The Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) is a device designed to heat a military field ration (MRE -Meal-Ready-to-Eat) 100 deg F above its initial temperature. An MRE is a flexible pouch containing food. The food is sealed within the polylaminate packaging material with practically no oxygen. This enables the package to have an extended shelf life at room temperature. There are a variety of MRE entrees, all of which contain 8 oz. of food. The need to provide soldiers with a device for heating individual military rations was recognized long before the development of the Flameless Ration Heater. Prior studies of heating systems showed that an optimal device for heating systems showed that an optimal device for heating rations in isolated areas would be lightweight, safe and convenient to use, inexpensive, require little or no set up, heat food rapidly, allow heat-on-the-move capability and not produce a flame. A flameless heating device could be used at night without producing a visual signature and would not be affected by wind or inclement weather. The flameless ration heater meets or exceeds all these design criteria. The flameless ration heater consists of two parts: 1) The heater consists of an active component, magnesium 5atomic percent iron alloy (5a percent Fe) combined with a powdered salt and inert fillers, packaged within a porous polymeric membrane. 2) The packaged heater is sealed within a high density polyethylene bag which provides protective packaging for the heater prior to use and functions as a "stove bag" for an 8 ounce MRE (Meal-Ready-to-Eat) entree.
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