The Future Force Warrior (USA military) is an advanced technology demonstrator project. This project is aimed at creating a fully integrated infantry combat system. The system is composed of a headgear with body armor and sensors. It also includes a communications system and sensors. The system will enable soldiers to survive in difficult terrain.
Soldier Digitization subsystem
Future force warrior program will make use of revolutionary technologies such as nanotechnology, powered excoskeletons, magnetic-resistance fluid based body armor, and powered exoskeletons. 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 allow soldiers without an external microphone to communicate.
Subsystem power
The Future Force Warrior power system can reduce the combat soldier's weight by significantly reducing their size. A typical OFW Power Subsystem can provide 12 W power. It weighs about two pounds. The OFW system is comparable in power requirements to an MBITR radio using 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 use advances in lightweight balistic materials, electronics, displays, and other display technology. The new technology also makes use of data about human factors collected from government labs. 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 are equipped with unattended tactical devices to perform networked gunfire and provide situational information. The deployment of a communications network infrastructure for collecting and disseminating sensor data is necessary to realize this. 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 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. The Army Research Laboratory and University of Buffalo scientists have conducted laboratory experiments in order to make this armor.