Spin-offs from the manufacturing technology include low-cost rigid composite nose cones for missiles and the next-generation chemical and biological agent-resistant laminated fabric.Īs Amy Soo Leighton, a chemical engineer on the Fabric Structures Team, noted:īq. The agency also is interested in inflatable antennas. Miles above, NASA has applied the technology for a 60-foot inflatable airbeam extension boom for a shuttle remote manipulator system to enable astronauts to perform external in-orbit inspection and repair. On a smaller scale, airbeams are spreading into ship fenders, ejection seat stabilizers, high-glide deployable parachute wings, inflatable ladders, pollution containment booms and fuel bladders. The Air Force awarded a contract to Vertigoin June 2004 to develop the Large Shelter System, which will serve as an aircraft hangar as part of an expeditionary base. SSI-Natick believes that larger the scale, the larger the payoff that airbeams represent over conventional structures. With photovoltaics like Konarka’s flexible camouflaged panel technologies, it could provide its own generator power to fill up with the air compressor. Unlike the Chemically and Biologically Protected Shelter, which is connected to a Humvee, the new system will be designed to be self-sustaining so it can be separated from the vehicle. Other medical shelters in development are the Future Medical Shelter System and 21st Century Military Hospital System, both designed for pre-operative and post-operative care in an environment protected against chemical and biological agents. The low-pressure system deploys connected to a Humvee and is equipped to treat contaminated patients. The Standard Integrated Command Post System also could become an airbeam-supported tent, and similar designs were used in an exercise by the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense to protect people and unmanned aerial vehicles used by the Border Patrol.Ī project on a large shelter called the Transportable Helicopter Enclosure led to the Chemically and Biologically Protected Shelter System, which was fielded in 2003. Units from Fort Riley, Kan., and Fort Bliss, Texas, are helping to evaluate the Small Tactical Airbeam Tent, for rapid transition of airbeam-supported shelters to the field. The SSC-Natick team guided and matured two weaving and braiding capabilities into a reliable technology, and in the process created an economical manufacturing base.įor tents alone, the technology is credited with trimming up to two-thirds of the weight, shrinking into less than one-fourth the volume when packed and shedding more than half the setup time. By changing design parameters, the airbeam shape can be modified for different products. Each collapsible tube has a built-in valve for a fill-up from a commercial air compressor modified with an automatic shut-off. What results is a smooth, durable and seamless tube anywhere from 2-40 inches in diameter set at different pressures, depending on the support needed. Check back here to see special offers and the latest voucher codes.Airbeams are manufactured by continuous braiding or weaving of a high-strength 3-D fabric sleeve to provide structural strength over an air-holding bladder. The Air Shelter is available from Blacks, Millets, Ultimate Outdoors, Millet Sports and may become available via Amazon. Extras include a valve tightener tool, a repair kit and a wheeled bag which measures 75 x 35 x 34 cm. The tent fabric is tested to the EN 5912 safety standard as fire retardant.Ĥ heavy duty stake pegs are used to hold each corner of the Air Shelter in place and ordinary pegs are used to hold the rest of the inflatable shelter in place. All the tent seams are fully taped to keep water out. It is tested to a hydro-static head of 6000 mm. The Berghaus Air day shelter is made from durable polyester and is fully waterproof. the other two walls have windows to allow light in and curtains for privacy. Two of the walls are full height and have mesh panels which can be used to keep insects out. You can vary how you use the shelter each day by opening and closing the four doors. The Air Shelter has generous headroom and light floods in through skylight roof panels.
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