Development of the Flameless Ration Heater for the Meal, Ready-to-Eat

The Flameless Ration Heater FRH was developed to provide an alternative method for heating the Meal, Ready-to-Eat MRE entree in the field. A survey of flameless heating mechanisms revealed that a water activated electrochemical pad, composed of magnesium-iron alloy dispersed in plastic powders, would most effectively heat an 8 ounce entree. A packaging system was designed to protect the heating device and function as a heater bag for the entree. The resulting system, the FRH, consists of a heater pad enclosed in a paperboard cover and sealed in a high-density, polyethylene bag with preprinted operational instructions. The FRH was tested and evaluated extensively to determine its technical and operational capabilities. The FRH is capable of raising the temperature of an entree from 40 degrees F to 140 degrees F in 12 minutes or less is operable in ambient temperatures from -25 degrees F to 110 degrees F may be used by a soldier while on-the-move or in a vehicle or shelter requires 2 ounces of water to activate is a lightweight, cost effective and flameless alternative to the fuel barcanteen cup method of heating meets military requirements for safety and human factors and is logistically supportable. The Service adopted the FRH for bulk issue in May 1990, and as an MRE component in September 1991.