Kinetics - Life Support Systems, NBC / CBRN Protection, HVAC, APUs and Fire Suppression

Founded in 1985, Kinetics Ltd. develops, tests, qualifies and produces systems and components for military platforms including: Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFV), shelters and tents, aircraft and helicopters, rockets and launchers.

Kinetics is world leader in the area of Life Support Systems (LSS) and military and airborne hydraulics. The main line of products includes:

• Life Support Systems (LSS)
• NBC/CBRN protection and detection
• Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
• Individual Cooling System (ICS)
• Auxiliary Power Units (APU)
• Fire suppression
• Hydraulic systems (turret/gun/launcher controls and aircraft hydraulics)
• Enhanced suspension systems for military vehicles

Among its customers, Kinetics counts many militaries and platforms OEMs. Kinetics products are fielded on dozens of military platforms worldwide including:

• Wheeled and tracked armored vehicles: NAMER, MRAP, MRAP-2 PIRANHA 3,4,5 PANDUR 2, Armored Modular Vehicle (AMV), M113, M577, BMP-2.
• Tanks, howitzers and rocket launchers: M1A2/A2SEP, MERKAVA Mk2/Mk3/Mk4, M48/M60, T54/55/72, PALADIN, HIMARS, GRIZZLY, M9-ACE , M901ITV, M981FISTV.
• Aircraft: KC767, KC135R , B737, DC10, MD11 and Blackhawk helicopter.

LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM (LSS)

Life Support System (LSS) is a comprehensive solution, for military platforms, providing all/some of the following functions:

• NBC/CBRN protection and detection system (NBCS)
• Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC)
• Individual Crew Cooling System (ICCS)
• Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
• Multi-zones Fire Suppression System (FSS)

NBC/CBRN PROTECTION AND DETECTION SYSTEM (NBCS)

NBC/CBRN protection and detection system (NBCS) is typically integrated within the LSS, but can also be provided as a stand-alone system. Kinetics' NBCS incorporates latest protection technologies assuring safer operation for longer periods of time, including continuous operation (24/7).

Utilizing one central NBC filter, the NBCS offers three protection modes:

• Overpressure protection
• Collective facemasks protection
• Hybrid protection (overpressure and collective facemask)

Kinetics’ NBCS offers some unique features:

• Advanced Inertial Particles Separator (IPS) enhances the filter life in heavy dust conditions
• Humidity Reduction (HR) enhances filter life in humid environment
• NBC/CBRN filter bypass valve allows safe and easy engagement / disengagement of the NBC filter to maximize its life
• Dynamic overpressure and air-quality control optimizes airflow through the NBC/CBRN filter to increase its life while keeping overpressure and adequate air-quality in the crew cabin
• NBC/CBRN filter replacement indicator enables on-time filter replacement
• Integrated chemical and/or radiation detection offers safe detection and automatic NBCS operation

The advanced NBC/CBRN filters have NATO AEP-54 compatibility, assuring excellent protection characteristics, including against Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC). The integrated two stages cylindrical filter with a possibility to replace the first stage (HEPA) only, offers ultimate protection with reduced life cycle cost.

HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING (HVAC) SYSTEM

The Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system typically makes part of the LSS, but can also be provided as a stand-alone system. Kinetics' HVAC offer a wide range of cooling / heating capacities and are tailored to the specific requirements of each platform. Kinetics' HVAC are maintenance free and comprise self-cleaning heat-exchangers.

INDIVIDUAL COOLING SYSTEM (ICS)

The Individual Cooling System (ICS) is a unique technology that was developed by Kinetics for Main Battle Tanks (MBT), Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) and other special applications. ICS offers excellent crew cooling using air-cooled overalls or vests. ICS is very effective on platforms operating with open hatches and having limited power for cooling; it is offered as part of LSS or as a stand-alone system. ICS has been successfully fielded on MERKAVA 3 and 4 Israeli MBT since 1997.

AUXILIARY POWER UNIT

The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is provided as a stand-alone system or integrated within the LSS. An advanced control system enables three APU operational modes:

• Independent power source
• Co-generation system, (operation in conjunction with the platform generator)
• Power source for off-board equipment

Using the APU saves expensive main-engine hours and fuel and reduces the noise and thermal signature of the vehicle.