TALOS (uniform)

Last updated

TALOS (Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit) was the name given to a robotic exoskeleton, [1] first proposed in 2013, that United States Special Operations Command intended to design with the help of universities, laboratories, and the technology industry. The brief for TALOS stated that it had to be bulletproof, weaponized, have the ability to monitor vitals and give the wearer enhanced strength and perception. [2] The suit would comprise layers of smart material and sensors. [3] The suit may have not been intended for an entire squad, but to protect a lead operator who would breach a door first, the most vulnerable team operator in that situation. [4] TALOS was not a program as such; it has been described as an "effort". [5]

Contents

In February 2019 it was announced that the TALOS "supersuit" concept as originally envisaged was not feasible.

History

The TALOS concept was first presented by Admiral William McRaven, then-commanding officer of the United States Special Operations Command at a conference in May 2013. He said that the protective suit was inspired by one of his troops in Afghanistan. [3]

United States Special Operations Command expected "1st gen capability" inside a year, [6] though it has taken longer than that. [7] Three unpowered prototype suits were to be assembled and delivered in June 2014. Development of the suit is a collaborative effort between 56 corporations, 16 government agencies, 13 universities, and 10 national laboratories. They are working together to incorporate features including a powered exoskeleton, full-body armor, and situational-awareness displays. SOCOM plans to hold a "monster garage" event to encourage mechanics and craftsmen to create components for the suit. They may seek permission from The Pentagon to distribute prize money to generate interest. Admiral McRaven expects a system to be fielded by August 2018. [8]

Special Operations Command per Lieutenant Commander Li Cohen started and completed the selection process using prototypes that competed for the contract. Admiral William McRaven, who leads the Special Operations Command, says in the video, "I am very committed to this because I'd like that last operator that we lost to be the last one that we ever lose, in this fight or in the fight of the future." The command produced a video in 2013 saying that the program was on track to have a "first-generation capability" by summer 2014. [9]

In response to 2018 reports that United States Special Operations Command missed the initial deadline to deliver a prototype for the high-profile tactical assault light operator suit, command leadership was confident that it would test a powered exoskeleton by summer 2019. [10] Partners involved in the project include Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, and the Army Research Laboratory. [11]

In February 2019 it was announced that the TALOS "supersuit" concept as originally envisaged was not feasible. A lower-body booster exoskeleton to ease running and long marches, removed before combat, remained a possibility. [5]

Features envisioned

Although the objective of the program was to incorporate new technologies into a fully powered and integrated suit, components developed under it could be issued individually to troops in the short term to enhance their effectiveness. Non-lethal weapons, new armor materials, more compact communications gear, advanced night vision, and 3-D audio can be used as individual pieces of equipment before they are all put together in one powered exoskeleton. [14] Items developed for TALOS including an increased tactical data storage capability which allows for ten times the capacity of current data storage has transitioned to fulfill an immediate operational requirement, as well as a new armor solution being used for special operations non-standard commercial vehicles. Others systems that will be transitioned include a small, individual soldier SATCOM antenna, an unpowered loadbearing exoskeleton, a powered cooling vest to sustain body temperature, a next generation antenna that includes dynamic tuning, the Future Interoperable Radio Enclosure (FIRE), a tactical radio sleeve for cell phones, lightweight multi-hit ceramic-metallic hybrid armor, and a biosensor-equipped combat shirt that can monitor a soldier's physiological status. [15]

Challenges

Defense industry leaders expressed skepticism about SOCOM's financial outlook and development schedule for TALOS technologies. Admiral McRaven planned to have portions of a prototype by June 2014, with the first "independently operational combat suit prototype" delivered by July 2018. Science and technology officials believe that technologies envisioned for the suit won't be achievable before around 2026; new technologies that need to be developed include next-generation full-body ballistic armor protection materials, powered exoskeletons for mobility and agility, conformable and wearable antennae and computers, soldier combat-ready displays with non-visual means of information display, power generation and thermal management, and embedded medical monitoring and biomechanical modeling. Components made by different companies will have to be made to work together in one suit. Power generation is the biggest problem, as there was no light-weight, low-bulk power generation system able to fuel TALOS components. Funding is also a concern, as SOCOM planned to spend $20 million per year on development to total $80 million, which some see as far too low. In previous endeavors to create "digitized" soldiers such as Land Warrior, the U.S. Army spent $500 million on three major contracts from 1996 to 2006 before its features became reliable. [16]

