The United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is currently pursuing a revolutionary program aimed at enhancing superhuman capabilities for soldiers in combat missions.
The Concept of Super Soldiers…
This idea may sound like a science fiction story, reminiscent of Iron Man’s suits from the famous film series, but if SOCOM succeeds in its initial research, it could become a reality.
SOCOM has already issued a request for information to research centers, academies, and government industries to gather data that could contribute to the development of a suit named Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS), according to Defense-Update on June 1st.
This toolkit will be utilized as part of future military uniforms, employing an electrically powered exoskeleton to provide the wearer with superhuman strength or exceptional protective features with a full-body bulletproof suit.
With computers and antennas, operators will have improved situational awareness through auditory and visual sensory enhancement. Other technologies may include information displays that are not visible to the naked eye, featuring cognitive thought functions and immersive displays describing personal information in the surrounding environment.
Health monitoring and medical condition tracking features could be integrated along with an oxygen supply system, wound status, and energy compensation capabilities. The generation and tracking of thermal energy may also be harnessed.
Iron Man Suits – (Image: Digital Trends)
According to Defense-Update, SOCOM is expected to receive submissions by June 15th of this year. While this date may seem far off, SOCOM is genuinely seeking practical capabilities, demonstrated by their determined pursuit of this initiative.
… And the Initial Feedback
One organization that has responded is the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM), which is one of the government entities that has embraced the call.
“No single industry can develop this independently,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Chris Faris, a senior advisor for SOCOM, during a discussion at MacDill Air Force Base.
The suit may include magnetorheological fluids, also known as “liquid armor,” capable of transforming from liquid to solid in a fraction of a second when subjected to a magnetic field or electric current.
Demonstrations of related technologies will take place next month, from July 8 to 10 in Florida, according to Defense-Update.
TALOS will have a physiological system applied to the skin, integrated with sensors to monitor body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, body position, and hydration levels.
The suit could include magnetorheological fluids, also referred to as “liquid armor,” which can shift from liquid to solid in a fraction of a second when placed in a magnetic field or electric current. Although still in the development stage, this technology may be submitted to aid in the construction of TALOS.
“The mission is for the systems to operate as a unified entity within the combat suit we aim for, with a single exoskeleton framework, innovative armor, energy monitoring screens, health tracking, and integrated weaponry. It’s a tremendous amount of work that RDECOM is seriously pursuing. RDECOM is leading the way in every aspect that constitutes this super combat armor. It’s advanced armor. It’s communication, it’s antennas. It’s situational awareness. It’s sensors, microcircuits. All will be integrated into TALOS,” said Lieutenant Colonel Karl Borjes, a scientific advisor from RDECOM assigned to SOCOM.
According to Defense-Update, one of the programs that could be considered for this ambitious mission is Warrior Web. This program, currently managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Army, is exploring ways to create a toolkit to reduce fatigue, protect vulnerabilities, and enhance the load-bearing capacity of soldiers.
DARPA’s Warrior Web is a lightweight soft exoskeleton that can augment soldiers’ muscular capabilities, significantly enhancing endurance and combat effectiveness.
The Warrior Web program includes two related missions, with the first focusing on developing a complex of “essential technologies,” which are prerequisites for the program’s success.
The second phase, expected to begin in the fall of 2013, will involve researchers developing and fabricating an integrated suit that will be tested in practical scenarios to assess its effectiveness.
