EL PASO, Texas — In a significant step towards modernizing tactical power generation, the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade played a crucial role by providing support for the Secure Tactical Advance Mobile Power operational demonstration on Aug. 31, 2023.
The event, held at McGregor Range, New Mexico, showcased a prototype known as the tactical microgrid standard MIL-STD-3071.
Distinguished visitors, including Brig. Gen. Samuel Peterson, program executive officer, Combat Support and Combat Service Support, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan; and Col. Jin Pak, commandant, U.S. Army Quartermaster School, Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, were among the key leaders who attended the demonstration.
During the event, Soldiers from the Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, along with technical managers from U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Champaign, Illinois, discussed the capabilities of two specific generator-based microgrids, known as DC vehicle and hybrid AC microgrid generator-based systems.
The tactical microgrid is a warfighter-operated and maintained power system consisting of a mobile, flexible group of interconnected power generation sources, distribution, energy storage and load devices that act as a single, controllable system to provide electricity on the battlefield.
The DC vehicle-based microgrid consists of modified medium tactical vehicles equipped with exportable power components. These vehicles can operate independently or be networked together to create a mobile electric power source, eliminating the need for traditional generators.
Sgt, Kristina Nguyen, a launching station enhanced operator/maintainer assigned to Alpha Battery, 1-43 Battalion, 11th ADA Brigade, shared her thoughts about benefits that DC vehicle-based microgrid system power when operating a terminal high altitude launcher equipment.
“The STAMP THAAD launchers are more fuel efficient”, she said. “They are battery-powered instead of generator power and that helps save on fuel.”
The hybrid AC microgrid combines energy storage with traditional tactical generators, enabling demand reduction, reducing generator run time and providing uninterrupted backup power during tactical operations.
The STAMP operational demonstration is a joint capability technology demonstration that focuses on integrated universal battlefield power using the tactical microgrid standard.
The demonstration illustrated how linking vehicle power combined with the AC and hybrid generator allows for the tactical vehicles to generate power on the move, enhance the mobility and flexibility of tactical units, while reducing the logistical burden on Soldiers in a contested environment.
This event underscores 11th ADA’s commitment to executing air and missile defense modernization missions for the Army, ensuring a battle-ready air and missile defense force.
11th ADA maintains its mission to rapidly deploy forces worldwide to provide joint and combined air and missile defense protection of critical assets that aligns with combatant commanders' priorities and executes air and missile defense modernization missions in the Army.
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