NationStates Jolt Archive


[OOC:] Various military projects under development

Tyrandis
28-05-2005, 03:15
OOC: I figure I might as well post some of the stuff I've been building. Please tell me where I could improve or fix any flaws in my equipment. Thanks.

The stuff won't go on sale until I've worked out the kinks, but feel free to indicate interest for purchase if you like. Only allies will be allowed to buy production rights.

IC:

http://pub.tv2.no/multimedia/TV2/archive/00173/Master_Chief__Halo__173063a.jpg

Kodiak Infantry Combat System

Abstract:

The Kodiak Infantry Combat System is an advanced third-generation integrated protective suite for the individual infantryman, developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in early 2004. Fielding of the system was completed on May 27th, 2005. Kodiak represents a dramatic upgrade to the warfighting capabilities of the frontline Tyrandisan combatant, and will improve his lethality, survivability, and tactical awareness.

Armor:

A Kodiak-equipped soldier can march to combat with the knowledge that his suite is essentially impervious to kinetic energy projectiles. This incredible claim is made possible through use of three layers of armor. Kodiak also includes full Nuclear-Biological-Chemical protection due to recent proliferation efforts by a number of countries.

The external layer is composed of a lightweight soft armor composite, woven from spider silk and a polyethylene derivative. This is designed to reduce the impact from most small arms, and is capable of deflecting point-blank 7.62x39 millimeter rounds.

Operating on the same principle of medieval chainmail, Kodiak's secondary layer and main protective material is composed of interlocking carbon rings embedded in a three-dimensional matrix. Due to the material's unique chemical structure, not only is deformation from an external pressure resisted by the carbon-carbon bond but also by the mutual repulsion of shared electron clouds around the rings. In practical terms, the half-centimeter of ring carbon material used in Kodiak has roughly the same toughness as 50,000 cm RHA (Rolled Homogenous Armor). Simply put, nothing short of a manportable anti-tank weapon will be able to penetrate this layer.

Finally, a tertiary layer of d3o "Smart Material" is incorporated behind the ring carbon armor, designed to reduce blunt-force trauma that results from impact with large-caliber munitions or repeated strikes by standard kinetic energy weapons. The system works at the molecular level. At low rates of movement (ie; speed of natural movement), d3o molecules will glide past each other. When they are subject to an impact that requires the molecules to move very quickly however (ie; sniper bullet), they instantaneously lock together by linking with each other to form a protective barrier. As soon as the impact has passed they immediately unlock to provide flow and normal flexibility. This sequence of events happens in less than a millisecond, and the faster they are impacted the more quickly the molecules react. The d3o not only protects from hostile projectiles, but also from any scrapes or bruises a soldier might incur during combat.

Optical Camouflage:

The exterior of the Kodiak system is covered with a retroreflective material. An omnidirectional video camera records everything that is behind the infantryman, while a projector beams the image onto the front of the armor, making the soldier appear invisible.

Electronics:

The Kodiak Infantry Combat System incorporates a open electronics architecture that can be split into four individual elements: The weapon, integrated helmet assembly, load-bearing, and battlefield computer/communications.

Weapon Subsystem

This section of the Kodiak's electronics suite is designed for use with the soldier's individual ballistic weapon. The subsystem includes key Electro-Optical components such as the Thermal Weapon Sight, video camera, and the Laser Rangefinder/Digital Compass. The LRF/DC provides the soldier with range and direction information. When coupled with his location from GPS, the soldier has accurate target location when calling for indirect fire and combat identification. This system will allow infantrymen to operate at maximum efficiency in all types of weather and at night.

Integrated Helmet Assembly Subsystem

The Kodiak's technologically advanced helmet is built of a similiar composition to the rest of the body armor. It uses a 0.25 centimeter thick layer of ring carbon as its primary protection, backed by a d30 fabric and ceramic plate. Soft inserts are used to make the helmet as comfortable as possible.

IHAS's helmet mounted computer and sensor display is the soldier's interface to the other subsystems and to the rest of the force via Joint Tactical Information Display System readouts.

Through the helmet mounted display, a Kodiak-equipped infantryman can view computer-generated graphical data, digital maps, intelligence information, troop locations and imagery from his weapon-mounted Thermal Weapon Sight and video camera. This new capability allows the soldier to view around a corner, acquire a target, then fire the weapon without exposing himself, beyond his arms and hands, to the enemy. By scanning an area with his weapon's thermal sight, the soldier will be able to see an area's characteristics, including terrain and enemy positions, and will be able to see through obscurants. The thermal images will appear on a miniature helmet-mounted display. The Night Sensor Display will integrate a helmet mounted display with an image intensifier for access to his computer sensors as cited above. This will allow the soldier to maneuver and engage targets under cover of darkness.

