LAUNDRY ADVANCED SYSTEM (LADS)

Since 1991, Guild, working with Natick RD&E Center, developed technology to reliably clean and decontaminate clothing, including garments and accessories that were contaminated with chemical agents. The first effort was LADDS, this four year development program resulted in a solvent-based system that simultaneously removes soil and agent contamination while neutralizing agent solvated from processed articles.

The system was multi-solvent capable and utilized a novel chemical approach for neutralizing chemical agent. However, the central premise for LADDS was operation without water. As concern for ozone depletion arose, solvent use came under closer scrutiny, and the Army relaxed the water requirement from complete absence to low usage.

The second endeavor arose when Guild responded to an open RFP for an aqueous-based system. In July 1997 a performance-based contract was awarded for a mobile laundry system, which resulted in the current LADS design. LADS met the Type Classification-Standard during the first quarter of fiscal year 1999, just 17 months after the contract was awarded. This achievement was the result of both acquisition streamlining and IPT involvement, including best value contracting, combined development and production contracting, contractor logistics supply support, contractor testing, contractor representation at government testing, and oral presentations.

The LADS consists of two wash/dryer drums, a thermal fluid heater and a distillation system, all mounted on an 8x8x20 ISO-configured flatrack. The LADS operates while mounted on a 40 foot flatbed trailer (M871A3). A 30-kilowatt tactical generator, mounted over the trailer’s rear axle provides power to operate LADS up to 7500 feet above sea level.

The LADS represents a huge saving in operational and support costs. The LADS reduces water consumption from 24,000 gallons-per-day for four M-85s to less than 400 gallons-per-day. Wastewater is reduced from 20,000 gallons-per-day to 20 gallons-per-day. Most water is recycled using LADS’ thermal fluid heated still. The fielding of the LADS calls for one LADS unit to replace four M85 laundry units. Additional savings are made in manpower. LADS operation requires two operators versus eight required to operate four M85s. Each LADS will process the laundry of 50-plus soldiers-per-hour and 500-plus soldiers-per-day. LADS dry-to-dry operation can turn around soldier laundry within 24 hour versus the two day turn around for the M85. The LADS has an on board micro-processor that controls all dry-to-dry laundering functions. This allows laundry personnel more time to process (receive, bag, and return) clothing.

The LADS does not process chemically or biologically contaminated clothing; however, it will launder the Army’s newest chemical protective suit, the JSLIST. New technology introduced with LADS is the application of a Teflon-based laundry additive to Gortex and rain gear in order to waterproof the clothing. The operator adds a liquid additive before the final rinse cycle. This liquid bonds with the fibers of the rain gear, which results with resilient water repelling fabric.