SRH - Sealed Ration Heater - new from Natick

[kman]

Here's an even newer way to heat up your rations. I just ran across this on Natick's website today. Looks like it was last updated Feb. 23, 2007, so I'm just a little behind in the "news". :-)

Sealed Ration Heater (SRH)

Soldiers, campers, commuters…all of them often eat on-the-go. Now a developmental item called the Sealed Ration Heater (SRH) provides a safe, flameless way to heat their meals.

Why is it Needed?
The current ration heater contains magnesium and produces flammable hydrogen gas during use. A need exists to replace the current heater with one that does not produce hydrogen and can be safely transported, stored, used and disposed.

Technology:
The SRH is fully self-contained and does not require the addition of water to activate. To operate, just apply pressure to the package by hand to rupture the fuel cells. This releases a glycerin-water solution throughout a potassium permanganate powder, causing a slow, steady flow of heat. The SRH is folded around the entrée and heats it through surface contact.

Benefits:

The heater is:

Convenient - fully self-contained, does not require water, and may be used in enclosed spaces.

Fast - can heat an 8 ounce entrée from 40° F to 140° F in less than 15 minutes.

Safe and Environmentally Sound - does not produce flammable by-products; no residual water after use; no environmentally unfriendly residue.

Lightweight - the heater including activation solution weighs approximately 120 grams and is packaged in a high-barrier plastic pouch that folds around the entrée.

High Commercial Potential - can be used even in enclosed spaces to heat food or beverages. Heater has applications for commuters, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

[C-rats]

So if that was early last year, when are the darn things going to be adopted and field issued?