U.S.A, watch out! The Russians are preparing their answer to the U.S. Army’s “Iron Man” Suit or TALOS (Tactical Light Operator Suit) as they unveil the prototype of their next generation combat suit during the opening of Russia’s largest high-tech prototyping center located at the National University of Science and Technology (MISIS) in Moscow Thursday last week according to Russia Today.
Being developed by the Central Research Institute for Precision Machine Building, the Russian efforts also mirror the direction that the U.S.A. and other advanced militaries are taking --- a combat suit that uses exoskeleton and a helmet that gives head to neck protection. Obviously, the exoskeleton is meant to reinforce load carrying and stamina as it allows soldiers to carry more loads over longer distances without further stress to their bodies.
The prototype on display looks more like of a mock-up rather than a working one. Whilst there is mention of cutting-edge armour, there is not much information that can be gleamed from the display. The body armour looks to be more streamlined and lightweight, but no mention of the material that will be used for ballistic protection.
The helmet shows that it will have its up heads-up-display (HUD) which will project information into the visor such as battlefield information which can be like the plans of the U.S. in which information can be shared to other units and HQ. There is no mention if it will be using augmented reality to further supplement information on the field. There is a light on the side of the helmet that can be used for map reading and inspecting weaponry in low light conditions. An NVG mount plate is seen on the front of the helmet. Just like the Revision Military Battkskin, this has mandible protection but looks like it is not a modular helmet concept in which the helmet can be configured according to mission requirements which the Batlksin does.
Another thing on the display is the rifle which does not resemble any Kalashnikov-type design and it looks to be a more compact rifle. It sports two barrels which the concept is said that is able to fire different size bullets. Indeed, it is a curious thing though we doubt if it will be a weapon that will be developed since Russia is testing the AK-12 that is proposed to be the new standard service rifle for Russian Army.
But one thing for sure, this and other developments in the Russian military show the slowdown in the efforts to modernize the Russian defence forces, regardless of the sanctions imposed by the West for its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and support for rebels occupying eastern portions of Ukraine in 2014.