Research Aims at Keeping Cool

Even though potable water and medical equipment optimally should be kept at cool temperatures, such capability is not yet available on the battlefield. Researchers at the Natick (Mass.) Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center are working to change that. Their project, called the Heat Ailment Recover Pack (HARP), someday will help keep equipment cool until it is ready for use in helping soldiers. While the need for improved ability to keep supplies cool is not new, the need for something like HARP became acute during recent operations conducted by U.S. Africa Command. Medical teams were faced with treating persons suffering from heat-related ailments. Soldiers there already were using insulated water bottles and beverage-cooling units developed at Natick. The HARP plan combines both, enabling users to maintain cool temperatures, as well as chill items quickly. The battery-powered HARP unit itself is 23 inches wide, 20 inches long and 20 inches high. When deployed, it can bring contents from 120 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit within 15 minutes.