Foster-Miller Will be a Primary Contributor in Next Step of OFW Soldier Ensemble
11 August 2003 15:59
WALTHAM, MA – Foster-Miller, Inc., announced today that it will be one of the primary contributors in the development of the soldier ensemble that is part of the $100 million Objective Force Warrior (OFW) program awarded to the General Dynamics Eagle Enterprise Team this week by the Natick Soldier Center, Natick, MA.
OFW’s goal, as part of the U.S. Army’s overall transformation strategy, is to give the next-generation warrior a lightweight, overwhelmingly lethal, fully integrated individual combat system, including weapon, head-to-toe individual protection, netted communications, and soldier-worn power sources. Communications, medical monitoring, chemical/biological sensing, heating/cooling and better body armor are all expected to be part of the new military wardrobe, which will weigh only 50 pounds, much lighter than today’s soldier loads of 120 pounds or more.
Foster-Miller has already developed technologies in four areas of interest to this program: electronic textiles, microclimate cooling, microengines and robotics.
“We are delighted that we will once again be working with the highly respected Natick Soldier Center,” said Dr.William Ribich, president of Foster-Miller. “ Natick has been at the forefront of wearable technology for many years and is an engine of innovation for the military as well as for the commercial sector. We are looking forward to developing an ensemble with them that will provide an overwhelming advantage for our warfighters.”
Congressman Edward Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement on the Department of Defense awarding of the OFW project in part to Foster-Miller of Waltham:
"Foster-Miller continues to be a technological leader for the Commonwealth, and the Department of Defense relies on this company to develop the technologies to make every soldier safer, more secure, and more efficient. In cooperation with Eastern Massachusetts’ preeminent research facilities, including the Army's Natick Labs, Foster-Miller has helped our Commonwealth create jobs even in tough economic times."
This phase of the OFW program is expected to take two years and realize $13 million in revenues for Foster-Miller. Dr. Ribich expects that the program will require the hiring of 15 to 20 new high tech personnel, adding to the company’s current work force of 350.
Foster-Miller has been helping clients improve their competitive position through innovative engineering, design and development for almost 50 years. Unlike firms that focus on conducting basic research, Foster-Miller specializes in bridging the gap between research and the marketplace by developing new products and production lines. The Waltham-based company is home to more than 200 engineers and scientists working in the fields of robotics, advanced materials, custom machinery, power systems, biotechnology and aerospace.
For more information on this company:
Foster-Miller - Robots for EOD, IED, Weaponization, Chemical Sensing and Reconnaissance
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