Protecting our military heroes since 1990

Our military members deal with many dangers each day. They work around the clock patrolling the streets and countryside, keeping vehicles and aircraft in top working order, and participating in drills and warfare. Often they are required to preform these and many other duties in foreign climates and extreme heat.

High Temperatures and Heat Stress

Research has shown sustained high temperatures can lead to less than ideal work environments where heat stress can lower performance levels, reduce morale, and impair mental alertness. Ultimately, these factors can increase the risk of accidents and compromise personnel readiness.

Along with the mental impairments heat stress can cause the human body, there are several serious physical conditions it can inflict as well. When the body’s normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress – sweating and temperature control – are lost, severe and potentially life-threatening heatstroke can occur. The main sign of heatstroke is a markedly elevated body temperature (generally greater than 104°F or 40°C). Victims can also experience changes in mental status, which can range from personality changes to confusion and even coma. The victim’s skin may be hot and dry; however, if heatstroke is caused by exertion the skin may be moist.

To avoid heat stress, experts recommend spot cooling and periods of rest in a cool area during physical exertion.

Weighing the Drawbacks of Typical Cooling Methods

Traditionally, air conditioning (A/C) is a go-to cooling method.  However, in large open spaces, the first impediment is the inability to close the space off and seal in air to achieve maximum cooling. Areas where outside doors will be open allow air to escape and render A/C an impractical solution.  Another drawback is air conditioners require compressors and a place to ventilate the heat generated from the compressor. This limits the mobility of an A/C unit given the fixed-ductwork and adds another point of heat generation. Harsh refrigerants and energy consumption are other downfalls. Refrigerants are an integral part of air conditioning systems to emit cool air, and A/C can pull a great deal of energy that translates to more energy expense.

Fans – both oscillating and ceiling options – seem like a quick, inexpensive fix to cooling. However, fans simply circulate stagnate air throughout the space. The air is not chilled in any capacity and cannot reach all areas of the large space to be cooled. In fact, industrial ceiling fans seem to be particularly more effective in the winter to improve heating operations by giving airflow to warm air.

Port-A-Cool Evaporative Coolers

The convenience and portability of Port-A-Cool evaporative cooling units makes them a perfect fit for use in airplane hangers, machine shops, engineering facilities, gymnasiums, cafeterias, gun ranges, barracks and many other locations. Port-A-Cool units do not require chemicals, special outlets, set up, or installation. The units come fully assembled and will only require a standard electrical outlet and a supply of tap water.

A Port-A-Cool evaporative cooler actually works with a supply of outside ambient air to deliver a temperature reduction by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the humidity. It should be noted, however, that even in the highest humidity regions, temperature drops can occur because as the temperature rises, humidity levels go down.

The technology at the center of an evaporative cooling system is the cellulose pad that collects water. Air passes through the pads and is cooled as the water evaporates. The cellulose pad material is specially treated to prevent rot as well as ensure a long service life. A special water distribution system spreads water over the surface of the pad within the cooling unit to ensure a uniform water supply.  This keeps the entire air-contact surface of the pad thoroughly wet. A control system operates the water pump and distributes the cool air.

Port-A-Cool portable evaporative coolers from Port-A-Cool, LLC provide a natural, highly-effective cooling alternative to fans and air conditioners. Port-A-Cool evaporative cooling products utilize the all-natural evaporative cooling process to cool temperatures by as much as 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This evaporative cooling process is perfected by the state-of-the-art technology in the company’s KÜÜL® pads. KÜÜL pads, manufactured in the USA, are the high-efficiency rigid cooling media that make all the difference in providing advanced evaporative cooling. Testing has proven KÜÜL pads to perform at superior levels for highest tensile, dry crush, and wet crush strengths per square inch.

UTILITY FLAME™ is THE heat source for field rations, field hygiene and survival. It is used by the armed forces of the United States and other NATO forces. It is the safe and more effective alternative to the flameless ration heater used for MRE. Unlike the old trioxane heat tabs and Esbit blocks, UTILITY FLAME™ is non-toxic, non-hazmat, smokeless and odorless. Ideal for whenever your forces need ‘fire in the field.’

