Self-Heating Group Ration

Prototypes of the Unitized Group Ration - Express (UGR-E) have demonstrated that four six-pound trays or pouches of food can be heated from 40°F to 140°F in 30 to 45 minutes. The UGR-E can provide soldiers with a hot meal when operational tempo makes the standard Unitized Group Ration impractical. The prototypes have been heated using the Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) technology; unfortunately, the FRH produces flammable hydrogen gas, and safer alternatives are desired. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) has developed an alternative heater material that does not produce hydrogen, and proposes to apply this technology to the UGR-E. In this project we will select materials to optimize the rate of heat production for the UGR-E package. TDA and our partners will develop a package design that facilitates ease of use, minimizes user contact with the heater and heater products, and can be produced at low cost. In Phase I, TDA will design and test prototype packages. We will also conduct an engineering analysis to estimate weight, volume and cost in full-scale production. In Phase II TDA and our partners will complete development, including all necessary testing efforts and submissions to obtain required regulatory approvals.