Future Army helmets make for cooler soldiers, terrified enemies

It's hard to look at the US Army's latest helmet and not think of Halo, but the design does serve a purpose beyond gaming chic. Its latest "soldier of the future" concept would not only protect grunts in high heat and humidity, but also shield them from chemical and biological agents. While much bulkier tech already exists for that, such a model would use a fan embedded directly into the filtration system to suck air from the side of the mask and blast it across the nose. Tests done on an M50 gas mask modified with the tech proved it to be just as effective as with bigger units, but more comfortable for GI's during intense drills. The design is just a render for now, but if the army is going to look to video games for design inspiration, we think they should go bigger.

Tarantula Hawk

The Tarantula Hawk is a lightweight robot used primarily for situational awareness and IED detection from the air or close to the ground. They are most commonly mounted on Mastiff's under the variant "Protected Eyes" that also includes an ISTAR periscope and remote weapon system. This is part of the Talisman mine detection program and, upon locating a suspected area, the Mastiff will remotely deploy the Tarantula Hawk to investigate ahead of the convoy. Five systems were ordered initially for testing before many more were acquired upon successful integration into Talisman. There are 18 T-Hawks in service with the Talisman Convoys

Black Hornet Nano Unmanned Air Vehicle

The Black Hornet Nano UAV measures 10 cm x 2.5 cm and provides troops with local situational awareness. The Black Hornet is equipped with a camera which gives troops reliable full-motion video and still images it can be used to peer around corners or over walls and other obstacles to identify any hidden dangers and the images are displayed on a handheld terminal. 160 units will be purchased under current plans. (With a total of 162 now in service.) Each unit consists of 2 UAVs for a total of 324 Black Hornet Nanos in British service.

Future Integrated Soldier Technology

Primarily a future goal, the FIST system is in gradual deployment for some of its elements. Introduction of the MBT LAW, Javelin and new SA80 based sights were already aims of the program and entered service in Afghanistan. The British Soldier has changed almost all of his kit in some way since 2003, not all of it related to FIST but much of it shared with the programs aims. VIPER-II Thermal Sights were introduced under FIST aims as were the CTLS. Future technology is to include networked helmet and/or wrist mounted displays connected to laptops, tablets, to drones and weapons sights within an open architecture system similar to that being brought into service with British vehicles. Enhanced lethality of the 40mm UGL for airbursting rounds is also a potential element along with lighter power systems for the entire FIST system.

Sniper rifles of uk army

Sniper rifles

Name	Origin	Type	Calibre	Photo	Notes
Sniper rifles
L118A1	United Kingdom	Sniper Rifle	7.62-mm		Entering use in 1985, the L96 (The original name of the system) was one of the primary marksman/sniper rifles of the British Army. Specially designed to work as well in arctic conditions for the needs of the Royal Marines, it also features a 10-round magazine and an effective pinpoint range of around 800m. It has mostly been replaced in frontline service in Afghanistan by the L129A1 due to the long barrel of the L96 being ill-suited to the regular close quarters battles. The name L118A1 specifically is referring to an improved variant of the L96 that is still in service alongside its replacement, the L115A3.
L115A3	United Kingdom	Sniper Rifle	8.58-mm		Nearly 600 of the long-range rifles have been ordered to replace the L96. The L115A3 has a scope that can magnify the target up to 25 times, a suppressor to reduce flash and noise, a folding stock and a five-round magazine. With a range of about a mile, the new weapon is being rolled out alongside the broader Sniper System Improvement programme. The L115A3 Long Range Rifle fires an 8.58-mm bullet, which is heavier than the 7.62mm round of the L96, and is less likely to be deflected by wind over extremely long ranges.[20][21] The British Army using this rifle currently holds the record for the longest sniper shot in history at 2,475m by Corporal of Horse Craig Harrison.
Arctic Warfare Covert	United Kingdom	Sniper Rifle	7.62-mm		Used exclusively by the Special Air Service, the AWC is a folding stock AWS that can be disassembled into a suitcase for covert movement and ease of transport. Despite the smaller size, its special barrel maintains accuracy and also includes a suppressor.
L82A1	United States	Anti-materiel Rifle	12.7-mm		The Barrett M82 is a .50 calibre recoil-operated, semi-automatic anti-matériel rifle. The British Army uses the M82A1 version.[22]