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. The system combines a headgear and a body armor with sensors and a communications system. The system will help soldiers survive in dangerous 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 is not meant to cover all possible scenarios, but to encourage a discussion about the potential of these technologies.
Integrated headgear system
Army Future Force Warrior Program is creating a new integrated helmet system for the ground soldier. The system will improve protection against blasts and bullets, while also reducing weight. This system will allow soldiers communicate without the need to use 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 system weighs around two pounds and can supply twelve W of power. The OFW system has similar power requirements to a MBITR with LW/SI.
Displays
As part of the Future Force Warrior program, the Army is developing new displays and technology for use by the ground soldier. These technologies make use of advances in lightweight electronic materials and display technology. Human factors information from government labs is also being used in the development of the new technology. 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. A communications network infrastructure is required to gather and disseminate sensor data. In particular, the network should give users real-time status information.
Lightweight ballistic materials
Future warriors require armor that can support heavy rounds but is lightweight. The Army Research Lab started work on armor materials that are 64 times more impact-resistant then 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.