BATTLEFIELD INNOVATIONS OF THE FUTURE

SMART SCOPES

The US Army recently tested the Israeli-made SMASH scope, the infantryman’s version of the targeting computer built into main battle tanks. The scope mounts on top of a rifle or carbine and includes night vision and a ballistic computer. A soldier equipped with the scope can simply place crosshairs on the target and pull the trigger, but the weapon will only fire when the scope determines that a round will hit the target.

JETPACKS

The Pentagon is holding a competition to develop a ‘portable personal air mobility system’ that would allow a soldier to conduct scouting, search and rescue, infiltration and exfiltration of a combat zone, and special-operations missions. Think jetpacks, gliders, wingsuits, and parafoils, possibly powered by electricity, hydrogen cells, and traditional jet fuel. The system should be capable of lowto medium-altitude flight with a range of five kilometres.

HAND WARMERS

Sub-zero temperatures – like those in the Arctic, a potential theatre of war – can slow blood flow to soldiers’ extremities. And cold hands lose dexterity, making tasks such as loading a rifle difficult. So the US Army has developed battery-powered armbands that warm a soldier’s blood, especially in their hands. Not only can soldiers retain feeling in their fingers, but they can also wear thinner gloves, allowing them to perform more complex tasks.