News

Solar Cells to be Integrated into Fabric

February 12, 2015 by Jeff Shepard

Mission Ready Services Inc. (MRSI) announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Protect The Force, Inc. (PTF), has been awarded a 14 month, USD $120,000 sub-recipient contract through MC10, Inc. for the provision of research, development, product procurement and consulting services in support of a research and development project for the United States Army - Program Executive Office Soldier (PEO-Soldier) Project Manager Soldier Warrior (PM-SWAR). The project titled, Conformal Photovoltaic Module Low Observability (ConPhormL) aims to develop and integrate solar cells directly into the fabric cover of combat helmets and rucksacks.

Francisco J. Martinez, Chief Technology Officer states, "As a continuation of a previously-funded effort that began in 2012 with the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), we are excited to expand our relationship with MC10 and work with this tremendous team of forward-thinking individuals on a revolutionary technology that, we believe, promises extraordinary possibilities for the future of Soldier power generation, power management, sustainment and survivability."

MC10's products transform the conventional understanding of electronics and their interaction with the human body through a technology platform based on a unique combination of conventional electronics and novel mechanics that enable a new generation of thin, conformal electronic systems that seamlessly integrate with the natural world. MC10 has joined forces with the U.S. Army to transform renewable energy and provide Soldiers with discreet, lightweight solar energy harvesting patches that integrate virtually unnoticed into their combat equipment and harness the sun's rays to provide endless personal power possibilities.

During the initial 14-month Contract, Protect The Force will provide specific design, material and supply chain inputs for the fabric integration of the ConPhormL Photo Voltaic ("PV") arrays into a replacement cover for the US Army's Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH). PTF will also provide design input on the attachment mechanism for PV array integration into a cover for the U.S. Army's MOLLE backpack as well as technical expertise and input into the ConPhormL verification and validation test plan relating to military testing standards and mobile warfighter usage scenarios. Additionally, PTF will provide ongoing business development services for future sales of production ConPhormL products.