The modern military demands ultra-modern technologies
We live in an increasingly sophisticated and technological world where new developments and advances appear with increasing rapidity. Nowhere is this more critical than in military equipment and systems, where maintaining a technological edge can be the decisive factor in a conflict situation. Additionally, with budget constraints becoming increasingly demanding, the need for cost effective ancillary equipment that maintains standards of excellence is vital.
Amongst the many sub-systems installed in modern fighting vehicles and perhaps the most important, are those that protect and sustain the crew. Without a functioning crew who know that all has been done to provide them with optimum protection and a secure working environment, all the armament in the world will be of little use.
Some of the more vital systems include:
· Life Support Systems (LSS) are systems designed specifically to preserve the lives of the crew of a military vehicle or unit by providing a secure and life sustaining environment under all conditions. Life Support systems are among the most advanced systems produced today for military purposes and incorporate state of the art, cutting edge technology that is necessary to keep pace with technological military advancements. Life support systems can be complete units incorporating all or a combination of many other sub-systems. They can either be fully integrated into a mobile unit or can be transported and used as standalone units.
· NBC Defense Systems.
o NBC (Nuclear Biological and Chemical) Defense Systems can be an integral part of a unit’s life support system or, if needed, operate as independent units. NBC Defense Systems are usually configured to meet specific needs and demands and can include the following sub-systems:
§ An overpressure system: inside air pressure is greater than that of the outside environment. In the event of a hull breach positive air pressure from within the vehicle prevents contaminated air from outside entering the vehicle.
§ Collective Facemasks: used when an overpressure system is impractical. Each crewmember has an individual facemask through which he receives a constant supply of filtered air that is free from any contaminants.
§ Hybrid Protection: an NBC Defense System used in those situations when a vehicles commander may decide that it is necessary to breach hull integrity in a contaminated zone. A hybrid system has both overpressure and collective facemask systems, available to provide crew members with protection suited to the specific environment.
· Auxiliary Power Units (APU). Today’s modern military relies on some of the most advanced technologies available. However, any advance also brings with it its own unique problems. In this case, the need for a constant and reliable power supply that guarantees the proper and accurate functioning of sensitive and vital military systems. This is where Auxiliary Power Units (APU) come into play. The installation and utilization of advanced, state of the art Auxiliary Power Units in a modern military unit enables commanders and crew to be sure that, when the need arises, important equipment will function according to design specifications and operational needs, and allow the unit to successfully and safely perform its function.
There can be no doubt that technology including APU, NBC Protection, life support system, is the backbone of today’s modern fighting force. Any fighting or support unit equipped with technologically inferior equipment will be at a distinct disadvantage should it become involved in a military conflict. The equipment described in this article helps give the modern fighting force the edge that it needs.