CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - TIAX, a collaborative product and technology development firm, announced that it has been selected by TUG, a division of Stewart & Stevenson Services Inc., to assist in the design and manufacture of a 10-ton diesel-electric air conditioning unit for the U.S. Navy. This portable, self-powered, trailer-mounted unit will supply conditioned air to the electronic equipment on Navy aircraft during maintenance while on an aircraft carrier or onshore base.

"TIAX's rich and varied experience in the design of ground support systems for both military and industrial equipment makes it the perfect partner for this project," said Ben Reeves, vice president, TUG military sales. "In addition to developing units that are overall more efficient, we are committed to creating a system that is environmentally sound and meets the Navy's standard of excellence."

According to TIAX, some of the key features of its design will be the use of a non-ozone depleting refrigerant, a variable speed centrifugal blower, and a lightweight aluminum chassis. In addition, it will incorporate a diesel engine/generator so that the unit will not require plug-in to an electrical source. Other design features have been incorporated that are expected to result in the unit being more reliable and maintainable than previous designs.