A set of equipment "Warrior" will receive an exoskeleton and a smart helmet
The set of combat equipment “Warrior” was not created in one day, and the process of its creation cannot be called simple. However, as a result of this work, a completely new equipment was created in Russia, which exceeded the expectations of many military men. First time in stories The Russian armed forces have at their disposal not only a set of protective equipment of a fighter consisting of a bullet-proof vest and a helmet, but also a whole protective complex with an advanced control and communication system. At the same time, more and more new details are being revealed about the second and third generation of the Ratnik combat gear complex.
It can be said that, in fact, with the advent of the “Warrior”, a new era began in the ground forces. The kit is constantly being upgraded, work is underway on new generations. As part of the upgrades already carried out, the original version was seriously refined: the designers had to re-create more 20 combat equipment and 17 elements that actually protect the fighter from bullets and shrapnel on the battlefield, without taking into account various devices, the official website of the Zvezda TV channel reports. "Owned by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Special requirements are placed on the arctic version of the “Warrior” equipment kit. Especially for it, taking into account the specifics of extreme external conditions of operation, a life support system was created. It is not only about warmed samples of footwear and outerwear of soldiers, but also about more technological things. For example, only in the Arctic version of a vest from the “Warrior” kit three heat elements were sewn. Also, this option is complemented by heated insoles. The heat elements of the costume are made on the basis of a carbon film coated with a copper-silver coating. Heaters are located in the chest and lower back fighter. In working condition, they emit infrared waves with a length of 6-15 μm, which heat the fabric. Heat elements are powered by a lithium-ion battery, it lasts for 4 hours of continuous operation. The total supply voltage is 8 volts, which is safe for the human body. According to the developers, such a vest can work in 5 modes of different intensity. It is supposed to be used as an additional heat source when soldiers perform special tasks, for example, observation, which requires a long state of body immobility.
The Russian variant of the border guards, who wore new uniforms and in 40-degree frosts, have already managed to evaluate the Arctic variant. Earlier it was reported that the FSB will acquire about three thousand sets of “Ratnik-Arctic” for border guards serving in the Russian Arctic regions, including in such harsh climatic locations as Franz Josef Land. It is also important that the cost of such a set of equipment, which is characterized by increased wear resistance (it is difficult to damage or tear), is at the level of 50 thousand rubles. This makes the kit not only high-tech and reliable, but also relatively inexpensive, which is especially important for the Russian budget.
And recently it became known that sets of equipment of the second and third generation will receive in their composition an exoskeleton and a “smart” multifunctional helmet. According to the TASS news agency, at present, TsNIItochmash specialists are developing the second-generation Ratnik outfit, which will receive a passive exoskeleton, reducing the load on the fighter's musculoskeletal system. And in the “Warrior-3” package it is planned to include an active exoskeleton with batteries and motors, it will have to make the fighters not only stronger and more enduring, but also faster. It is reported that the research work on the kit "Warrior-3" has already been completed. Currently, experts are actively discussing the technical requirements that apply to the equipment of the future soldier of future generations. At the same time, prototypes of the “Warrior-3” equipment with an active exoskeleton can be created by the 2025 year.
And here it is worth noting that the exoskeleton has long stepped from the world of fantasy into our modern world. The first works on exoskeleton began in different countries of the world in the 1960-70-s. The experience of hostilities clearly showed that military personnel needed auxiliary structures during long transitions and marches, conducting assault and special operations. According to the memoirs of the former commander of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Boris Gromov, in conditions of heavy mountainous terrain, soldiers and officers of the Soviet Army had to carry up to 40-60 kg of various equipment, ammunition and supplies. With such a load behind him, and even in the mountainous areas under the scorching sun, it was difficult to just move around, not to mention fighting. That is why, according to Gromov, many commanders overlooked the fact that some soldiers left their heavy equipment — hats, bullet-proof vests, at their location before going to the mountains.
At the same time, the creation of a convenient and reliable exoskeleton was delayed not only in our country, but also in other states. Russian and foreign engineers have made a bid to facilitate small weapons, military equipment and ammunition. In addition, over the past decade, a qualitative leap has been made towards improving the means of protection (helmets and body armor), which lose weight without losing their protective properties. At the same time, military servicemen, who have modern equipment (the same “Warrior” kit) in their hands, are simply incompatible with 1980's ammunition, still face serious physical exertion. The need for exoskeleton has not disappeared, but rather is again on the agenda, especially given the recent advances in science and technology.
