The Centre of Defence Enterprise (CDE) is holding a seminar on "Powering the Dismounted Soldier – a Lighter Future?" on 24th March 2009 at “Defence Research 2009”, International Conference Centre, Birmingham.
The CDE is the Ministry of Defence's new gateway for UK science and technology industry, academia and innovators to help ensure that the Armed Forces have access to the best equipment, science and technology, now and in the future. The Centre provides a quick first response to ideas with a range of advice, assistance and research funding.
To help them understand the complex requirements of the UK’s Armed Forces, the Centre is hosting a programme of monthly Technology Seminars at its office at the Harwell Science & Innovation Campus. These seminars are an opportunity for industry, academia and innovators to meet with MOD experts and decision makers to understand the specific challenges and issues faced by the Armed Forces today and in the future. The next seminar, will be held as part of the “Defence Research 2009” Annual Conference and Exhibition at the ICC, Birmingham.
The Man Portable Energy Supply High Impact Rapid Implementation Demonstrator (MPES HIRID) is the second of two HIRID programmes to be launched by MOD in 2009.
Man portable energy is one of the most varied and challenging issues facing UK Armed Forces. The programme is expected to run for 2 years with ~£6M funding to rapidly develop and mature high risk, high payoff technologies to allow operational demonstration and assessment.
Challenges include:
- Alternative fuel sources
- Novel battery chemistry
- Reducing the burden on the dismounted soldier
- Sustainable energy solutions
- Reducing the cost of man portable power solutions
- Doubling the energy density or halving the weight of current portable power supplies
- Intelligent power management
The seminar will introduce the HIRID concept. Military and MOD experts will discuss the Powering the Dismounted Soldier challenges, opportunities and issues that are faced by UK Armed Forces in operations around the world.
This subject covers a wide range of topics across energy and power platforms and will be of interest to a large spectrum of SMEs, academia and industries. The Power HIRID is likely to focus on alternative energy sources, renewable energy and sustainable and lighter energy loads for the dismounted soldier.
There will also be the opportunity to learn more about the Centre for Defence Enterprise and the Ministry of Defence.
How to register
This event is being held as part of the annual conference and exhibition on Defence Research 2009 at the Birmingham Conference Centre on 24-25 March 2009, registration is through the Defence Research 2009 website. Spaces are limited. Further information is also available on the CDE website. Confirmation of attendance along with joining instructions & directions will be sent as part of the Defence Research 2009 process once registration has closed.
MOD does not charge for attendance at CDE workshops and seminars.