US army developing 'Iron Man' body armour for soldiers of the future
Superhuman suits worn by comic book heroes may not be science fiction if US army scientists succeed in developing advanced body armour
US army researchers are working on building hi-tech body armour that would give soldiers "superhuman strength" in a real-life version of the suit featured in Iron Man films.
The blueprint for the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) would include an exoskeleton to allow a soldier to carry heavy equipment, built-in computing power, beefed up protection to stop bullets and a system to monitor vital signs, defence officials said.
"Some of the potential technologies planned for TALOS research and development include advanced armour, situational awareness, command and control computers, power management systems, and enhanced mobility exoskeletons," according to a US Army statement.
US Special Operations Command put out the call last month for research papers on potential technologies that a "smart" combat suit could incorporate.
The request for "white papers" will extend through September 2014, and then defence officials will weigh how to proceed while taking into account growing pressures on the Pentagon budget, said army spokesman Roger Teel.
The new combat armour might also employ "liquid armour," reminiscent of the Terminator films, though the technology is still in an early stage of development, Teel said.
The liquid would transform into a solid if a magnetic or electrical charge was applied.