The first experimental model of the exoskeleton for the promising set of equipment "Warrior" was presented at the forum "Army-2018". The exoskeleton presented allowed the fighters to easily carry a weight up to 50 kg. Oleg Faustov, chief designer of the life support system for combat equipment of servicemen of TsNIItochmash JSC (Klimovsk), told reporters about RT and its capabilities. According to him, the “working” exoskeleton presented in 2018 with a new helmet and goggles that can display a map of the terrain makes it possible to realize those functions that were previously unavailable. So nothing hinders a soldier in an exoskeleton: he can lie down, sit down, stand up, take any position, said Faustov.
The exoskeleton shown on the Army-2018 forum was a mechanical lever-hinged device that repeats human joints. Auxiliary designs girdle the back, shoulders and legs of the fighter. This sample of the passive exoskeleton significantly increases the physical capabilities of the soldier, providing protection to the joints. The shown prototype was made of carbon fiber - a very durable and at the same time lightweight composite material. Depending on the configuration, the weight of such exoskeleton can be from 4 to 8 kg. According to Faustov, the device created by TsNIItochmash specialists is able to significantly simplify the life of fighters. The design is almost not noticeable on the soldier and is devoid of the electronic component, servo drives, various sensors, we are talking about the so-called "passive exoskeleton". This exoskeleton is easier to maintain, reliable, easy, and completely autonomous. It can be easily put on within one minute and completely removed in just 20 seconds. To adapt a soldier to such an exoskeleton, two-week workouts are sufficient.
As Oleg Faustov noted, the exoskeleton presented was created for specific tasks. For example, if a soldier has to spend all day on his feet, he, of course, will need such a device. For example, it will definitely come in handy for sappers, the weight of which modern protective suits exceed 80 kg. Also, the chief designer of the life support system for combat equipment of servicemen of TsNIItochmash JSC recognizes that the exoskeleton presented is not a universal invention, it cannot suit all units of the Russian Armed Forces. So the presented design does not allow the soldier to make sudden movements or parachute. It is known that the exoskeleton of the TsNIItochmash has already managed to go through trial operation in the Russian army, as well as in the internal affairs bodies. According to Sergey Abramov, the industrial director of the Rostec’s arms cluster, the prototype was also tested in real combat conditions.
The Russian exoskeleton, made of carbon fiber, helps to evenly distribute the load on the body and easily adjusts to the “dimensions” of the average soldier, helping him without significant problems to carry up to 50 kg of general military and special equipment in any conditions, be it the flat terrain of the central zone of Russia, arctic snow desert or mountains. At the same time, the product is distinguished by its low weight, which makes it possible to transport the exoskeleton along with the usual equipment, and its everyday wear does not give the soldier any discomfort.
Military expert Yury Knutov is sure that the brainchild of the Klimovsk designers will be useful for engineering units and military personnel who have to overcome various obstacles and carry heavy loads, for example, a sniper rifle, ammunition. In addition, the exoskeleton may be an indispensable tool in the evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield. At the same time, Knutov is convinced that a soldier will not be able to participate in hostilities in such a "passive exoskeleton", despite its apparent simplicity and ease, such a design still hampers the movements of a fighter. At the same time, the expert has no doubt that this direction of work is very promising and in the future an exoskeleton will be created in Russia, which is suitable for conducting a full-fledged battle.
Another innovation that awaits in the future equipment "Warrior" is a multifunctional protective helmet. The developers of the third generation equipment kit are ready to abandon the standard electronic tablets like Sagittarius. Communication systems and a tactical computer will be built right into the helmet, where they will be as well protected as the head of a soldier. In this case, all operational information will be displayed directly on the bulletproof visor helmet. In the future, a set of equipment should also receive a special coating that mimics the terrain, similar to what is already used to mask military equipment. Special material, featuring low power consumption, will help the fighter to merge with the background around him and even portray foliage waving under gusts of wind.
The multifunctional helmet will replace the mini-computers, as it can display all the necessary information in battle, as well as a map of the area directly on the display, located in the protective glass in front of the fighter's eyes. The closest analogy is the modern pilot's helmet. However, the helmet will not only provide the soldier with the necessary information, but also reliably protect his head from bullets and shrapnel. Experts believe that the information displayed on the multifunctional display, located in front of the soldier's eyes, will help him to quickly assimilate all the data, reducing the time spent on decision-making. In a combat situation - this is especially important.
In the future, a multifunctional protective helmet from the “Warrior-3” equipment kit with a built-in communication, control, and friend-to-friend recognition system will also be able to assess the fighter's condition in real time according to physiological parameters. Helmet to get built-in thermal imaging cameras and a set of various sensors that will help to assess the situation around the owner of the “Warrior” kit in real time. As a result, each fighter himself will become a kind of “sensor” on the battlefield, not only receiving information and target designation, but also transferring data to the higher command.
