buglerbilly
17-02-10, 02:30 PM
The appliance of science to benefit front line troops
An Equipment and Logistics news article
17 Feb 10
The development of new technologies to aid front line troops is being supported by MOD research grants and some have recently been put on show at the Centre for Defence Enterprise in Harwell, Oxfordshire.
Sergeant Alex Scott, 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, demonstrates the new fabric from Intelligent Textiles Limited which conducts a small electrical charge to power a soldier's equipment
[Picture: Cpl Steve Blake RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
A range of new technologies was showcased at the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) by UK companies that have recently been awarded research funding.
Minister for Strategic Defence Acquisition Reform, Lord Drayson, said:
"These companies are developing cutting-edge technology which could benefit our troops in the future.
"Harnessing science and innovation that could have a defence use will ensure UK forces will have the battle-winning edge in current and future conflicts.
"The Centre for Defence Enterprise is a bridge for small and medium companies, academics and others to contact the Ministry of Defence with their innovation ideas.
"We have already awarded £8m worth of contracts through the Centre for Defence Enterprise and the centre has recently received the 1,000th research proposal, which gives an indication of the popularity of working with the CDE."
Lord Drayson tries out the new D30 shock-absorbing material - a gel-like substance that turns to a solid upon sudden impact which potentially will be used in helmets, and knee and elbow pads
[Picture: Cpl Steve Blake RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
The funding for innovative ideas included £49,500 to investigate the use of conductive textiles to replace conventional wiring looms that could power weapons, radios or charge batteries for a firm based in Middlesex.
Williams F1 Hybrid Power Ltd has been awarded £48,000 to develop a electromechanical flywheel to increase the power efficiency of diesel generators that power Forward Operating Bases.
Meanwhile a Leeds-based firm was awarded £44,000 to research a buoyancy propulsion system for a long-endurance unmanned air system. The 'Little Owl' technology could stay airborne for up to three months to provide persistent surveillance.
Other technologies supported include solar energy, surveillance systems, engines and jets, and even a wheelchair that aids in the recovery of fitness levels in amputees.
An Equipment and Logistics news article
17 Feb 10
The development of new technologies to aid front line troops is being supported by MOD research grants and some have recently been put on show at the Centre for Defence Enterprise in Harwell, Oxfordshire.
Sergeant Alex Scott, 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, demonstrates the new fabric from Intelligent Textiles Limited which conducts a small electrical charge to power a soldier's equipment
[Picture: Cpl Steve Blake RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
A range of new technologies was showcased at the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) by UK companies that have recently been awarded research funding.
Minister for Strategic Defence Acquisition Reform, Lord Drayson, said:
"These companies are developing cutting-edge technology which could benefit our troops in the future.
"Harnessing science and innovation that could have a defence use will ensure UK forces will have the battle-winning edge in current and future conflicts.
"The Centre for Defence Enterprise is a bridge for small and medium companies, academics and others to contact the Ministry of Defence with their innovation ideas.
"We have already awarded £8m worth of contracts through the Centre for Defence Enterprise and the centre has recently received the 1,000th research proposal, which gives an indication of the popularity of working with the CDE."
Lord Drayson tries out the new D30 shock-absorbing material - a gel-like substance that turns to a solid upon sudden impact which potentially will be used in helmets, and knee and elbow pads
[Picture: Cpl Steve Blake RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
The funding for innovative ideas included £49,500 to investigate the use of conductive textiles to replace conventional wiring looms that could power weapons, radios or charge batteries for a firm based in Middlesex.
Williams F1 Hybrid Power Ltd has been awarded £48,000 to develop a electromechanical flywheel to increase the power efficiency of diesel generators that power Forward Operating Bases.
Meanwhile a Leeds-based firm was awarded £44,000 to research a buoyancy propulsion system for a long-endurance unmanned air system. The 'Little Owl' technology could stay airborne for up to three months to provide persistent surveillance.
Other technologies supported include solar energy, surveillance systems, engines and jets, and even a wheelchair that aids in the recovery of fitness levels in amputees.