The United States Army was given a very specific time frame on their new “Iron Man Suit” by US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM).
The goal is to have a contract in place by next fall and have suits ready for full field testing in about four years.”~The Rundown
Unofficially the United States Military and Department of Homeland Security got excited in hearing that they may have these ballistic suits that they are calling “Iron Man Suits” after the popular comic book hero. Officially these suits are called TALOS for Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit. They produced a computer simulation for what these suits may be capable of.
RDECOM wants these TALOS suits to be full protection from ballistics and shock. They will use materials that are flexible and soft on the surface, with metal plating in parts, capable of repelling ammo with an electrical current. They will also be extremely fire retardant. The military also wants them to be able to “store and release energy to prevent injuries and increase performance.”
The first production came out and has been declassified by the military. Here you see Sgt First Class Oliver showcasing a prototype of what the full suit may look like. In the September SOCOM show they brought out the declassified projects to show off to the public.
DHS and firefighters are extremely hungry to get their hands on this technology as well. For firefighters the technology showcases the ability to protect a firefighter, the flame retardant material would help protect, and the separate air supply/filtration System would prevent smoke inhalation. For DHS, despite their calls for weapons of war do not belong on American streets, they want this to go with their shiny new tanks and millions of rounds of hollow point ammo.
The suit will have integrated communications, body and external sensors, and a head-up display that will give battle information graphics in real time along with night vision.
Another feature for the suit is an optional attachable exoskeleton that will provide with hydraulic mechanisms to improve both strength and speed. Like the others, this technology exists already.~The Rundown
“In this case, the government will be the lead integrator and we’ll look to work with traditional or non-traditional partners in industry and academia who are innovative,” he said. “We’ll leave no stone unturned.”
The goal, he said, is to have a contract in place by next fall and have the first suits ready for full field testing in about four years.~Science Magazine