Information sources:
https://zvezdaweekly.ru
https://russian.rt.com
http://cniitm.ru
https://tass.ru
https://rg.ru
It can be said that, in fact, with the advent of the “Warrior”, a new era began in the ground forces. The kit is constantly being upgraded, work is underway on new generations. As part of the upgrades already carried out, the original version was seriously refined: the designers had to re-create more 20 combat equipment and 17 elements that actually protect the fighter from bullets and shrapnel on the battlefield, without taking into account various devices, the official website of the Zvezda TV channel reports. "Owned by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Special requirements are placed on the arctic version of the “Warrior” equipment kit. Especially for it, taking into account the specifics of extreme external conditions of operation, a life support system was created. It is not only about warmed samples of footwear and outerwear of soldiers, but also about more technological things. For example, only in the Arctic version of a vest from the “Warrior” kit three heat elements were sewn. Also, this option is complemented by heated insoles. The heat elements of the costume are made on the basis of a carbon film coated with a copper-silver coating. Heaters are located in the chest and lower back fighter. In working condition, they emit infrared waves with a length of 6-15 μm, which heat the fabric. Heat elements are powered by a lithium-ion battery, it lasts for 4 hours of continuous operation. The total supply voltage is 8 volts, which is safe for the human body. According to the developers, such a vest can work in 5 modes of different intensity. It is supposed to be used as an additional heat source when soldiers perform special tasks, for example, observation, which requires a long state of body immobility.
Fighters in the set of equipment "Warrior", photo: cniitm.ru
The Russian variant of the border guards, who wore new uniforms and in 40-degree frosts, have already managed to evaluate the Arctic variant. Earlier it was reported that the FSB will acquire about three thousand sets of “Ratnik-Arctic” for border guards serving in the Russian Arctic regions, including in such harsh climatic locations as Franz Josef Land. It is also important that the cost of such a set of equipment, which is characterized by increased wear resistance (it is difficult to damage or tear), is at the level of 50 thousand rubles. This makes the kit not only high-tech and reliable, but also relatively inexpensive, which is especially important for the Russian budget.
And recently it became known that sets of equipment of the second and third generation will receive in their composition an exoskeleton and a “smart” multifunctional helmet. According to the TASS news agency, at present, TsNIItochmash specialists are developing the second-generation Ratnik outfit, which will receive a passive exoskeleton, reducing the load on the fighter's musculoskeletal system. And in the “Warrior-3” package it is planned to include an active exoskeleton with batteries and motors, it will have to make the fighters not only stronger and more enduring, but also faster. It is reported that the research work on the kit "Warrior-3" has already been completed. Currently, experts are actively discussing the technical requirements that apply to the equipment of the future soldier of future generations. At the same time, prototypes of the “Warrior-3” equipment with an active exoskeleton can be created by the 2025 year.
And here it is worth noting that the exoskeleton has long stepped from the world of fantasy into our modern world. The first works on exoskeleton began in different countries of the world in the 1960-70-s. The experience of hostilities clearly showed that military personnel needed auxiliary structures during long transitions and marches, conducting assault and special operations. According to the memoirs of the former commander of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Boris Gromov, in conditions of heavy mountainous terrain, soldiers and officers of the Soviet Army had to carry up to 40-60 kg of various equipment, ammunition and supplies. With such a load behind him, and even in the mountainous areas under the scorching sun, it was difficult to just move around, not to mention fighting. That is why, according to Gromov, many commanders overlooked the fact that some soldiers left their heavy equipment — hats, bullet-proof vests, at their location before going to the mountains.
Passive exoskeleton for the new generation "Warrior", photo: cniitm.ru
At the same time, the creation of a convenient and reliable exoskeleton was delayed not only in our country, but also in other states. Russian and foreign engineers have made a bid to facilitate small weapons, military equipment and ammunition. In addition, over the past decade, a qualitative leap has been made towards improving the means of protection (helmets and body armor), which lose weight without losing their protective properties. At the same time, military servicemen, who have modern equipment (the same “Warrior” kit) in their hands, are simply incompatible with 1980's ammunition, still face serious physical exertion. The need for exoskeleton has not disappeared, but rather is again on the agenda, especially given the recent advances in science and technology.
The first experimental model of the exoskeleton for the promising set of equipment "Warrior" was presented at the forum "Army-2018". The exoskeleton presented allowed the fighters to easily carry a weight up to 50 kg. Oleg Faustov, chief designer of the life support system for combat equipment of servicemen of TsNIItochmash JSC (Klimovsk), told reporters about RT and its capabilities. According to him, the “working” exoskeleton presented in 2018 with a new helmet and goggles that can display a map of the terrain makes it possible to realize those functions that were previously unavailable. So nothing hinders a soldier in an exoskeleton: he can lie down, sit down, stand up, take any position, said Faustov.
