Case Study: Crosslink Superflex™

Flexible Lighting for Military Soft-Walled Shelters

The Challenge

Short deployment times and the ability to pack up and quickly relocate are essential to effective military operations. Soft-walled tents are a key element of base camps. Currently, traditional soft-walled tents require extensive setup, partially due to the ruggedized fluorescent lighting systems they require.

Fluorescent lighting systems contain toxic materials such as mercury and antimony. If leaked, these materials can pose significant health risks to soldiers and other personnel. The lights also are heavy and have trouble starting in the cold, creating logistical setbacks—especially when troops need to unpack or setup immediately.

The Crosslink Solution

Crosslink SuperFlex panels are applied to military soft-walled shelters, illuminating the entire space.

Thin Crosslink SuperFlex™ panels are semi-permanently attached to the tent ceilings. They are powered by a standard AC source to produce white light. Because Crosslink SuperFlex is extremely durable and can be crushed without malfunction, the shelters can be collapsed and packed quickly. Crosslink SuperFlex eliminates the additional setup and teardown troops must currently perform—easing the stress of rapid camp deployment or strike operations.

This application is currently under development with the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Massachusetts.