Head protection and power/data management specialist Galvion has recently received an order from the US Marine Corps (USMC) for 5,000 of its SoloPack II lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and a USD 1.5 million (EUR 1.38 million) order for additional ancillary cables to further support the USMC’s in-service Portable Power Scavenger Systems (P2S2), the company announced on 7 August 2024.
The SoloPack II batteries ordered will support the USMC’s fire support and co-ordination systems using portable, handheld devices to employ supporting arms in consonance with manoeuvre elements used by the marines.
Galvion’s original 98 Wh SoloPack batteries were included in kits when fielded in 2018, while this new order for 5,000 SoloPack II units will provide more power to better sustain these critical systems.
Small, lightweight and energy-dense, the SoloPack II offers 140 Wh of energy (40% more power storage capacity than the original SoloPack) while maintaining the familiar, compact form factor of the Nerv Centr suite of products. SoloPack II fits into a magazine pouch for ease of storage and weighs only 750 g.
In December 2022 Galvion announced an order valued at USD 11 million to supply a customised Squad Power Manager (SPM) kit to each Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) within the USMC, including reserve forces. The USMC’s P2S2 kits include Galvion’s SPM and a selection of cables, connectors and accessories that provide the ability to scavenge, distribute and manage power from multiple power sources, including solar, alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), military batteries, NATO plugs and vehicle cigarette lighter/alternator attachments. The SPM kit can scavenge power from partially discharged batteries, vehicles and standard electrical outlets and convert that power into a usable format for powering devices and recharging batteries. The recent order received for additional ancillary cables will extend and further enhance the functionality of the USMC’s in-service P2S2 kits.
“The United States Marines are some of the world’s toughest warfighters, and we’re incredibly proud to supply them with equipment that supports their missions,” Galvion CEO Todd Stirtzinger was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The power supply and management solutions that we provide contribute to a reduction in physical and logistical burden by sustaining power for longer with less weight.
“The fact that these orders extend and enhance capabilities that Galvion has already supplied to marines is an example of our commitment to responding to the ever-changing needs of our customers,” Stirtzinger added. “We’re seeing a number of repeat orders from partners across the globe, which means we’re doing something right.”