Examples

At the 2015 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference, Revision Military displayed its prototype Kinetic Operations Suit on a full-sized mannequin. Launched a year prior, the suit features a powered, lower-body exoskeleton to transfer the weight down to the waist belt and supports it with motorized actuators on each leg. The exoskeleton supports a body armor system capable of stopping rifle rounds that surrounds 60 percent of the operator, compared to 18 percent with current armor vests. To relieve weight, the leg actuators pick up each leg and moves it as the person moves, and takes the weight of the helmet, armor, and vest down through a rigid, articulated spine, transferring weight from weak areas of the neck and lower back. A small power pack powers the suit, and a cooling vest pumps water through three yards of tubing under the suit to maintain core temperature; the power pack has a cooling fan that can be heard in close proximity, but it is thought that won't matter after breaching a door. The Kinetic Operations Suit has undergone live-fire testing and combat scenarios and successfully performed the same tasks as currently-outfitted operators in similar amounts of time. [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

Mecha Scientific ideas of robot controlled by human force

The term mecha may refer to both scientific ideas and science-fiction genres that center on giant robots or machines (mechs) controlled by people. Mechas are typically depicted as humanoid walking vehicles. The term was first used in Japanese: 'mecha', after shortening the English loanword 'mechanism' or 'mechanical', but the meaning in Japanese is more inclusive, and 'robot' or 'giant robot' is the narrower term.

United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) are the special forces of the United States Department of Defense's United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) within the United States Armed Forces, used for special operations.

The Interceptor Multi-Threat Body Armor System (IBA) is a bullet-resistant body armor system that was used by the United States Armed Forces during the 2000s, with some limited usage into the mid-2010s. IBA and its design replaced the older standardized fragmentation protective Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) body armor system that was designed in the late 1970s and introduced in the early 1980s.

Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops

Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops is a combat helmet and ballistic vest that was used by the United States military from the early 1980s until the mid-2000s, when the helmet and vest were succeeded by the Lightweight Helmet (LWH), Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH), and Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) respectively.

Peoples Liberation Army Ground Force Land service branch of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army

The People's Liberation Army Ground Force is the land-based service branch of the People's Liberation Army and the largest and oldest branch of the entire Chinese armed forces. The PLAGF can trace its lineage from 1927 as the Chinese Red Army; however, it was not officially established until 1948.

FN SCAR Family of military rifles

The FNSCAR is a family of gas-operated automatic rifles developed by Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal (FN) in 2004. It is constructed with modularity for the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consist of two main types. The SCAR-L, for "light", is chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO and the SCAR-H, for "heavy", is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. Both are available in Close Quarters Combat (CQC), Standard (STD), and Long Barrel (LB) variants.

Future Force Warrior Soldier

Future Force Warrior was a United States military advanced technology demonstration project that was part of the Future Combat Systems project. The FFW project sought to create a lightweight, fully integrated infantryman combat system. It was one technology demonstration project in a series of network-centric, next-generation infantry combat projects the U.S. military have developed over the past decade, such as the Soldier Integrated Protective Ensemble technology demonstration program, Land Warrior, and Transformation of the United States Army.

United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions Reconnaissance assets of Marine Air-Ground Task Force

The United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions are the Special Operations Capable reconnaissance assets of Marine Air-Ground Task Force that provide division-level ground and amphibious reconnaissance to the Ground Combat Element within the United States Marine Corps. Division reconnaissance teams are employed to observe and report on enemy activity and other information of military significance in close operations. The Military Occupational Specialty code for Reconnaissance Marine is 0321.

Modular Integrated Communications Helmet Type of U.S. combat helmet

The Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH) is a U.S. combat helmet and one of several used by the U.S. military. It was developed by the United States Army Soldier Systems Center to be the next generation of protective combat helmets for use by the U.S. Army.

United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command United States Marine Corps component command

United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) that comprises the Marine Corps' contribution to SOCOM. Its core capabilities are direct action, special reconnaissance and foreign internal defense. MARSOC has also been directed to conduct counter-terrorism and information operations.

BOV (APC) Armoured Personnel Carrier

The BOV, is an all-wheel drive armoured vehicle manufactured in the former Yugoslavia and today in Serbia. The second generation BOV is currently in development.

Improved Outer Tactical Vest

The Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) is an enhanced version of, and a replacement for, the older Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) variant of the Interceptor Body Armor, as fielded by the United States Army. The IOTV is compatible with the Deltoid and Auxiliary Protector System (DAPS) components, ESAPI, Enhanced Side Ballistic Inserts (ESBI), as well as the OTV's groin protector. It has a flame-resistant stand-alone shirt known as the Army Combat Shirt designed specifically for use with the IOTV.

