Bunker Supply has been awarded a SBIR Phase II for the continued development of the Electric Micromobility Operations Vehicle (E-MOV).
E-MOV is a versatile, decentralized electric micromobility vehicle to optimize base operations and support distributed operating bases by aiding distributed operations at dispersed locations, a key component of the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.
Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of integrated power and data management solutions and innovative head protection systems, has received a number of orders from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for its Nerv Centr® power and data products. Galvion has recently received an order for 5000 SoloPack™ II lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and a USD $1.5M order for additional ancillary cables to further support the USMC’s in-service Portable Power Scavenger Systems (P2S2).
The SoloPack™ II batteries ordered will support the USMC’s Fire support and coordination systems using portable, handheld devices to employ supporting arms in consonance with maneuver elements used by Marines. Galvion’s original 98Wh SoloPack™ batteries were included in kits when fielded in 2018. This new order for 5000 SoloPack™ II will provide more power to better sustain these critical systems. Small, lightweight and energy-dense, the SoloPack II offers 140Wh of energy (40% more power storage capacity than the original SoloPack), while maintaining the familiar, compact form factor users expect from the Nerv Centr® suite of products. SoloPack II fits into a magazine pouch for ease of storage and weighs only 1.65lbs (750 grams).
In December 2022, Galvion announced an order valued at USD $11 million to supply a customized Squad Power Manager™ (SPM) kit to each Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) within the Marine Corps, including Reserve Forces. The USMC’s Portable Power Scavenger System (P2S2) kits include Galvion’s SPM and a selection of cables, connectors and accessories that provide the ability to scavenge, distribute, and manage power from multiple power sources including solar, Alternating Current (AC), Direct Current (DC), military batteries, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plugs, and vehicle cigarette lighter/alternator attachments. The SPM kit can scavenge power from partially discharged batteries, vehicles, and standard electrical outlets and convert that power into a usable format for powering devices and recharging batteries. The recent order received for additional ancillary cables will extend and further enhance the functionality of the USMC’s in-service P2S2 kits.
Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “The United States Marines are some of the world’s toughest warfighters, and we’re incredibly proud to supply them with equipment that supports their missions.
The power supply and management solutions that we provide contribute to a reduction in physical and logistical burden by sustaining power for longer with less weight.” He continued: “The fact that these orders extend and enhance capabilities that Galvion has already supplied to Marines is an example of our commitment to responding to the ever-changing needs of our customers. We’re seeing a number of repeat orders from partners across the globe, which means we’re doing something right; this latest round of orders from the USMC is a proud moment for our whole team.”
Black Hills Designs has come up with another handy solution for load carriage. This time it’s a battery caddy that is shaped like a 30 round M4 magazine to help standardize your pouches.
I know what you’re thinking already. No, it won’t fit in a magwell, it’s a bit oversized. Plus, it features a unique texture so it will feel different in your hand as well as having all of those cutouts for batteries. But just to be sure, don’t store it in your kit along with your actual magazines.
CAPACITY
2xAA
2×2032
4xAAA
3xCR123
2x 18650/16650 OR an additional 4xCR123
Currently offered in Black with more colors to come.
Get yours at www.blackhillsdesigns.net/product/battery-mag.
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. (AFNS) —
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst played a vital role in a historic first cargo flight as part of a demonstration of the ALIA CTOL, a battery-powered fixed-wing aircraft, July 9. The National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP) in Atlantic City tested the aircraft’s cargo usage by flying a lap pattern from Atlantic City, Dover Air Force Base and JB MDL.
The U.S. Air Force, in a partnership with BETA Technologies, has been instrumental in the development of ALIA. This groundbreaking aircraft, with a range of 250 nautical miles and the capacity to seat up to five passengers, is a testament to the Air Force’s adaptability to new technologies. The Air Force’s interest in the ALIA’s flexible applications further reinforces its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Moving cargo between Dover AFB and JB MDL with the ALIA is advantageous because it saves time and many other valuable resources.
“We can be ready to take off in a matter of minutes, and the battery has a low center of gravity, which is not affected by the way you load the cargo,” said Ross Elkort, BETA Technologies flight test engineer.”
The 305th Maintenance Squadron’s Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory team unloaded 319 pounds of cargo from Dover AFB and loaded 222 pounds to send on a return trip.
Having last-mile cargo delivery handled by a battery-powered fixed-wing is an opportunity to make air mobility safer, cleaner and more cost-effective.
“It brings key innovation to the mission. It’s going to make things faster and simpler,” said Alyxandra Scalone, 305th Maintenance Squadron production controller. “Dover (AFB) is about two and a half hours away from us. Today’s flight only took 45 minutes.”
“An all-electric aircraft like the ALIA is the next evolution of rapid global mobility,” said Zachary White, BETA Technologies team member. “We started working with the AFWERX Agility Prime Program in 2019. We are super excited to be here and supporting Air Mobility Command. Doing different types of missions and flying cargo between bases, it was great to see the flexibility of this aircraft.”
