The Future Force Warrior from the United States is an advanced technology demonstration project. The project's goal is to create a fully integrated infantry combat platform. It consists of a headgear and body armor combined with sensors and a communications network. The system will enable soldiers to survive in difficult terrain.
Soldier Digitization subsystem
The future force warrior program envisions a revolutionary use of technologies including nanotechnology, powered exoskeletons, and magnetic-resistance fluid-based body armor. This concept was not intended to address all scenarios but to open up discussion about the potential for these technologies.
Headgear system integrated
The Army Future Force Warrior Program is developing a new integrated headgear system for the ground soldier. The system will improve protection against blasts and bullets, while also reducing weight. The system will allow soldiers to communicate with each other without the use of an external microphone.
Power subsystem
The Future Force Warrior power subsystem can significantly reduce the weight of the combat soldier. A typical OFW subsystem can produce twelve W of power and weighs in at approximately two pounds. The OFW system requires power similar to a MBITR radio equipped with LW-SI.
Displays
The Army is working with Future Force Warrior to develop new technology and displays for the ground soldier. These technologies are based on advances in lightweight ballistic materials, electronics and displays. The development of this technology also uses human factors data from government laboratories. These developments were the subject of a Panel Discussion by the Association of United States Army held on July 24, 2005.
Sensors
Future Force Warriors will have unattended tactical sensors that can perform networked firing and provide situational awareness. This requires a network infrastructure to collect and distribute sensor data. Particularly, the network should offer real-time situational awareness information to users.
Lightweight ballistic materials
Armor that can withstand heavy rounds and still maintain a light profile is essential for the future warrior force. The Army Research Lab is working on new armor materials that are 64% more impact-resistant than traditional steel armor. These materials are also eight-times lighter than current armor. Researchers from the Army Research Laboratory, Buffalo and the University of Buffalo began laboratory experiments to create this armor.