Russia has unveiled a new exoskeleton that allegedly helps soldiers put accurate shots on target with a machine gun using only one hand.
Next-Gen Russia Robocop Suit
Developed by TsNiiTochMash, which operates under the umbrella of state-owned defense company Rostec, the so-called “Russia robocop suit” enables soldiers to carry more gear and weapons while moving at a faster pace. This theoretically makes it easier to accomplish mission objectives.
According to Russian news agency TASS, the added weight is also spread across the “structural elements” of the titanium suit. This includes a “shoulder hanger” for a backpack that can carry up to 50 kg, or 110 pounds, through a “waist fixture” and other exoskeleton elements on the legs, to “support pads” in the footwear worn by the soldier.
In addition, the included helmet also has an aiming system that lets the user calculate the distance to the target while showing elements like wind speed and air temperature, The Telegraph reports.
Testing
A “passive” version of the suit is already in use in military operations in Syria. It’s also being used by specialized units within Russia’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Internal Affairs. The “active” version, meanwhile, is in the testing stages.
“We have already held trials for the prototype of the active exoskeleton. It really enhances a serviceman’s physical abilities. For example, the tester was able to shoot from a machine-gun only with one hand and accurately hit targets,” Oleg Faustov, Chief Designer for the Life Support System of the Soldier Combat Outfit at the TsNiiTochMash, told TASS.
There’s just one major flaw: there’s no storage battery. But Faustov said TsNiiTochMash is already developing solutions for that issue. In addition, the suit will have integrated electric motors.
The suit made its debut at the Army-2018 International Military-Technical Forum in Russia,
Fielding
Chairman of the Russian Ground Forces’ Military and Scientific Committee Alexander Romanyuta said the “Russia robocop suit” will be part of the third-generation Ratnik-3 “Soldier of the Future” combat outfit. That outfit is also expected to be fielded by 2025.
The “Ratnik” program is a future infantry combat system. It’s comprised of 10 subsystems that can be modified to meet any combat situation, weather condition and other challenges. It’s also made up of over 40 different items, including small arms, helmets, body armor, communications and navigation devices.
Discussion about this post