US military turns to public for power suit

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 14 Sep 2007 at 10:55

The US Defense Department is offering a $1m prize to the American public if they can help build a lightweight, wearable battery power system for US forces.

The department is holding an event in Washington on 21 September, where the public will be able to prod Army and Marine Corps officers for more information about technical requirements and specifics on "battery burden," a department statement says.

"We're trying to tap into the American public's ingenuity," says Army Lt. Col. Brian Maka, a Pentagon spokesman. "We hope the cash award will attract lots of interest and some great new ideas."

The Defence Department announced in July it was seeking a prototype system that can be attached to a vest and produce an average of 20 Watts for four full days, while weighing less than half the batteries currently being lugged by US military personnel in the field.

All components, including the power generator, electrical storage, control electronics, connectors and fuel must weigh 8.8 pounds (4 kg) or less.

The military needs the power to run such individually carried electronic gear as radios, night vision goggles and satellite-navigation tools.

The contest's $1 million first-place prize follows a congressional measure enacted last year which gave the defence secretary the authority to offer cash prizes for innovations that could enhance US military clout.

US and foreign-owned companies are eligible to enter the wearable power competition. Entrants must be at least 21 and US citizens, though foreign nationals can take part as members of teams led by US citizens.

Winners are to be announced later this year.