Description:
OBJECTIVE: To provide the dismounted Soldier with cordless battery charging capability while inside a vehicle. DESCRIPTION: The Nett Warrior uses a battery to power various Soldier-worn components (e.g., computer, radio, display, etc.). It is estimated that 10 watts per Soldier (for a total of nine Soldiers) will be required to trickle charge the Nett Warrior battery while inside a vehicle (at a distance of two feet). Space limitations and the dynamic nature of the battlefield suggests that carrying extra batteries and chargers will adversely impact the Soldier's mobility and readiness while transported by a ground vehicle. A proximity charger will require no extra storage for batteries and should be smaller than regular battery chargers (no need for battery space/access); increasing the mobility of the Soldier by allowing him to keep his gear on while inside the vehicle. No cables would be required to connect to a battery charger. PHASE I: This phase will investigate the feasibility of a cordless battery charging system that can be implemented in an Infantry Carrier. It will establish if the state of the art in wireless power transmission is mature enough and exhibits the necessary efficiencies to enable a cost effective implementation of the technology. The study will characterize the status of the proposed technology(ies) and present a business case of what is currently doable. The study will address the limitations of the proposed approach to enable the Government to determine whether to proceed with a development phase. The study will rely on use cases to establish military operational relevancy. The study will address size, weight, power and cost characteristics of the proposed solution, as a minimum. PHASE II: The objective of this phase is to design and manufacture a prototype system that will be installed inside a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle and will provide 10 watts each of cordless battery charging capacity to nine Nett Warriors. The system will consist of a vehicle mounted component and a Soldier-borne component. The specific design requirements will be provided by the Phase I results. The contractor will provide 2 vehicle kits and 12 Soldier-wearable kits. PHASE III: The end state for this technology is to become the replacement for battery charging everywhere (e.g., garrison, vehicle, aircraft, etc.). This technology will replace cables and standardize on one interface, potentially being able to adjust power settings to charge different types of batteries. Eventually, it will be embedded in commercial electronic devices, eliminating the need for an adapter. This effort will support the Nett Warrior and Air Soldier System programs. Commercial applications are numerous; from cell phones to tablets to laptops, etc.