Load-bearing Subsystem

This element of the Kodiak consists of backpack frame design intended to reduce the strain on an infantryman's muscles. Integrated fiber-optic connections are used in the frame as necessary for the soldier's computer/radio connections. A can adjust his backpack frame to adjust the weight distribution from his shoulders to his hips while on the move, thus allowing for reduced fatigue and thus improved situational awareness. The backpack also houses Kodiak's power supply, being a rechargable Lithium-ion battery pack.

Battlefield Computer/Communications Subsystem

The BC/C suite is attached to the Load-Bearing Subsystem. It is integrated into the backpack frame in two parts: The upper portion contains two radios for communications (squad radio and the soldier radio). This system gives the soldier the ability to communicate with others in his squad, greatly improving situational awareness and survivability through increased command and control.

A processing unit is fused to various radios and a Global Positioning System locator in the package. Voice-activated controls allow a Kodiak-equipped soldier to manipulate his computer, key on the radio, change frequencies and send digital information. BC/C has two variants: The command version incorporates two radios and a flat panel display, while soldiers have one radio. With the equipment, commanders and soldiers can exchange information on the fly. Soldiers using their weapon-mounted camera, for example, can send live video of their targets to their leaders.

The lower portion of the Load-Bearing Subsystem contains the computer and GPS system. Integration of the GPS and radio into the BC/C eliminates separate displays, controls and cases, thereby saving weight and reducing power requirements. Menu driven displays are controlled by the soldier via voice controls. Embedded into the load carrying frame are antennas for the GPS and soldier radio. The open architecture of the BC/C allows direct insertion of future upgrades in both hardware and software through USB 2.0 ports installed in the backpack.
The Silver Sky
28-05-2005, 03:43
*TAG* Looks great too me, I'm not a expert on armor, but it all seems do-able except for the Carbon ring armor, that seems a little post 2020, but if these ever go for sale I'll try to be the first one to buy some. and maybe we could become allies, I'm developing a new tank http://forums.jolt.co.uk/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=8965990
Tyrandis
28-05-2005, 04:34
*TAG* Looks great too me, I'm not a expert on armor, but it all seems do-able except for the Carbon ring armor, that seems a little post 2020, but if these ever go for sale I'll try to be the first one to buy some. and maybe we could become allies, I'm developing a new tank http://forums.jolt.co.uk/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=8965990

As far as I know, ring carbon does exist right now, though I am a bit unfamiliar with its fabrication processes.
Roman Republic
28-05-2005, 04:40
I'll help fund this. Will Diamonds work. I'll fund extra, if you can make the Armor deflect anything below a 14.5mm bullet.
The Silver Sky
28-05-2005, 04:44
OOC: Ah, yes I forgot to say I'll fund this.
IC: The Silver Sky will provide a lump sum of 500 billion (saved from several years) and a yearly payment of 20 billion if we can be granted productions rights when this product is finished.
Tyrandis
28-05-2005, 04:46
I'll help fund this. Will Diamonds work. I'll fund extra, if you can make the Armor deflect anything below a 14.5mm bullet.

The suit already has roughly five hundred meters worth of steel armor protection thanks to the ring carbon layer, meaning that it will stop pretty much anything short of an RPG. Granted, getting hit by one of those will still cause severe injuries from blunt force trauma, but chances are the guy wearing the suit will live.
Roman Republic
28-05-2005, 04:47
The suit already has roughly five hundred meters worth of steel armor protection thanks to the ring carbon layer, meaning that it will stop pretty much anything short of an RPG. Granted, getting hit by one of those will still cause severe injuries from blunt force trauma, but chances are the guy wearing the suit will live.

Wow!!. I wonder if I could buy the technology for the Carbon ring Armor for my soldier's Combat Uniform.

This uniform represents the United States Future Warrior Concept Uniform. Good Job making this uniform. I really want to buy this.
Sharina
28-05-2005, 05:03
OOC:

Sounds like a nifty piece of armor that would give my Valor Body Armor a run for its money (My Valor is based off the "Ultimate Soldier" or "Land Warrior" project the USA is undertaking).

