$ 1 million for "lightweight batteries" for American soldiers

    The US Department of Defense has taken an unprecedented step. The military announced a competition to create a lightweight version of the power supply module, which American soldiers carry with them to ensure the operation of all hi-tech equipment hung on them. If by the end of 2008 one of the announced participants can present a 96-hour battery that weighs no more than 4 kilograms and is made in the form of a “field battery” vest, then this lucky guy (or a group of lucky ones) will receive his cherished million from one of the most closed departments USA.


    The development of a power supply module that has been improved in all respects is not just another whim of the army ranks. The fact is that a simple American soldier, "stuffed" with a GPS navigator, night vision goggles, communications equipment and other technological gadgets, is additionally forced to carry a set of batteries on his hump that can weigh from 10 to 20 kilograms. Someone will say that it is useful for a fat North American "peacemaker" to go over with fifty kilograms of equipment. But officials in the Ministry of Defense have a different opinion.

    It is noteworthy that not only companies constantly working with the US Department of Defense, but almost developers from the street will be able to take part in the competition, the registration of whose participants began July 5th. 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 be adults (over 21 years old) US citizens.

    The main condition placed before the inventors of all 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 hang behind your back, but is worn like an ordinary vest. At the same time, the power supply should work for 96 hours (4 days is the average duration of the “usual job” for the US Army) and at the same time produce an average power of 20 watts. Clear business, selection will be more than scrupulous. For five days, a high jury (scientists, engineers, military officials) will observe how developments are subjected to serious tests in conditions that simulate real ones. The “experimental” privates of the American army will walk, run, jump in “energy” vests. Samples will also be passed through water (literally), fire and copper pipes (as a performance test in an airtight container). The winner of this competition will receive 1 million US dollars. The developments that took second and third places will bring their inventors, respectively, 500 and 250 thousand dollars.

    Already in September of this year, the military is going to hold a press conference and a meeting with the participants of the competition, at which technical details, updated rules and qualification requirements of the competition will be announced. Registration of participants will end on November 30, 2007.

    via CNN

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