Text/Photos are from the Natick Soldier Systems Center. (Military R&D) -
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Scorpion Integrated Protection Analysis Combat Ensemble
Description:
The Scorpion IPA Combat Ensemble will demonstrate the feasibility of a revolutionary, combat-specific, integration/protective ensemble for the Objective Force Warrior by 3Q FY03. The ensemble will be the foundational centerpiece for the human interface, load bearing, electronic hardware linkages, and multiple levels of protection. The Scorpion IPA Combat Ensemble will enhance the ability of the warrior to fight and survive in any mission and in any environment. It will minimize encumbrance in terms of heat stress, load, load/friction points, and ability to move, sense, communicate, shoot and survive. It will integrate functions to the greatest extent possible, and provide for appropriate "plug-and-play" mission tailorability. Additionally, it will provide appropriate interfaces for future Objective Force Warrior equipment (physical and/or electrical interfaces). This system is focused towards a broad user group: Infantry, Mounted Crewmen, SOF, Medics, Engineers, Military Police, Special Operational Forces, and Marines.
Key Technologies:
- Advanced lightweight ballistic protective materials (e.g. M5 fiber)
- Selectively permeable membrane and closures
- Electro textiles and connectors
- Body conformal rechargeable batteries
- Physiological status monitoring, miniature sensors, low cost personal area networking
- Flame retardant textiles
- Design integration, human factors engineering
- Microclimate conditioning
- Respiratory and percutaneous filtration
- Signature management
Focus:
- Integrated body armor and load carriage
- Thermal management - passive and active
- Physical redesign of headgear and mandibles, placement of accoutrements (impact on CG/MOI, interference, stability, protection, thermal/moisture management, fightability)
- CB integration - what can/should be integrated, what remains modular
- Headgear/suit integration
- CB, interference, tethering issues (electronic, hydration, ventilation, CB filtered air)
- User acceptance
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Photos:
(<b>Click on photos for higher resolution photos</b>)
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Neat stuff!
The idea here is to create a setup that utilizes available body "real estate" to the highest possible degree (ergonomically, physical size, etc) while cutting down on weight and increasing protection.
Instead of a BDU blouse, the sleeves are sewn to a shirt (Under Armor shirt) and the outer torso armor sits over that.
Its supposed to be a modular setup, where the operator can wear any combination of the various bits.
Some of the items are conceptual placeholders. (weapon, helmet, etc)
Note the dual camelbaks and mag pouch placement. Additional weak side shoulder armor is interesting, too.
These photos demonstrate the idea of the whole setup, there are photos of this paired with a new conceptual US Army camouflage pattern, and it looks <i>damn</i> cool. I'll see if I can find said pictures and post them.
