The Future Force Warrior is an advanced technology demonstration project from the United States military. This project is aimed at creating a fully integrated infantry combat system. The system includes a headgear, a body armor, sensors, and a communication system. This system will aid soldiers in surviving on treacherous terrain.
Soldier Digitization subsystem
Future force warriors program envisages the revolutionary use of nanotechnology, powered exoskeletons and magnetic-resistance liquid-based body armour. This concept was not intended to address all scenarios but to open up discussion about the potential for these technologies.
Integrated headgear system
Army Future Force Warrior Program is creating a new integrated helmet system for the ground soldier. The new integrated headgear system will provide greater protection against bullets and blasts while reducing weight. The system will allow soldiers to communicate with each other without the use of an external microphone.
Subsystem Power
The Future Force Warrior power system can reduce the combat soldier's weight by significantly reducing their size. A typical OFW power subsystem weighs approximately two pounds and can provide twelve W of power. The OFW system's power requirements are similar to that of an MBITR radio with LW–SI.
Displays
As part the Future Force Warrior program the Army is developing new displays, technology, and other tools for ground soldiers. These technologies use advances in lightweight balistic materials, electronics, displays, and other display technology. The new technology also makes use of data about human factors collected from government labs. These developments were discussed at a panel discussion by the Association of United States Army on July 24, 2004.
Sensors
Future Force Warriors will be equipped unattended tactical sensor to provide situational intelligence and networked fire. 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
The future force warrior needs armor that can sustain heavy rounds while still maintaining a lightweight profile. The Army Research Lab began developing armor materials that are 64 per cent more impact resistant than traditional steel armor. These materials are eight times lighter than existing armor. Researchers from the Army Research Laboratory, Buffalo and the University of Buffalo began laboratory experiments to create this armor.