Military Field Rations - UTILITY FLAME™

It is the safer and more effective alternative to the flameless ration heater used for MRE.

Military Survival Gear Fire Gel

In addition to heating field rations, UTILITY FLAME ™ provides a source for light and heat in any environment. Field survival often requires a soldier to start a fire under less than ideal conditions. Burning at over 700° C, UTILITY FLAME ™ will start a fire anywhere, anytime.

Field Hygiene and Sanitation

Hot water in the field for hygiene and sanitation is not always possible, but with UTILITY FLAME ™ the modern warfighter can have clean, safe water in minutes.

Soldiers Kit and Equipment - Portable Military Fire Gel

It is so safe that it is approved for unrestricted transport on military and commercial aircraft, since it is a stable, non-toxic, and non-hazardous material with a low flash point.

Fire Starter Gel

The UTILITY FLAME™ kit comes with an ultra light metal stove that creates a convection flow that funnels the heat where it’s needed. It fits standard issue canteen cups and pots weighing up to 1.3kg. It is perfect for all gel and solid fuel cookers including the Crusader Cooker and the Esbit Stove. Of course, the gel can be set directly on the ground or any other surface.

Fire Gel - UTILITY FLAME™

UTILITY FLAME™ is available in a 1.25 ounce packet and a re-sealable 6 ounce pouch. It can also be custom packaged to meet your specifications, including custom graphics to incorporate your information in your language.

In summary, UTILITY FLAME™ is light, inexpensive, safe to transport and use, and extremely versatile. It is an excellent addition to the soldiers’ kit, and makes a valuable gift to allies in the field.

•    Heats MRE entrees
•    Provides hot water for hygiene
•    Cooks indigenous foods
•    Purifies water
•    Boils water for hot beverages
•    Gives off high temperature flame for emergency sterilization
•    Does not evaporate, freeze or melt.
•    Burns hot (700°C).
•    Use in temperatures as low as -30°C and at elevations of 5,000+m.
•    Not explosive (high ignition/flash point of 151°C)
•    Zero vapor pressure
•    Unlimited shelf life
•    Water soluble — washes off with water
•    Smokeless, odorless, non-toxic, and non-hazmat. No transport restrictions
•    “Green” product. Byproducts are carbon dioxide, water, silica sand    
•    NSN number and available in COTS.

UTILITY FLAME™ is manufactured in the USA and distributed by the SIL Group of Tampa, Florida. The SIL Group draws on a number of retired military leaders as consultants, including MG (Ret) Geoffrey Lambert, former commanding general, U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1935 and is today the world’s leading manufacturer of high-pressure cleaning equipment. The company employs 8,700 people and has more than 80 subsidiaries all over the world. The head office is located in the south of Germany, near Stuttgart.

With the aim to further optimise the company structure and its efficiency for the benefit of its customers all over the world, the former SGC Division (Sales Government Customers) has become as Kärcher Futuretech GmbH an independent company. Besides cleaning equipment Kärcher’s subsidiary Futuretech develops, manufactures, and markets products for the special needs of public customers, such as the armed forces, fire brigades, civil defence, disaster control and relief organisations.

Futuretech strives to be the world’s top performer in the area of peacekeeping and disaster relief with highly mobile, customised and compact system solutions. Innovative state-of-the-art systems and a full product range make Futuretech the world market leader in “Professional Systems for Peacekeepers”.

Together with our highly satisfied and inspiring customers, Futuretech develops and produces systems that help to solve the challenges of the future. The innovative Futuretech systems are developed together with the ministries of defence of the leading nations and their experts for world-wide missions: for the maintenance of peace and quick aid for the needy after a catastrophe.

Product Range of Futuretech:

CBRN Protection Systems

Futuretech is a worldwide leader in CBRN protection for both military and civilian applications. We provide a comprehensive system consisting of decontamination equipment including decontamination devices, modules and systems, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) decontamination agents. Prompt and effective decontamination of persons, tanks and other vehicles, air and watercraft, personal weapons, clothing and equipment as well as sensitive material ensure the ability of the concerned troop, civilian population, police, frontier guard, etc. to survive. According to the specific needs, Futuretech offers customer-designed solutions on platforms, trailers or in containers.

