Hardened Alternative Trailer Systems (HATS) Technologies
Portable, modular anti-ballistic shelter systems
Innovators at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Lab have developed and deployed in the field a suite of exceptional shelter systems called the Hardened Alternative Trailer System (HATS). These modular, ISO container-based shelters are low-cost, versatile, and rapidly assembled. Furthermore, they are blast and forced-entry resistant protecting occupants and assets. This combination of logistical efficiency and outstanding, life-saving protection is perfectly suited to the needs of today’s world.
The initial HATS concept gave rise to the Modular Anti-Ballistic, Blast, and Forced-Entry Resistant Shelter (MABFERS). MABFERS permits two-story, 40-foot-long structures that can be made infinitely wide. Moreover, ERDC has developed a complementary flashing system for two-story shelters that further shields seams from blasts and ballistics as well as adverse weather. Already in use as living and working quarters for U.S. military and embassy personnel, the HATS technology suite provides a superior level of protection to keep personnel safe anywhere in the world.
Benefits:
- Proven: Complies with the U.S. Dept. of State Certification Standard for Forced Entry and Ballistic Resistance of Structural Systems (SDSTD-01.01 Rev. G)
- Low-cost: Inexpensive and easy to manufacture
- Rapid deployment: Modular unitized components enable fast on-site assembly
- Robust: Novel flashing system improves protection from intense ballistic, forced entry, and blasts, as well as shielding from adverse weather
- Flexible: Stackable units can be used to form multi-story structures with high capacity and a small footprint
Applications:
- Asset protection (e.g., critical infrastructure, data storage facilities, housing, communications centers)
- Security (e.g., high threat locations)
- Disaster relief
- Hospitals (e.g., medical units)
- Dept. of State security (e.g., diplomatic facilities, embassies, borders)
- Military (e.g., bases, command centers, expeditionary forces)
