The US military’s ambition to create Iron Man
The US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is currently pursuing a revolutionary program to support soldiers with superhuman abilities in combat missions.
The idea of superhuman soldiers…
The idea may sound like a science fiction story, with Iron Man armor in the famous movie series of the same name, but if SOCOM is successful in its initial research, it has a chance to become a reality.
SOCOM has now issued a request for information to government research centers, academia and industry to request information that can contribute to the development of the armor called Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS), according to Defense-Update on June 1.
The kit would be used as part of a futuristic military uniform, using an electrically powered exoskeleton to give the wearer superhuman strength or super protection with full-body body armor.
With computers and antennas, the operator would have improved situational awareness, through electronic visual and auditory perception. Other technologies that could be deployed include non-visual information displays, including cognitive thinking and immersive displays that depict personal information in the surrounding environment.
Health and medical monitoring could be integrated with oxygen delivery, wound status, and electromechanical energy compensation. Thermal generation and monitoring could also be explored.
SOCOM is expected to receive submissions by June 15, according to Defense-Update. This may seem far-fetched, but SOCOM is indeed looking for a real capability, as evidenced by its determination to pursue it.
… And the first responses
One of the organizations that has responded is the U.S. Army Research and Development Engineering Command (RDECOM). It is one of the government agencies that has responded to the call.
“There is no industry that can build it on its own,” Maj. Chris Faris, a senior advisor to SOCOM, said during a panel discussion at MacDill Air Force Base.
The armor could include magnetorheological fluids, also known as “liquid armor,” that can transform from liquid to solid in milliseconds when exposed to a magnetic field or electric current.
A demonstration of the relevant technologies will take place next month, from July 8 to 10 in Florida, according to Defense-Update.
TALOS will have a sub-physiological system applied to the skin that is embedded with sensors to monitor core body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, body position, and hydration levels.
The armor may include magnetorheological fluids, also known as “liquid armor,” that can transform from liquid to solid in milliseconds when exposed to a magnetic field or electric current. Although still in development, this technology may be submitted to support the development of TALOS.
“The mission is that the systems have to work as a whole in the combat suit that we’re aiming for, with an exoskeleton with advanced armor, power monitors, health monitors, and weapons integration. That’s a bunch of stuff that RDECOM is seriously pursuing. RDECOM is cutting edge in all areas of this super-combat suit. It’s advanced armor. It’s communications, it’s antennas. It’s perception. It’s sensors, microcircuits. It’s all going to be integrated into TALOS,” said Lt. Col. Karl Borjes, a RDECOM science advisor who has been seconded to SOCOM.
According to Defense-Update, one of the programs that could be considered for this impossible task is Warrior Web. This is an armor development program currently managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the US Army. The program is exploring ways to create a new set of tools that can reduce fatigue, protect vulnerable areas, and increase the amount of equipment carried on the body.
DARPA’s Warrior Web is a soft, lightweight exoskeleton that can reinforce a soldier’s muscles, significantly increasing their endurance and combat effectiveness.
The Warrior Web program consists of two related missions, the first of which is currently focused on developing a complex set of “essential technologies” that are a prerequisite for the program’s success.
The second phase, scheduled to begin in the fall of 2013, will see researchers develop and build an integrated suit that will be field-tested to evaluate its effectiveness.