Human Universal Load Carrier

Human Universal Load Carrier, or HULC, is an un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton developed by Professor H. Kazerooni and his team at Ekso Bionics. It is intended to help soldiers in combat carry a load of up to 200 pounds at a top speed of 10 miles per hour for extended periods of time. After being under development at Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory since 2000, the system was announced publicly at the AUSA Winter Symposium on February 26, 2009 when an exclusive licensing agreement was reached with Lockheed Martin. Although the exoskeleton is powered and can be used, the project was a failure as it hindered certain movements and actually increased strain on muscles, going directly against what a powered exoskeleton is supposed to do.

The Modular Body Armor Vest (MBAV) is a bullet-proof vest made by Eagle Industries and used by the United States military. The vest is standard issue for many members of the United States special operations forces including the 75th Ranger Regiment. 10,000 vests were deployed on an interim basis with the U.S. Marine Corps while it developed the Scalable Plate Carrier. The vest was also evaluated by the U.S. Army.

Powered exoskeleton Wearable machine meant to enhance a persons strength and mobility

A powered exoskeleton is a wearable mobile machine that is powered by a system of electric motors, pneumatics, levers, hydraulics, or a combination of technologies that allow for limb movement with increased strength and endurance. Its design aims to provide back support, sense the user's motion, and send a signal to motors which manage the gears. The exoskeleton supports the shoulder, waist and thigh, and assists movement for lifting and holding heavy items, while lowering back stress.

Ground Mobility Vehicle (USSOCOM) Light utility vehicle

The Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) is a U.S. Special Operations Command, (US)SOCOM program, initially modifying Humvees into several variants for use by the United States special operations forces (SOF).

General Dynamics Flyer Light Strike Vehicle

The Flyer Advanced Light Strike Vehicle platform has been developed by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), in partnership with Flyer Defense LLC, for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) Ground Mobility Vehicle Program. The Flyer Advanced Light Strike Vehicle platform configurations are the Flyer 72 and the narrower Flyer 60.

Ratnik (program) Russian Military Equipment

Ratnik is a Russian future infantry combat system. It is designed to improve the connectivity and combat effectiveness of combat personnel in the Russian Armed Forces. Improvements include modernised body armour, a helmet with a special eye monitor, communication systems, and special headphones. It includes 10 subsystems and 59 individual items. As of October 2016, it has already seen combat use.

United States Special Operations Command Unified combatant command of the United States Armed Forces responsible for special operations

The United States Special Operations Command is the unified combatant command charged with overseeing the various special operations component commands of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense and is the only unified combatant command created by an Act of Congress. USSOCOM is headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

References

  1. ↑ Lewis, Tanya (27 May 2014). "U.S. Military's 'Iron Man' Suit Prototype Debuts This Month". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  2. ↑ "Iron Man suit for US military - thanks to Hollywood costumers". The Telegraph.
  3. 1 2 Dean, Samantha (14 October 2013). "The U.S. Army Is Building an 'Iron Man' Suit for Soldiers [VIDEO]". Mashable.
  4. ↑ Socorro ‘Iron Man’ Suit Faces Major Technological Hurdles - Internationalization.org, 28 January 2015
  5. 1 2 Patrick Tucker (7 February 2019). "The US Military Is Chopping Up Its Iron Man Suit For Parts". Defense One.
  6. ↑ "US Army to Build Armored Halos Suit That Merges Man and Machine". October 21, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Special Ops Envisions 'Iron Man'-Like Suit To Protect Troops". NPR. August 5, 2013.
  8. ↑ Admiral: ‘Iron Man’ Prototypes Coming in June - Defensetech.org, 11 February 2014
  9. ↑ "Iron Man Suits for the Military?". Specialty Executives. 6 November 2013. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. ↑ Machi, Vivienne (24 May 2018). "'Iron Man Suit' Prototype Delivered by 2019, SOCOM Officials Vow". National Defense Magazine.
  11. ↑ "Special Operations Command leads development of 'Iron Man' suit". www.army.mil. Retrieved 2018-08-16.
  12. 1 2 Lallanilla, Marc (10 October 2013). "'Iron Man' Suit Under Development by US Army". livescience.com.
  13. ↑ Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) Doesn’t Lack Ambition or Interested Industry - Defensemedianetwork.com, 21 May 2014
  14. ↑ SOCOM Builds Iron Man, Piece By Piece - Breakingdefense.com, 29 January 2015
  15. ↑ Futuristic TALOS Delivering Immediate Benefits - Defensemedianetwork.com, 21 May 2015
  16. ↑ Industry: Iron Man Still Hollywood, Not Reality - Military.com, 22 April 2014
  17. ↑ Firms Pitch Exoskeletons and Body Armor for SOCOM's Iron Man Suit - Military.com, 21 May 2015
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.