Army's 'Innovation Combine' looking for scalable power, weight reduction technologies

Army Futures Command is hosting a new competition for prototype projects to improve the service's platforms, weapon systems and support systems, called the Innovation Combine.

Specifically, the Army is seeking "affordable materials that are resilient to high loading rate events and are able to absorb large amounts of energy without breaking" to enable lightweight ground vehicles as well as "lighter, energy dense, safe, rechargeable batteries . . . that could include fuel cells or small engine technologies to recharge batteries while on the move."

White paper applications for the competition were due yesterday.

The service notes in an information packet the Innovation Combine is scheduled for June 24, during the Association of the U.S. Army Futures Conference planned for June 23 to 25 in Austin, TX.

"Prize money will be awarded to selected projects through the Army xTech Vector program and funding opportunities will be available through the Ground Vehicle Systems Other Transaction Agreement," the Army says.