1 million dollars for "lightweight batteries" for American soldiers
The US Department of Defense took an unprecedented step. The military has announced a competition to create a lightweight version of the power supply module, which the American soldiers are carrying with them to ensure the work of all high-tech equipment hung on them. If by the end of 2008 any of the declared participants can present a working 96 hours, weighing no more than 4 kilograms and made in the form of a field battery vest, then this lucky (or a group of lucky ones) will receive their coveted million from one of the most closed departments USA.
The development of an improved in every way power supply module is not just another whim of army officials. The fact is that the “packed” with GPS-navigator, night-vision goggles, communications equipment and other technological gadgets of a simple American soldier must additionally carry a set of batteries on his hump, which can weigh from 10 to 20 kilograms. Someone might say that a fattened North American "peacemaker" is useful to run with fifty kilograms of equipment. But officials in the ministry of defense have a different opinion.
It is noteworthy that the competition, the registration of participants of which began on July 5, will be able to take part not only companies constantly working with the US Department of Defense, but almost the developers from the street. It is allowed to register even simple American Kulibins - you see, not only Jobs can shaman in the garage on his knee. True, individual developers must necessarily be adults (over 21 years old) US citizens.
The main condition set for the inventors of all of America is that the weight of the prototype batteries should not exceed 4 kilograms, and its design should be such that all this energy junk does not dangle behind its back, but is worn like a regular vest. At the same time, the power supply must operate for 96 hours (4 days - the average duration of the “normal mission” for the US Army) and deliver at the same time an average power of 20 watts. Understandably, the selection will be more than scrupulous. For five days, a high jury (scientists, engineers, military officials) will observe how the developments are subjected to serious tests under conditions that imitate real ones. "Experimental" ordinary American army will walk, run, jump in the "energy" vests. Samples will also be passed through the water (in the direct sense of the word), fire, and copper pipes (as a function test in an airtight container). The winner of this competition will receive $ 1 million. The developments, which took the second and third places, will bring to their inventors, respectively, 500 and 250 thousand dollars.
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Already in September this year, the military are going to arrange a press conference and a meeting with the participants of the competition, at which technical details, specified rules and qualification requirements of the competition will be announced. Registration of participants will end on November 30, 2007.
via CNN
The development of an improved in every way power supply module is not just another whim of army officials. The fact is that the “packed” with GPS-navigator, night-vision goggles, communications equipment and other technological gadgets of a simple American soldier must additionally carry a set of batteries on his hump, which can weigh from 10 to 20 kilograms. Someone might say that a fattened North American "peacemaker" is useful to run with fifty kilograms of equipment. But officials in the ministry of defense have a different opinion.
It is noteworthy that the competition, the registration of participants of which began on July 5, will be able to take part not only companies constantly working with the US Department of Defense, but almost the developers from the street. It is allowed to register even simple American Kulibins - you see, not only Jobs can shaman in the garage on his knee. True, individual developers must necessarily be adults (over 21 years old) US citizens.
The main condition set for the inventors of all of America is that the weight of the prototype batteries should not exceed 4 kilograms, and its design should be such that all this energy junk does not dangle behind its back, but is worn like a regular vest. At the same time, the power supply must operate for 96 hours (4 days - the average duration of the “normal mission” for the US Army) and deliver at the same time an average power of 20 watts. Understandably, the selection will be more than scrupulous. For five days, a high jury (scientists, engineers, military officials) will observe how the developments are subjected to serious tests under conditions that imitate real ones. "Experimental" ordinary American army will walk, run, jump in the "energy" vests. Samples will also be passed through the water (in the direct sense of the word), fire, and copper pipes (as a function test in an airtight container). The winner of this competition will receive $ 1 million. The developments, which took the second and third places, will bring to their inventors, respectively, 500 and 250 thousand dollars.
')
Already in September this year, the military are going to arrange a press conference and a meeting with the participants of the competition, at which technical details, specified rules and qualification requirements of the competition will be announced. Registration of participants will end on November 30, 2007.
via CNN
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/12337/
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