Demonstration of a Self-Heating Self-Hydrating Combat Ration

A need exists to provide the individual Warfighter with hot beverages and ration components that can be heated while on the move. The current Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) provides an acceptable means for heating prepackaged shelf-stable foods that are already hydrated. However, it is inadequate for heating dehydrated rations and water for beverages. Mainstream has disclosed a unique self-heating, self-hydrating pouch that can be used to heat and hydrate beverages and dehydrated meals, such as those found in the Ration Cold Weather/Long Range Patrol. The Warfighter can heat and hydrate while on the move or in a combat vehicle since hydrogen production has also be eliminated. A self-heating, self-hydrating pouch will be demonstrated that integrates advanced membrane technology with water purification and hydrogen capture technology to provide a flameless ration heater that is safer. Phase I will demonstrate the ability to both hydrate and heat foods and beverages. The hydrogen capture chemistry proposed assures that the hydrogen is not only captured but also converted to additional water. The result of these synergistic reactions is that less heating compound and less water are necessary. This proposal contains additional details on the technology.