14F-9 |
Compressed meal technology for the future combat vehicle |
T. C. S. YANG, U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center, U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command, Combat Feeding Innovative Science Team, Kansas St., Bldg. 36, Rm. E-108, Natick, MA 01760-5020 (1) Justification: Future combat vehicle (FCV) calls for a lightweight personnel carrier that can move and deploy swiftly to provide first strike at the enemy fronts. Meals to sustain a crew of 11 soldiers onboard FCV for extended period need to be logistically smart, i.e., footprint reduced, in low-volume-and-weight while be nutritionally sufficient and of good quality and shelf stability. (2) Objective: To demonstrate footprint reduction of potential field rations with economical compression methods and alternative ration components. (3) Method: Apply a patent process and/or an industrial meat nugget process to produce an intermediate moisture meat with infused stabilizers (against oxidation, microbial growth, etc.) and nutrient fortifiers. Such meats can be compressed with other dry components to produce shelf stable entrees. Also, to select calorie-dense components to be combined with such compressed entree to reduce the Meal-Ready-To-Eat (MRE) volume by at least 50%. (4) Results: Compressed meals, that contain low water activity (< 0.85) meat and instant pasta, rice or legume, had been proven microbiologically safe, exhibiting fresh-like quality after rehydration. Field tests demonstrated high acceptance by field commanders as well as soldiers. Volume and weight reduction of such entrees are up to 75% and 66%, respectively. With careful selection of few calorie-dense components, an MRE volume was reduced by 50%. (5) Significance: There are great potentials to apply compression concept and alternative ration ingredients to most ration components. Logistical footprints can be significantly reduced without compromising sensory acceptance. With a novel moisture recovery technology from engine exhaustion system to provide hot water for rehydration, foot print onboard FCV can be further reduced.
Session 14F, Product Development: General
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