By MSgt Joseph Vigil, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
Exxelia, global manufacturer of complex passive components and subsystems introduces groundbreaking innovations in smart magnetics technology, specifically tailored for resonant bidirectional power converters. These advancements are set to redefine efficiency and performance standards across a spectrum of applications.
The advent of electrification, especially in electric or hybrid mobility including EVTOLs, buses, heavy vehicles, military/defense applications, off-road vehicles, and space thrusters, as well as electric energy storage systems & Smart Grid networks, implies the management and storage of large quantities of electrical energy. This necessitates the use of specific architectures such as DAB, LLC, and interleaved converters. These structures enable very high efficiencies.
EXXELIA SMART MAGNETICS INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY
Combines an inductor and a transformer into a single ultra-compact/miniaturized, lightweight component, regardless of the inductance value, for a seamless integration.
• High Power Applications (up to 300kW)
• High Frequency (10-500kHz): fits next-generation semiconductors (SiC, GaN) : Enables compact, lightweight designs.
• High Efficiency: minimizing losses, achieving efficiencies above 99% even at high frequencies.
• Lower Total cost of ownership: Ensuring straightforward integration and optimized system costs.
• EMI Reduction: Enhances electromagnetic compatibility for reliable operation.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
3 Phase 24 kVA Integrated Component (Transformer + Inductors) 360/27 V @ 100kHz
– Incorporates Series Inductors (18?H)
– Withstands Net Bias Current 10% of Load Current
– Size 1085cc, Mass 3.86kg
Dual Active Bridge Transformer 2kW / 10:1 / 300 kHz and Chokes 10?H
– Incorporates Series Inductors 10?H ? Size 40x40x40 mm, Mass 250g
Meet the Challenges in Converter Development:
• Miniaturization: Designing smaller systems without compromising performance.
• Thermal Management: Efficiently managing heat to enhance durability and efficiency.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing efficiency enhancements with cost-effective solutions.
Exxelia’s commitment to the development of these new technologies shows its willingness to anticipate the needs of advances power electronics.
For more information on Exxelia’s smart magnetics innovations, visit Exxelia’s website.
This project was financed by the government as part of the Recovery plan.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, is providing commercial battery electric technology in support of the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Pulsed Power and Energy Laboratory (PPEL) and Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). The project, Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Batteries to Enable Directed Energy (EEVBEDE), is funded by the Operational Energy Innovation office of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), through its Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF). UTA PPEL will evaluate the technology to understand current capabilities of commercial automotive batteries under dynamic discharge and charge scenarios. The team’s evaluation of the technology will help provide pathways and options for domestically supplied energy storage for future use in military platforms.
GM Defense is leveraging GM’s Ultium Platform propulsion architecture, for evaluation and testing. The Ultium Platform can deliver power, range and scale beyond any previous GM hybrid or extended range EV technology. Modular and scalable, the Ultium Platform can use different chemistries and cell form factors, making it adaptable to changing needs and new technology insertions as they become available. Utilizing the battery technologies of its parent company, GM Defense can help solve the DoD’s energy and energy storage challenges. The work performed in this new effort will provide insights into the performance and design considerations when batteries are used in more dynamic, high-power operations than would be faced by more typical applications. OECIF support plays a key role in the development of new power and energy technologies, which provide the DoD with advanced capabilities and help prevent power and energy from being a limiting factor.
“The Department of Defense can benefit from billions of dollars in GM investments to develop and manufacture transformative battery technologies,” says Steve duMont, president of GM Defense. “These technologies offer significant potential to enhance operational capability, whether at the tactical edge or on installations throughout the world. GM Defense welcomes the opportunity to support this important project and to help transition our global defense and government customers.”
“We are excited to work with GM Defense to test the Ultium Platform to determine its potential for use in future warfighting applications. PPEL has a long relationship with the DoD and the Office of Naval Research for testing the limits of batteries used in high power applications, and we are in a unique position to evaluate this technology and make recommendations for future use cases,” said David Wetz, a professor of electrical engineering at UTA and director of the PPEL.
“As a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA is committed to working with industry to better develop and understand the potential of new technology. This collaboration between PPEL, GM Defense and the DoD will not only improve our nation’s military capabilities, but also adds to our workforce development efforts producing next generation engineers who will solve our nation’s complex problems,” said Peter Crouch, dean of UTA’s College of Engineering.
