In another sign that Hollywood is predicting real life, the U.S military expects to begin prototyping Iron-Man-like suits this summer.
The prototypes for the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suits are expected to arrive in June with a targeted 2018 release date.
Navy Adm. William McRaven said at a conference in Washington D.C. Tuesday that the three prototypes could signal a revolutionary way to fight battles and defend the country.
“Several years ago during a hostage-rescue operation in Afghanistan, a SOF (special operations forces) warrior was killed going through the door. Afterwards, one of the young officers asked me a question I couldn’t answer. He said, ‘after all these years in combat, why don’t we have a way to protect our operators going through the door?’ With all the advance in modern technology, I know we can do better. Consequently, at SOCOM we have established a program called … TALOS,” McRaven said.
The project, which is being coordinated by nearly 100 universities, government agencies and private institutions would see a fierce advantage over an enemy force.
As the world’s method of war continues to go high-tech, it would be unprecedented to believe that an enemy could quickly replicate such an advanced product with an equally coordinated effort.
From Stars and Stripes:
“That suit, if done correctly, will yield a revolutionary improvement in survivability and capability for special operators,” he said. “If we do TALOS right, it will be a huge comparative advantage over our enemies and give the warriors the protection they need in a very demanding environment.”
McRaven said that going forward, a greater portion of SOCOM funds should go to technology development and acquisitions at the expense of operations and training funds.
Related article
