November 14, 2008
The EADS North America Integrated Shelter Systems-developed Tentainer™ highly mobile shelter drew positive feedback from military attendees and representatives of the emergency response sector during its unveiling at an industry event this month.
EADS developed Tentainer in response to U.S. requirements for a highly deployable mobile shelter which could serve in military medical support missions, for emergency response and in disaster relief.
The new shelter’s debut on EADS North America’s exhibit stand at the AMSUS (Association of Military Surgeons of the United States) annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas drew a steady stream of visitors from the U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy/Marines – along with foreign military representatives and emergency services providers.
Tentainer combines a rigid-walled, lightweight lower container with a multi-cell inflatable tent upper portion. Built by EADS North America Integrated Shelter Systems in Russellville, Arkansas, it is tailored for applications such as military forward surgical stations, trauma treatment facilities, first aid stations and mobile command posts.
“The AMSUS annual meeting provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Tentainer’s unique advantages, which result from its mobility, flexibility and efficiency,” said Jan Krueder, the program manager and head of operations at EADS North America Integrated Shelter Systems. “The comments from potential future users underscored Tentainer’s suitability for a full range of military, homeland security and emergency response applications.”
For its appearance at AMSUS, Tentainer was installed on a HUMVEE trailer, demonstrating its ability to be towed by small vehicles. With its integrated leveling jacks, the shelter can be easily deployed at ground level or raised to a desired height above the surface. With its lightweight rigid-wall lower container and a multi-cell inflatable tent upper portion, Tentainer incorporates a built-in self-supporting floor for medical and other highly demanding operations. It also benefits from a quick set-up time – the result of being able to pre-integrate equipment, supplies and electrical/environmental control systems.
In addition to the trailer-mounted deployment, Tentainer can be installed on small vehicles, transported by aircraft and helicopter, and delivered by air with EADS’ SPADES parachute guidance system.
Visitors to the AMSUS convention also expressed interest in EADS Integrated Shelter Systems’ new ISO Tentainer – an increased-size hybrid shelter that uses the lower portion of a lightweight 20-foot ISO container with an inflatable tent upper section.
