Iron Man – Not Just Science Fiction

Iron Man – Not Just Science Fiction

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Scenes from science fiction movies are slowly but surely becoming a reality. U.S. Scientists are working on next-gen combat gear for soldiers inspired by the nano suit worn in the Iron Man films and it might ready in two or three years.

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The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (Talos) would effectively give its wearer superpowers, such as the ability to see in the dark, super-human strength and a way of deflecting bullets, but its still a work in progress.

According to Mail Online the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has called on scientists to develop a suit reminiscent of the one seen in the Iron Man films which uses nanotechnology.

Such a suit would probably build upon work done by an MIT professor who is already developing ‘liquid armor’, something which captured the imagination of U.S. armed forces, who are looking for a way of protecting their troops from intensive combat situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

iHLS – Israel Homeland Security

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At a conference in May, U.S. Navy Admiral Bill McRaven challenged scientists to build a suit that would function as a ‘practical exoskeleton’ and protect soldiers from shrapnel and bullets using Kevlar and nanotechnology. He said that the suit should be light enough for soldiers to wear in battle but also suitable for surveillance missions.

Professor Gareth McKinley has been working on his ‘liquid armour’ technology for 11 years, focusing on the flow of unusual materials, according to the university. His team’s research is based on his understanding of how liquids can be elastic or solid in certain situations.

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Once fully developed, the armor could transform from a more liquid form to a solid in a fraction of a second under the influence of a magnetic field or electric current as well as being able to monitor a soldier’s heart rate, hydration levels and core temperature.

The idea is that the suit would respond to the data, supplied by an on-board computer hooked up to sensors, to keep a soldier in the possible battle conditions.