The exoskeleton shown on the Army-2018 forum was a mechanical lever-hinged device that repeats human joints. Auxiliary designs girdle the back, shoulders and legs of the fighter. This sample of the passive exoskeleton significantly increases the physical capabilities of the soldier, providing protection to the joints. The shown prototype was made of carbon fiber - a very durable and at the same time lightweight composite material. Depending on the configuration, the weight of such exoskeleton can be from 4 to 8 kg. According to Faustov, the device created by TsNIItochmash specialists is able to significantly simplify the life of fighters. The design is almost not noticeable on the soldier and is devoid of the electronic component, servo drives, various sensors, we are talking about the so-called "passive exoskeleton". This exoskeleton is easier to maintain, reliable, easy, and completely autonomous. It can be easily put on within one minute and completely removed in just 20 seconds. To adapt a soldier to such an exoskeleton, two-week workouts are sufficient.
Passive exoskeleton for the new generation "Warrior"
As Oleg Faustov noted, the exoskeleton presented was created for specific tasks. For example, if a soldier has to spend all day on his feet, he, of course, will need such a device. For example, it will definitely come in handy for sappers, the weight of which modern protective suits exceed 80 kg. Also, the chief designer of the life support system for combat equipment of servicemen of TsNIItochmash JSC recognizes that the exoskeleton presented is not a universal invention, it cannot suit all units of the Russian Armed Forces. So the presented design does not allow the soldier to make sudden movements or parachute. It is known that the exoskeleton of the TsNIItochmash has already managed to go through trial operation in the Russian army, as well as in the internal affairs bodies. According to Sergey Abramov, the industrial director of the Rostec’s arms cluster, the prototype was also tested in real combat conditions.
The Russian exoskeleton, made of carbon fiber, helps to evenly distribute the load on the body and easily adjusts to the “dimensions” of the average soldier, helping him without significant problems to carry up to 50 kg of general military and special equipment in any conditions, be it the flat terrain of the central zone of Russia, arctic snow desert or mountains. At the same time, the product is distinguished by its low weight, which makes it possible to transport the exoskeleton along with the usual equipment, and its everyday wear does not give the soldier any discomfort.
Military expert Yury Knutov is sure that the brainchild of the Klimovsk designers will be useful for engineering units and military personnel who have to overcome various obstacles and carry heavy loads, for example, a sniper rifle, ammunition. In addition, the exoskeleton may be an indispensable tool in the evacuation of wounded soldiers from the battlefield. At the same time, Knutov is convinced that a soldier will not be able to participate in hostilities in such a "passive exoskeleton", despite its apparent simplicity and ease, such a design still hampers the movements of a fighter. At the same time, the expert has no doubt that this direction of work is very promising and in the future an exoskeleton will be created in Russia, which is suitable for conducting a full-fledged battle.
Possible appearance of the multifunctional helmet for the new generation of “Warrior”
Another innovation that awaits in the future equipment "Warrior" is a multifunctional protective helmet. The developers of the third generation equipment kit are ready to abandon the standard electronic tablets like Sagittarius. Communication systems and a tactical computer will be built right into the helmet, where they will be as well protected as the head of a soldier. In this case, all operational information will be displayed directly on the bulletproof visor helmet. In the future, a set of equipment should also receive a special coating that mimics the terrain, similar to what is already used to mask military equipment. Special material, featuring low power consumption, will help the fighter to merge with the background around him and even portray foliage waving under gusts of wind.
The multifunctional helmet will replace the mini-computers, as it can display all the necessary information in battle, as well as a map of the area directly on the display, located in the protective glass in front of the fighter's eyes. The closest analogy is the modern pilot's helmet. However, the helmet will not only provide the soldier with the necessary information, but also reliably protect his head from bullets and shrapnel. Experts believe that the information displayed on the multifunctional display, located in front of the soldier's eyes, will help him to quickly assimilate all the data, reducing the time spent on decision-making. In a combat situation - this is especially important.
In the future, a multifunctional protective helmet from the “Warrior-3” equipment kit with a built-in communication, control, and friend-to-friend recognition system will also be able to assess the fighter's condition in real time according to physiological parameters. Helmet to get built-in thermal imaging cameras and a set of various sensors that will help to assess the situation around the owner of the “Warrior” kit in real time. As a result, each fighter himself will become a kind of “sensor” on the battlefield, not only receiving information and target designation, but also transferring data to the higher command.
Information sources:
https://zvezdaweekly.ru
https://russian.rt.com
http://cniitm.ru
https://tass.ru
https://rg.ru
Information