Improved Softwall Shelter Heating System

In their softwall shelters, the Marine Corps are dependent on liquid fossil fuels that must be convoyed by tankers. These convoys are targets of opportunity for enemy attacks and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), placing Marines at risk. Accordingly, they wish to develop a multi-fuel heating system to reduce their dependence on liquid fuels and their associated risks. We propose to develop a multi-fuel system that burns liquid, gaseous fuel and wood pellets. This will be accomplished by using the current HDT Military Tactical Heater as a platform and modifying to accomplish the following: 1) addition of an innovative solid fuel burner with a wood pellet hopper and feeder; 2) replacing the current liquid fuel burner with a dual fuel liquid/gas burner; 3) improving the delivery of heat to the softwall shelters and 4) improving the auxiliary system with state-of-the-art thermostats and temperature controllers and high energy density batteries. Some of these modification will increase the weight and volume of the system while others will reduce it. We will ensure the net effect is consistent with the overall requirements of the Marine Corps.