Medis Technologies Ltd. has announced that it has received an order from General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, to deliver five prototype fuel cell power packs and associated cartridges as power sources for 10 prototype tablet computers in support of the United States Air Force (USAF) Wearable Computer Power Program.
The aim of the initial project is to demonstrate extended field operation and the potential to reduce reliance on battery operation. The strategic intention is that the program will lead to a follow-on spiral development program with an objective of replacing the current ground air traffic control computers.
"The defense services continue to demonstrate their advocacy in applying fuel cell products to improve mission stamina," said Chris Marzilli, a Senior Vice President and Deputy General Manager for General Dynamics C4 Systems. "This Science & Technology initiative will equip USAF special operations forces with an enhanced Battlefield Air Operations kit, including an advanced computing platform with increased endurance for dismounted missions in an overall lighter, more deployable package".
Medis' current focus is on the advanced development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of fuel cell products - the disposable Power Pack for the consumer (personal and professional) market and the refuelable military Power Pack. The disposable Power Pack is a portable auxiliary power source that operates and charges portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players, hand-held video games and other devices with similar power requirements.
General Dynamics C4 Systems, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the U.S. and abroad.
"This Science & Technology initiative will equip USAF special operations forces with an enhanced Battlefield Air Operations kit, including an advanced computing platform with increased endurance for dismounted missions in an overall lighter, more deployable package said Chris Marzilli, a Senior Vice President and Deputy General Manager for General Dynamics C4 Systems. The prototype also could have implications for multiple Department of Defense instruments and applications, including among other candidate products, powering the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Cluster 5 family of handheld and embedded software-defined radios."
General Dynamics C4 Systems plans eventually to be the prime producer, systems integrator and supplier of Medis Technologies fuel cell power packs and fuel cartridges to U.S. Military markets and will be supporting Medis in a product engineering capacity to tailor their commercial offering to address requirements unique to the soldier systems market.
Fuel cells work by converting the chemical energy of a fuel such as hydrogen, ethanol, or methanol in to electrical energy. While such fuel cell technology is being developed for a broad range of commercial applications, Medis' fuel cells are being developed for small scale applications. Fuel cells are a far more effective source of energy than today's batteries and can operate and charge a range of products.
Medis Technologies is involved in the development of advanced proprietary technology products primarily related to sources of clean energy. Medis' primary focus is on direct liquid fuel cell technology. In addition to its fuel cell technology, Medis' product pipeline, in varying stages of development, includes inherently conductive polymers, the toroidal engine and compressor and stirling cycle system. Medis has also developed the CellScan with many potential applications relating to disease diagnostics and chemo sensitivity.
More information can be found athttp://www.medistechnologies.com