Multi-functional Hydration System for Special Warfare Airmen

In prior work, Airborne Outfitters, LLC, Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Small Business (SDVOSB) designed and constructed a Multi-Function Hydration System (MFHS) conceptual prototype, as shown in Figure 1. This idea was conceived for dismounted Airmen who are continually asked to carry more as new electronics and armor have been added to a standard load out. As weight increases, it is critical that every bit of kit provide multiple functions allowing for the absolute most weight efficiency. Airborne Outfitters, LLC has unparalleled experience dealing with these challenges resulting in the development of a new hydration system that provides three critical functions: A)  DryBag–Themulti-functionsystemisconstructedofhydrophobicmaterialprovidinga moisture proof barrier for protecting sensitive materials in-theater B)  Air Inflation–With a small modular connector, the water bladder quickly converts to an air pump for floatation devices, stabilization bags and sleeping systems C)  Water Filtration – With the addition of a small filter element, the bag can be reconfigured to a gravity-fed water filtration system capable of filtering out virus, protozoan cysts and bacteria. D) *Note* Upon successful award of a SBIR Phase II, Airborne Outfitters, LLC will implement additional capability Special Warfare airman have asked for...a submersible zipper. This will allow the operator to use the bag as a means of flotation as well as allow the user to dive underwater while keeping the contents dry and protected. Airborne Outfitters, LLC has presented and demonstrated a MFHS prototype to Special Warfare (SW) Airmen in the Special Warfare office as well as operators at Tech Warrior, Little Rock AFB and Oklahoma City, ANG Base. All parties have shown a keen interest in utilizing the MFHS as part of their kit (letters of support are attached to this proposal).