GM Defense previously announced its participation in the Defense Innovation Unit’s Jumpstart for Advanced Battery Standardization (JABS) project. Similar to EEVBEDE, JABS is designed to evaluate and test high voltage battery systems to optimize commercial technologies. GM Defense provided a prototype of a battery system based on GM’s Ultium Platform for the project. Under the same contract, GM Defense demonstrated mission power capabilities by integrating a high-voltage battery pack into a light tactical utility vehicle. Key learnings from JABS will help inform the integration requirements of future battery electric defense solutions. To learn more about GM Defense projects, visit www.gmdefensellc.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
The Caracal platform, a pathbreaking outcome of cooperation between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS – Armoured Car Systems, has proven to be a pioneering answer to the demands of modern military mobility. From 17 June 2024, the Caracal will be demonstrating its high agility twice a day in the Demonstration Area at Eurosatory 2024, even in difficult terrain. It will be using a new synthetic fuel generated from hydrogen, CO2 and electricity for military use.
Rheinmetall is cooperating with its technology partner INERATEC on this Giga-PtX project vision for a war-ready energy supply with synthetic fuels. Trade journalists will be able to view this demonstration in the Demonstration Area on 16 June 2024. Furthermore, at Rheinmetall’s Eurosatory 2024 stand a Caracal variant fitted with a launcher for Hero-120 loitering ammunition is on show.
The Caracal is also proving successful on the market. After winning a joint order from Germany and the Netherlands for up to 3,058 vehicles, another important contract came as part of Germany’s efforts to aid Ukraine. A total of 20 units of the Caracal, based on stocks of the G-model 461 series, have been delivered as an immediate requirement for the special forces since spring 2024 after just a few months of production. This has sparked interest not only at home but also internationally.
A showpiece of military innovation, the Caracal draws not only on tried-and-tested technologies, but also embodies advanced elements regarding tactics, safety and performance. While for Germany and the Netherlands joint interoperability and the Caracal’s airtransportability in the STH CH-47 Chinook helicopter were decisive design features, the Ukrainian Caracal will deliver maximum land mobility, giving Ukrainian special forces units a critical tactical edge. Incoming orders from Germany, the Netherlands and now Ukraine highlight the global relevance of this binational partnership and its contribution to international security.
Close cooperation between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS has resulted not only in a cutting-edge military vehicle, but also in a strategic alliance that bundles the individual strengths of the partners: the Caracal combines a high-performance, large-production run platform – the Mercedes military G class 464 series – with a modular, industrial scalable build-on from ACS. Rheinmetall is in charge of final assembly of the role-specific military mission kits, drawing on its ability to produce customized products on a large scale in relevant customer countries, as well as providing long-term logistical support throughout the entire product lifecycle.
The Caracal platform not only assures maximum mobility on the ground and in the air. It also enables integration of ballistic protection, various weapon systems and technologies, as well as state-of-the-art reconnaissance and communication equipment – critical elements in the modern battlespace.
In addition to technical superiority and benefitting from assured long-term global logistic support, the Caracal is a very reasonably priced vehicle platform which can be flexibly adapted to meet the ever-changing requirements of current and future combat.
The orders from Germany, the Netherlands and Ukraine, coupled with enquiries from numerous other nations make clear the platform’s international market potential.
The partnership between Rheinmetall, Mercedes Benz AG and ACS shows that the future of military mobility lies in intercompany cooperation. Here, the Caracal platform points the way forward, setting the standard and serving as a model for binational partnerships in the defence industry, in which companies take on challenges together, pushing ahead on the path to sustained innovation, and bringing new products to the global marketplace.
Adlington, United Kingdom: Global workwear textile manufacturer Carrington Textiles, along with its joint venture in Portugal, MGC, has achieved significant carbon emission reductions following the installation of a biomass boiler at the site in 2023. This initiative has allowed the factory to produce 95% of the steam needed for manufacturing while reducing natural gas consumption by 70%, marking a substantial step towards more sustainable textile production practices.
A biomass boiler is a device that uses organic materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, or other biological matter, to produce heat and energy. This technology serves as an alternative to fossil fuels, significantly cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
MGC’s biomass boiler uses responsibly sourced wood chips from local forests within a 50 km radius of the factory, all certified by SURE (Sustainable Resources). This raw material consists of leftover wood intended for the paper industry that needs to be removed to prevent fires. The ash generated in the process is used as soil fertiliser after being treated to avoid soil contamination.
This new equipment is carbon neutral and has allowed the textile manufacturer to decrease its overall CO2 emissions by 45% compared to 2022.
Jose Melo, MGC’s Managing Director, commented on the achievement: “The installation of the biomass boiler marks a significant milestone in our journey towards driving energy efficiency in our manufacturing processes. The substantial reduction in our CO2 emissions is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Comprehensive Environmental Initiatives
Beyond the biomass boiler, MGC has implemented a series of initiatives that showcase its commitment to sustainability. This includes reduction in water consumption by over 13%, waste and plastic usage reduction, environmental management training to all employees, energy management systems, wastewater treatment to remove microplastics and PFAs, to name a few.
These initiatives and the implementation of the biomass boiler illustrate Carrington Textiles and MGC’s dedication to investing in technologies that reduce their impact on the environment.
