Diesel fuel is used to heat a thermal fluid, which is the heat source for the still and the dryer cycle. This eliminates diesel fumes from the processed clothing. It will, however, be able to launder the Army's newest chemical protective suit, the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suite Technology. The deployment plan calls for two LADS to deploy to a Brigade Support Area for a 72-hour mission along with a shower team. Operators will need to spend approximately eight minutes per hour emptying and re-filling the laundry drums, and restarting the next laundry cycle.
Detergent is added to the system automatically.
A special commercially available low-foaming detergent is used to benefit the distillation process. Moreover, clean clothes boost morale and hygiene, improving quality of life for soldiers in the field. The contractor responsible for developing the LADS prototypes will also build the production models and provide the logistical supply support and depot level maintenance. A single source of supply for repair parts and expert knowledge on the fielded item will be available. During the early stages of this effort, the contractor visited the 229th Field Services Company, Fort Polk, La., to witness the M-85 in operation and to interact with the soldiers.