Given the fact that the vehicle chosen for Project Nocoma was a Ford F-350 Turbo Diesel pick-up truck, the work/living space had to be designed using either a trailer or fifth wheel configuration or a slide-in module configuration. Each approach has its strength and weaknesses. For example, using the trailer or fifth wheel configuration one would have more space as compared to using a slide-in module. In fact, investigation by the Project Nocoma team revealed that there are several manufacturers who provide turn-key mobile command and communication units designed in the trailer or fifth wheel format. Two of these manufacturers are ISC Technologies, Inc. and Mobile Concepts by Scotty. The downside to using the trailer configuration, however, is the loss of vehicle maneuverability and the increased cost. Thus, the Project Nocoma team decided upon the slide-in module configuration. However, given the unique needs of a particular business or organization the trailer or fifth wheel configuration may, ultimately, be a better option.

Study of the most appropriate slide-in module configuration led the design team to three choices: (1) a traditional hard-sided slide-in camper used most frequently as a recreational vehicle, (2) a pop-up slide-in camper also used most frequently for recreational purposes, and (3) a slide-in cargo body specially configured as a mobile operation’s post. With respect to this third category, research revealed a North American manufacturer, Cargobody, which appeared to have the capability to provide any appropriate design configuration.

Ultimately the team decided upon the second choice. First, it was believed that using a traditional hard-sided slide-in camper, because of its high center of gravity, would compromise vehicle maneuverability in poor road and/or off road conditions. Next, the use of a slide-in cargo body precluded the ability to provide staff with living accommodations. However, if living accommodations were not an issue, the use of a Cargobody should be given serious consideration since it would increase mobility and decrease final cost. In conclusion, it was decided that the command/ support module for Project Nocoma should be a pop-up slide-in camper.

Again, after exhaustive research, the Project Nocoma team decided upon the Hallmark Ute XL as the command/ support module. The Ute XL, originally designed as a recreational vehicle, has a height top down of 66 inches, height top up of 90 inches, exterior floor length of 8 feet 6 inches, roof length of 13 feet 6 inches, and a width of 83 inches. Its approximate weight unloaded is 1800 pounds. Other features include:

• Remote control electric jacks
• 3 way double insulated refrigerator
• 16K BTU furnace
• Single 30lb. LPG bottle with gauge
• Dual 6 volt deep cycle batteries
• 24 gallon fresh water supply
• 12 ½ gallon black water tank
• 14 gallon gray water tank
• On demand water pump
• City water hookup
• 6 gallon water heater
• Fiberglass shower stall
• Porcelain marine toilet
• 3 burner stove
• 60 inch by 80 inch cabover bed
• Table and sitting area convertible to a standard bed
• 45 Amp power center with 3 amp coach trickle charge
• 110 volt and 12 volt outlet
• Air conditioning
• Solar panel

With the above configuration, staff have living and working accommodations with or without electrical or water hookups. Staff can eat, sleep, shower, and work at any disaster site that can be reached by a four-wheel-drive- vehicle.

Finally, one additional piece of equipment should be included with the design of a command/ support module. This is a small, portable electric generator. Project Nocoma decided upon the Honda EU2000i which weighs only 46.3 lbs., can produce 2000 watts of power, and can run 15 hours on a single tank of gasoline.