From: Jeremy Peter Howells, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Theoretically it would not be too difficult to 'key'
each unit to one individual using biometric sensors,
disabling the unit if there was no correct signal. Also
given frequency hopping techniques and digital encryption
it might be days before a correct sequence could be found
to re-activate the unit (if at all). Effectively making
it useless in a tactical sense.
If the wearer was confirmed as killed a remote 'self
destruct' could be used to 'fry' the electronics - not as
sci-fi as it sounds as the small handheld radios issued
to pro-American irregular forces were equipped with a
button that burned out the electronics (useful in case of
possible capture - unfortunately most apparently used it
to ignore orders they didn't want to hear).
The main problem with Land Warrior is the total load the
soldier will be expected to carry. A complete Land Warrior
outfit for 2-3 day operations, including spare batteries,
food, ammunition, etc is reckoned at well over a hundred
pounds, most of which can't be jettisoned on 'contact'
with the enemy as its Land Warrior itself! Without
reducing that load substantially or providing vehicles or
helicopters for almost all movements a Land Warrior equipped
force is going to need to be mighty fit or its not going to
move too fast for very long.
Additional problems like reliability and waterproofing also
add to the problems it faces in the real world. This type
of kit needs to be 'soldier proof' and I would have liked to
see the support team necessary to keep this platoon in
action for the exercise. It was probably larger than the
platoon itself!
Admittedly this is still experimental and the support
numbers will drop as the system is developed but its still
going to be a substantial percentage of forces in the field.
So what you gain in efficiency of the front line troops is
offset by extra support elements and logistics, also expense.
They haven't said what each individual 'Land Warrior' outfit
will cost but I bet its substantial.
Regards
Jerry
--
It's very expensive, the prototype I saw costed up some time
ago was close to six figures if I remember correctly, the
one described in the article was a later prototype. I
pity the poor SOB who has one of these gizmos and an OICW!
Steve.
Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org
List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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