Omni Defense Technologies

Omni Defense Technologies was founded on 20 November 1998 as a small engineering firm in Vermont. Its founder, Mark Harvie, is an electromechanical engineer who was drawn to aviation early and built his first hang glider at the age of 12. The company designs, develops and manufactures products that support military and chemical and biological response personnel, search and rescue teams and medical professionals. Its site says it holds eleven US patents and that its products are deployed worldwide.

SKYDRATE in-flight bladder relief

The flagship product is SKYDRATE, a system for in-flight bladder relief that is described as automatic, hands-off, non-invasive and leak-proof. It is made for both male and female aircrew. According to the site, the system has gone through flight safety testing to standards from the US Air Force and US Navy as well as partner nations, and it does not require the pilot to unstrap from the safety restraint system. A certified through-suit connector keeps the aircrew ensemble sealed.

• The pump runs at 2.25 litres per minute, and the collection bags have air vents that let air and liquid leave together
• One battery powers the unit for 16 hours or 12 full 60 second relief cycles, with a shelf life of at least 5 years and a rating of 400 recharge cycles
• The male cup can be washed and reused up to 10 times, while the female pad is recommended for single use

The company makes the case that dehydration lowers concentration, vision and G-force tolerance, and that reliable relief lets aviators drink enough on long missions. The site quotes an F-15E pilot who calls the collection bags easier to handle and stow in the cockpit than other systems.

Other products and partners

Omni Defense Technologies also makes tactical flotation devices for parachutists and life preservers. Under the name Omni Medical Systems, it was awarded a five year US Army contract for the new US Army Personal Flotation Device. The company works with NASA and is developing similar waste management systems for astronauts on missions beyond Earth's atmosphere.

Shows

Omni Defense Technologies appears in the exhibitor lists of AFA Air, Space and Cyber Conference 2027 and AFA Warfare Symposium 2027.

Contact

Listed under Manufacturers, Airline Support Services.
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