The Future Force Warrior from the United States is an advanced technology demonstration project. The project will create a lightweight, fully-integrated infantry combat systems. The system combines a headgear and a body armor with sensors and a communications system. 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. 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. The system will improve protection against blasts and bullets, while also reducing weight. This system will also allow soldiers to communicate without the need for an external microphone.
Subsystem Power
The Future Force Warrior power unit can help combat soldiers to lose weight. A typical OFW subsystem can produce twelve W of power and weighs in at approximately two pounds. The OFW system's power requirements are similar to that of an MBITR radio with LW–SI.
Displays
As part of Future Force Warrior, the Army is creating new displays and technology to be used by ground soldiers. These technologies take advantage of advancements in lightweight ballistic materials, electronics, and displays. The development of this technology also uses human factors data from government laboratories. An Association of United States Army panel discussion was held on July 24th to discuss these developments.
Sensors
Future Force Warriors will receive unattended tactical cameras to enable them to perform networked operations and provide situational alert. This requires a network infrastructure to collect and distribute sensor data. In particular, the network should give users real-time status information.
Ballistic materials of 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. These materials are eight times lighter than existing armor. To make this armor possible, scientists from the Army Research Laboratory and the University of Buffalo have begun laboratory experiments that restructure microscopic materials to increase energy.