more streamlined to fit both male and female smaller statured Soldiers," said Anscombe. "The basic premise of what we are trying to do is to give a better fit, form and function to the uniform."
Dan Maslach, an engineer with TARDEC, showcased 200 watt fuel cells that are hybridized with the Talon, a kinetic bomb detecting robot that can operate in adverse conditions, navigate almost any terrain and can even climb stairs.
Typically the Talon will get two to four hours of operation while working on battery power. But the fuel cell operation increases that to between eight and 24 hours.
"It drastically increases the duration the Soldiers can use the robot without changing batteries or replacing fuel," said Maslach.
For Talon operators in the field, the use of fuel cells means not carrying extra batteries or chargers, ultimately unburdening the warfighter.
The Fuel Cell Talon was also showcased during Gen. Dennis L. Via's opening remarks on Feb 19.
Also on display in the Army exhibit was Tobyhanna army Depot's Nett warrior, which enables the warfighter to move, share and communicate data around the battlefield.
"It provides the Solder the situational awareness needed on the battlefield with the ability to pull up maps and communicate at the squad level while dismounted," said Col. Gerhard P.R. Schroter, the Tobyhanna Army Depot commander.
The times of carrying maps, grease pencils, and FM radios are over, according to Schroter.
"Now you have real-time information, updates, and visibility in multiple terrains," said Schroter "This makes it easier for the Soldier to communicate and maneuver on the battlefield."
Another leap-ahead in battlefield maneuverability is the Fuel Efficient ground vehicle Demonstrator, known as FED Bravo. This is the Army's move toward developing hybrid technology for military vehicles, while also reducing fuel consumption. The typical HUMVEE gets about eight miles per gallon while he FED Bravo has the capability of traveling 15 miles per gallon.
The vehicle itself won?'t go into production, but the components, technology and lessons learned will be transitioned to the current fleet and allow us to improve the future fleet. The FED vehicles were built to evaluate whether existing fuel efficiency solutions will be effective on a military platform.
The Combat Feeding portfolio was a hit with the public, offering samples of caffeinated beef and Meals Ready to Eat pizza.
The Combat Feeding Directorate provides the Department of Defense (DoD) with a joint-service program responsible for research, development, integration, testing, and engineering for combat rations.
Much of what is done in the area of research, development and equipping solutions is accomplished through partnership opportunities. The exhibit also featured representatives from the Office of Small Business and Public-Private Partnerships.
Subject matter experts provided resources, such as the AMC Industrial Capabilities Partnership Opportunities book, which explains how to schedule a site visit and proposals for partnering with AMC's government operated and government owned installations.
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