Freedom through Mobility
31 May 2007 13:48
War fighters in today's world no longer move in the large, heavy units of the Cold War. It is becoming increasingly clear that the current trend is for small arms and vehicles that are light and quick, allowing troops to move quickly and hit hard. This new doctrine means that soldiers must have base camps and information points that can move along with them.
As the NATO doctrine moved towards enhanced mobility, the Oslo-based company Uniteam had a clear purpose - to meet the requirements by developing new systems and enhancing existing concepts.
The first ever completely mobile airbase was delivered for the Royal Norwegian Air force (RNoAF) Immediate Reaction Force Squadron at Ørland Main Air Station in 1997. This base, containing more than 350 containers, featured full biological and chemical protection of mission-critical facilities.
This was achieved using a patented gasket system, Gas Safety Shelter Products (GSSP®), developed by Uniteam in cooperation with the RNoAF Material Command. The base, or parts of it, has been deployed successfully several times for exercises and operations abroad.
EXPANDABLE SHELTERS MEETING HIGHER DEMANDS
In order to enhance the functioning of standard ISO-containers, different expandable solutions have been developed over the last few years. By expanding standard containers, the user will be able to overcome one of the main limitations of a container - interior space.
The steel ISO expandable shelters form an outstanding basis for command posts, communications centers and numerous other applications, offering true 'plug and play' capabilities. Current users include the armed forces of Denmark, Norway, The Netherlands, Ireland, Oman and Sweden, as well as NATO (NC3A) and the UN.
FOLDABLE SHELTERS
The foldable solution is based on the ISO 20ft Aluminum Sandwich Shelter. The average mounting/demounting time of the shelter is six to seven minutes, as proven in field by military users. This module is constructed within a fully insulated 20ft shelter, offering a minimum of on-site erection tasks, merely leveling and connection to services. Current users include the armed forces of Belgium, Norway, Sweden and The Netherlands.
TACTICAL SHELTERS
Tactical command posts, briefing facilities, simulators and communication centers in 'plug and play' expanding shelters have been supplied to the armed forces of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, NATO and the UN. References include applications such as the Ground Based Air Defense Operation Centers (GBADOC), squadron operation centers, SAM Operation Centres (SAMOC), Link 16 ground stations and similar.
Due to the specific demands of the Norwegian Armed Forces Medical Service (NAFMS), a unique concept has been developed, taking into account the medical and operational experience and knowledge of NAFMS. The concept is exceptionally flexible compared to traditional solutions offered, and has a single module stand alone capability thanks to the full inclusion of support systems and infrastructure in each and every shelter.
The shelter used for medical functions (pre-op/OT/ICUaso) is of remarkably simple and affordable design, resulting in ease and reliability of operation as well as outstanding lifetime costing figures.
THE FUTURE
With a complete concept portfolio it is certain that Uniteam will continue to be a potential provider to numerous clients within the international defense market while mobility is a key issue. Uniteam International will continue to strengthen its position by means of strong professionals within its organization, thus aiming to remain in the forefront when it comes to offering complete solutions for mobility requirements.
For more information on this company:
Uniteam International - Military Shelters and Military Mobile Hospitals
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