Tactical combat teams are often on the move in extreme environments. Benham created its self-sustaining living module (SLiM) concept, which is a rigid-walled, modular shelter system that includes solar energy collection and microgrid power management for military personnel at base camps. SLiM can:

Smaller-sized base camps are usually composed of a mix of standard and non-standard equipment. The result is inefficient power and water consumption, waste management, and construction while increasing operations and maintenance costs over time. These inefficiencies divert soldiers’ efforts from the critical mission to supporting the functions of establishing, operating, and maintaining base camps. Personnel are often forced to improvise when establishing camps and combat outposts in austere environments – typically with little or no organic resources, no construction material handling equipment, and often under enemy threat, at the detriment to their mission.

We will provide design, development, and fabrication services in support of the SLiM concept, which includes shelter and basic living amenities for small contingency bases. The concept design drawings are for a scale model of SLiM. Under the 12-month Phase II option of the contract, Benham will fabricate and assemble the units and provide a functional prototype of SLiM, including two cubes to demonstrate integrated energy and water management subsystems. Additional SLiM features include: