Defense Technology International - April 2008 - (Page 35) Supplying power for these systems is an important challenge. With current technology, a soldier can carry 30 lb. of batteries for an extended patrol. The U.S. Army’s wearable power competition, due to culminate in a demonstration in the fall, is one approach to the problem; other alternatives known as “energy harvesters” turn physical motion into power. Motion 2 Energy, a startup company in Boise, Idaho, says it has a solution to the problem: a generator/battery combination, scalable from vehiclemounted power down to the microand nano-machine level, that generates power from movement or even vibration. Overall, the system is claimed to be 3-7 times more efficient than earlier motion-based generating systems, and the company believes that in normal movement, a hip-worn M2E battery will provide as much output as a conventional battery, but will not have to be replaced and recharged. Meanwhile, researchers at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, have developed a 3.5-lb. knee brace that generates 5 watts of power without any perceptible increase in ef0033(see p. 44). half page ad 3/11/08 fort Miltope � FREE-RANGE FORCES DAVID ESHEL•TEL AVIV The Israeli military has adopted “diffused warfare” as a defense concept, calling it the preferred modus operandi against low-tier threats like terrorism and for counterinsurgency operations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) version of diffused warfare, tried for the first time in limited scope during “Operation Defensive Shield 2002” in the West Bank, proved effective in its use of small, widely distributed forces that controlled large areas of a dense urban environment. The IDF now uses similar tactics for counterinsurgency. The idea behind the concept is that in conventional warfare, only a small fraction of fighting formations engage in combat in a particular time and space. Diffused forces, by contrast, deploy independently and simultaneously over a large area. The focus shifts from seizing territory to pursuing and engaging targets to achieve decisive effects (DTI July/August 2007, p. 41). 3:05 PM Page 1 The IDF’s diffused warfare concept integrates multidimensional intel collected by sensors and humans. Processed via a network-centric infrastructure, intel is rapidly transformed into targeting information and distributed to the most appropriate “effectors” in pursuit of time-critical targets. Positioning small, agile combat teams close to potential targets is key. They provide persistent and detailed views of targets, direct guided weapons to high-value sites and assess poststrike effects. Concealed small combat teams augment data from remote sensors like satellites and unmanned recon systems, resulting in much improved intelligence. Connected to standoff weapon systems and neighboring teams with extensive combat-support capabilities, distributed small units, designated “dynamic molecules,” become crucial elements in an integrated “sensor-to shooter” loop. While dynamic molecules (DM) excel in asymmetric warfare, they can also be used in high-intensity battle. For example, DM can operate where enemy missile or rocket launchers are hidden, PERFORMANCE, EVEN WHEN TIRED. A Case for Rugged… Imagine running over your laptop with a vehicle. Then imagine it being built to keep on working. The VT Miltope TSC-750M equipped with the MILBRITE ELG low-power 14.1" direct-sunlight display is readable in low or very bright light. What’s more, the fastest-yet 3D video thanks to its dedicated graphics processing—dramatically enhancing all aspects of the visual experience in every application making our TSC-750M the most versatile and compact rugged-militarized laptop computer available today. The VT Miltope TSC-750M, featuring Intel® Centrino™ Mobile Technology equipped with up to 2 GB of RAM can support the mission in any environment. With two internal hot swappable DR-36 batteries you have unlimited autonomous operation. A truly rugged machine that's battle tested and approved. Computers · Disk Drives · Mass Storage · Printers · Network Communication Devices Product Support for Military & Commercial Applications 35 http://AviationWeek.com/dti
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.