The Future Force Warrior, a demonstration project in advanced technology from the United States military, is a great example of this. The goal of the project is to create an integrated, lightweight infantry combat system. It consists of a headgear and body armor combined with sensors and a communications network. This system will aid soldiers in surviving on treacherous terrain.
Soldier Digitization subsystem
The future force warrior program uses revolutionary technologies like nanotechnology and magnetic resistance fluid-based body-armor. 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. This system is designed to reduce weight and protect against bullets and blasts. This system will allow soldiers without an external microphone to communicate.
Power subsystem
The Future Force Warrior power subsystem is capable of significantly reducing the weight and size of combat soldiers. The typical OFW power subsystem is approximately 2 pounds in weight and can deliver 12 W of power. The OFW system requires power similar to a MBITR radio equipped with LW-SI.
Displays
The Army is currently developing new technology and displays as part of Future Force Warrior. These technologies make use of advances in lightweight electronic materials and 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 receive unattended tactical cameras to enable them to perform networked operations and provide situational alert. To realize this, a communications network infrastructure must be deployed to collect and disseminate the sensor data. In particular, the network should give users real-time status information.
Ballistic materials of light weight
Future warriors require armor that can support heavy rounds but is lightweight. The Army Research Lab has started developing new armor materials that can withstand 64% more impacts than traditional steel armor. The armor is also eight times lighter. The Army Research Laboratory and University of Buffalo scientists have conducted laboratory experiments in order to make this armor.