With the DRDS 1 (rescue and decontamination set for one person), Futuretech is proud to present the world’s first logical overall concept which not only makes the work of fire-fighters and first responders considerably easier, but above all enables patients to be rescued in a more human manner through professional decontamination.

Military Water Supply Systems

To fulfil the basic need for drinking water Futuretech has developed a range of mobile purification systems. These systems are able to desalinate sea and brackish water. They produce drinking water out of nearly any water quality without the need for chemicals. Even water from contaminated sources can be purified.

With its innovative solutions and continuous further developments in the area of mobile water supply, Futuretech has recently developed a fully automatic water bottling plant (WBP 1300) which produces and fills up to 26,000 PET bottles per day under hygienic conditions in the field. Several UV disinfection steps during the PET bottling process and sterile filtration of the incoming drinking water ensure best water quality.

Military Mobile Catering Systems

Futuretech as the mobile catering systems specialist designs, tests and produces future-oriented systems together with experts from all over the world. The systems are highly mobile and flexible in use and can be transported even to the most remote sites. Ranging from the individual module to the container kitchen, the Futuretech catering systems are designed for transport by road, sea and air.

The newly developed mobile compact kitchen KRR 50 E ensures high-quality catering everywhere, regardless of the available infrastructure, under field conditions, and can be set up in just 15 minutes. Three easy-to-carry functional boxes convert into a complete catering line in which a variety of delicious menus can be prepared for 50 persons using the most different cooking methods (stewing, frying, grilling and baking).

Military Field Camp Systems

Futuretech’s range of field camps are deployable military facilities which - after a short assembly time – provide living and working conditions similar to those in the soldier’s home country during an extended period of deployment abroad. Futuretech systems promote the well-being of soldiers and task forces and enhance their morale and motivation.

Futuretech offers a full product range with its modular structure. Components are sanitary facilities, catering systems, and laundry systems.
As an example, the Modular Air-transportable Field Camp (FLM) is designed to answer the needs of 150 people, but can also be broken down into 50 people units. The air-transportable field camps shall be used particularly for initial operations as well as NATO or EU missions of German forces.

Solifos is Switzerland’s leading cable producer, a well-established, family owned Swiss company. We offer our customers an entire product range for the transmission of signals, either by cupper or by fiber-optic cables and power covering everything from low voltage cables up to 550 kilovolt high voltage cables and power supplies for construction sites.

In our in-house research and development department we work constantly on new innovative products. In close cooperation with our customers, we develop customized system solutions and handle large-scale projects for entire power supply systems. We are specialized in assembling special cables with connectors, ready made for customer’s applications.

Reliable Tactical Fiber Optic Cable Solutions

Military organizations are demanding real-time applications, such as video transmission and video conferencing with their current and future C4I systems. Tactical field radio and microwave communications media are reaching the limit of achieving these demands where higher bandwidths are required. The need for tactical fiber-optic cables to fulfill these operational demands is increasing enormously.

Working closely with leading military services in Europe and overseas, Solifos is challenged to find new innovative cable solutions to meet the needs of harsh field environment communications. One example is the new smart BRUfield tactical cable solution, which enables faster deployment and enhancement of your network perimeter.

Picture: Courtesy of Luftwaffe/Klaus Sattler

Solifos offer fiber optic cables and accessories for military and civilian applications.  These cables, attachments and deployment systems have been successfully deployed in military applications around the world.  We are known for our exceptional product quality and client-oriented services.

Fiber Optic Cable Designs

Solifos supply specialist fiber optic cable designs for military applications. The company actively develops inventive solutions to fulfill specific military requirements. Solifos fiber optic cable solutions have been chosen again and again for deployment in demanding military scenarios under severe climatic conditions. The cables are provided, pre-assembled with mil-spec lens-connectors or ferrule connectors, supplied on a choice of cable reels for efficient cable deployment.

