Future warrior systems include heads-up displays, global positioning systems, combat identification sensors, chemical detectors, electronically controlled weapons and physiological status monitors

Infantry Magazine, Summer, 2002

FUTURE WARRIOR SYSTEMS include heads-up displays, global positioning systems, combat identification sensors, chemical detectors, electronically controlled weapons and physiological status monitors connected to the warfighter's computer for instant information access.

A manufacturing technology program at the U.S. Army Soldier Systems Center (Natick) is exploring ways to integrate electric wires and fiber optics into textile materials that will enable future warfighters to use sophisticated battlefield capabilities without the current weight and bulk.

Cooperation between Natick Soldier Center's Individual Protection Directorate and the Objective Force Warrior Technology Program Office, Communications and Electronics Command at Fort Monmouth, N.J., and several other military, academic, and industrial groups are involved with various textile-based projects to make it possible.

One option to eliminate the antenna that troops now carry is a multifrequency antenna vest. The antenna will provide coverage in the 30-500 MHz and 300-2,000 MHz frequencies, using an ultra-wideband antenna with no visual signature.

Similarly, a prototype to replace the antenna for the low-frequency band SINCGARS radio was built into a fabric vest. Manufacturing technology, examined the fabrication and feasibility of building transmission lines and radiation elements for the wearable textile-based antenna.

The existing round plug-ins for the cables on the Land Warrior's computer are bulky, costly, and prone to failure because of the fragile pin-and-socket connection. Natick is working to upgrade the network cables and manufacture a flat, pinless connector with recessed contacts.

One way of removing external wires and creating a more distributed network of sensors and electronics is to weave the wires right into the fabric. A laboratory in Philadelphia bas a contract to develop manufacturing processes for integrating optical fibers and traditional wires into woven and knitted textiles. With these technologies, conductors and optical-electronic systems could be woven into soldier's uniforms during large-scale manufacturing.

Another way of incorporating electrical networks into soldier clothing is through stitchless seam technologies that were first developed by Clemson University with prior Natick Mantech funds. The technique entraps fiber optics and conductors either on top of the fabric or along the seams. Clemson Apparel Research is investigating combinations of wires to form the electrical characteristics of commercial cables, available connectors, and garment-to-garment and undergarment-to-garment mechanisms.

Clemson is considering the specific network needed for Land Warrior laser sensors on the helmet cover and a general network for the baffle dress uniform (BDU) top. The first samples of fabric containing electrical wires and a helmet cover network have been provided.

In a move to eliminate bulky and heavy gear, such as Land Warrior's soldier control unit, a laboratory in the United Kingdom has been contracted to develop a soft switch fabric with the sensitivity to be operational on the sleeve of a BDU and seamless incorporation into the garment.

One goal is to produce a keypad on the sleeve that can interface as the soldier control unit with specific military functions. Another goal is a textile data bus (a set of conductors) and the necessary connectivity to transport the signal from the keyboard to the control electronics.

For more information about the Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command or the Soldier Systems Center, please visit our web site at http://www.sbccom.army.mil.