The Future Force Warrior, a demonstration project in advanced technology from the United States military, is a great example of this. The project will create a lightweight, fully-integrated infantry combat systems. It consists of a headgear and body armor combined with sensors and a communications network. The system can help soldiers survive on difficult terrain.
Soldier Digitization subsystem
The future force warrior program uses revolutionary technologies like nanotechnology and magnetic resistance fluid-based body-armor. The idea was not intended to be comprehensive, but rather to spark a conversation about the possibilities of these technologies.
Integrated headgear system
Army Future Force Warrior Program will develop a new integrated system of headgear for ground troops. It aims to improve protection from blasts and bullets while reducing weight. This system will also allow soldiers to communicate without the need for an external microphone.
Power subsystem
The Future Force Warrior power Subsystem can dramatically reduce the weight of combat soldiers. A typical OFW power subsystem weighs approximately two pounds and can provide twelve W of power. The OFW system has similar power requirements to a MBITR with LW/SI.
Displays
The Army is working with Future Force Warrior to develop new technology and displays for 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. This was discussed in a panel discussion held by the Association of United States Army (USA) on July 24th.
Sensors
Future Force Warriors will be equipped with unattended tactical sensors to perform networked fire and provide situational awareness. To realize this, a communications network infrastructure must be deployed to collect and disseminate the sensor data. Particularly, the network should offer real-time situational awareness information to users.
Ballistic materials, light weight
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. They are also eight times lighter that current armor. Researchers from the Army Research Laboratory, Buffalo and the University of Buffalo began laboratory experiments to create this armor.