BRUfield the smart tactical fiber-optic cable is a very robust dielectric cable distinguished by its very small diameter and its very low weight. With the same size reel you are using with your standard tactical fiber cables, you can deploy double the distance as of today using the BRUfield cable. Furthermore soldiers would not suffer under the heavy weight since the BRUfield cable is approx. half the weight of standard tactical cables. Finally the BRUfield cable meets exceptional specifications, which out-performs standard dielectric cable types.

BRUmil: Designed for use in demanding field scenarios, the extremely thin BRUmil cable contains up to 8 fibers in an armored, stainless steel tube and an abrasion-protected polyamide jacket.  This small cable is highly resistant to crushing, has a high tensile performance, and is fully protected against damage from rodents.  The narrow cable design enables as much as double the amount of cable to be rolled onto a reel as is possible with standard designs.

BRUpowermil is a hybrid cable design combining the mechanical advantages of BRUmil cables with a pair of coaxial conductors and 4 data transfer fibers for simultaneous transmission of data and power under harsh environmental conditions. Like the BRUmil, it has high compressive and tensile strength, and a fully rodent-proof coating.

BRUtough: Adapted for military applications, BRUtough tight-buffered cables feature a non-metallic design with a polyurethane jacket for optimum flexibility.  This robust cable design is well suited to rapid and frequent deployment in tactical operations.

Fiber Optic Cable Assemblies

Supporting their range of military cables, Solifos also offer military connectors, reels for up to 10 km of BRUfield or BRUmil cables and backpacks for rapid deployment in challenging military scenarios.

Backpack reels, hand-operated reels and vehicle-mounted reels are available with capacities between one hundred and ten thousand meters. These allow cables to be deployed quickly and efficiently in military installations of all scales. The ergonomically designed backpack reel enables easy deployment of short to medium cable lengths up to thousand meters by just two soldiers.

Solifos assembles any military connectors with integrated lenses or butt-joint connectors. The connectors are fully consistent with the company's cable designs, and include specialist hybrid connectors for use with BRUpowermil cables.

Military Cable Deployment Aids

Solifos offer a versatile selection of cable deployment aids to ensure correct deployment and installation. These include cable shoes and hooks for anchoring cables to buildings, trees and other surfaces together with telescopic poles for guiding and anchoring cables over obstacles, as well as floor ducts for protection of cables at ground level.

Solifos Communication Systems

International forces, organizations and peace missions require rugged, mobile communications equipment. Supporting their range of cables and cable accessories, Solifos offer customized communication systems to integrate the hardened network into COTS infrastructure. The company is particularly experienced in the provision of fiber optic cables linking interoperable communications systems.

Solifos offer a diverse range of rugged communications systems adapted for various climates and requirements. Brugg Cables interoperable communications equipment is designed for speedy deployment and trouble-free operation.

This is achieved through modular arrangements of electrical systems built into rugged shipping containers. A typical communications set-up includes a robust power supply module, an air conditioning unit to protect against overheating of the equipment, and a choice of customized data modules for storage, processing and surge-protected data transmission.

Lightning / Surge Protection

Solifos provide full lightning and surge protection for all power supplies and Ethernet connections. Masts and cables are exposed to lightning strikes. Together, these systems safeguard both communications equipment and personnel against the dangers of lightning strikes.

Remote Power Supplies

Solifos hybrid BRUpowermil cables and connectors combine integrated power lines and fiber optic cables, allowing simultaneous transmission of data and electricity. This represents a huge advantage when linking to remote communications systems over long distance.

Tactical Communications Training and Maintenance

Rapidly deployed communications equipment must be correctly installed and maintained to ensure effective and reliable operation. Solifos provide specialist tactical infrastructure training courses covering the installation, maintenance and repair of their cables and equipment. This training also helps to extend the lifespan of the hardware, reducing expenditures over the life of the equipment.

Military Cable Test and Repair Kits

Solifos AG supply a choice of cable test and repair kits for tactical cables and assemblies.  These include the BRUMIL 810 Tactical Cable Measuring Case for testing tactical fiber optic cable networks, the BRUMIL 880 Tactical Cable Repair Case for repairing cables in the workshop (with an optional extension kit for repairing BRUpowermil hybrid cables) and the BRUMIL 860 Emergency Field Repair Kit for rapid repairs during operations.