As a member of NATO, would I be allowed to acquire production rights? I have no intention of selling these to other nations, as I will only be using it for myself, and act as a back-up producer for you, Tyrandis, as my Technocracy society allows for A LOT of factory production.
Soviet Bloc
28-05-2005, 07:19
OOC- Looks great, the carbon ring armor, although possible, would be very expensive. Each VEPR NGICS costs half a million dollars [and I may be upping that number] due to the engineering required to create the electro-muscular fibres and put them in place, hence why we have very few actual VEPR NGICS [with physical attribute acceleration; only in special forces and one airborne division], otherwise most other soldiers are equipped with the VEPR S2 or the non-PAAS NGCS. The carbon ring armor would probably cost more as it would likely require very intricate, nano-scale work [unless there's a way to produce it conventionally, not sure].

My best advice is to utilize a more conventional layout [only heavier, since it has a load-bearing frame it can support it], and reserve the expensive carbon ring armor for special forces, bodyguards, your leaders, etc. until you've developed the process long enough for it to be 'mass-produced' to an extent.

One more thing, I don't see anything about a power source ;), unless each seperate component has its own battery pack. I learned that the hard way, luckily I've developed a competent system that can support the system and actually last more than a few hours [more than two weeks at low operating conditions; well, unless you're using everything at once and continuously].

Otherwise, great system, should work beautifully. I commend you on it.

--------------------



The Armed Republic of Soviet Bloc would be interested in assisting Tyrandis in the development of its 'Kodiak' Infantry Combat System [or future systems to replace/augment it]. Already, we are on our fourth generation infantry combat system, the VEPRK Improved Next Generation Infantry Combat System. (http://s6.invisionfree.com/International_Mall/index.php?showtopic=1053&st=0&) [Not the actual VEPRK but its immediate predecessor, the VEPR NGCS] We would be willing to provide some electronics system, design tips, etc. in exchange for the carbon-ring armor plans found on the 'Kodiak' system. The reason we ask is the VEPRK INGCS is a completely custom unit and so far only serves with more elite units in the military, and although it costs alot, we have plenty of funds devoted to the precise work needed to create the armor in order for it to be used in at least some VEPRK-wearers.

If possible, we can arrange a trade of technology or a purchase, of course only if allowed. We wish to thank Tyrandis in advance for considering our proposal.
Tyrandis
09-06-2005, 04:48
Sorry I've been gone so long guys, I just finished my five AP final projects and presented them. Now to relax in the glories of summer and the warm glow of a computer screen.

OOC- Looks great, the carbon ring armor, although possible, would be very expensive.

Uggh... Thanks for telling me this bit of info in advance, since I just saw the tensile and overall strength of the material, not bothering to actually read into how the stuff is fabricated. Silly of me, since I tossed out carbon nanotubes on my older suits for the cost reason a long time ago.

Good thing I posted this up for review, since I'd look like an idiot if I used these en masse like I was planning to <_<


My best advice is to utilize a more conventional layout [only heavier, since it has a load-bearing frame it can support it], and reserve the expensive carbon ring armor for special forces, bodyguards, your leaders, etc. until you've developed the process long enough for it to be 'mass-produced' to an extent.

You're probably right, since I do have a slightly-enhanced polycrystalline ceramic in the works. I figure I can just use that, soaked in a self-healing polymer, to allow for multi-hit protection, although it still obviously falls short of the KE-resistant properties of ring carbon.

I do have a lithium ion battery (it's housed in the backpack), but having seen your own system, I'd be interested in trading off the fabrication techniques to ring-carbon in exchange for your power system.


Otherwise, great system, should work beautifully. I commend you on it.

Thanks :). I did this on short notice since I wanted to be the first on the block with walking tanks, but turns out my fantasies of near-invincible soldiers have met a sad end at the hands of the almighty dollar.

---

Sharina: Since you're a NATO ally, sure you can have production rights. Just sign a binding non-disclosure-agreement (same as Vastiva when he wanted access to my tandem-detonation cannon rounds) and we'll be peachy keen.

---

Roman Republic + Silver Sky: I'd personally advise you to buy SB's suit instead, since the only real advantage this has over VEPR is the ring carbon, and that's ridiculously expensive. If you're still interested, cost will be around 6 billionish without the ring-carbon plans... I'll decide a final price for the armor after I gauge demand when this suit goes up for export.

IC:

Regarding the Armed Republic of Soviet Bloc's inquiry into possible assistance in developing the 'Kodiak' ICS, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration would be most interested in acquiring the design blueprints for the VEPR NGCS's power supply. Having conducted an exhaustive review of the technical specifications for the Soviet Bloc system, DARPA has concluded that Kodiak could be significantly improved by integrating the VEPR's far superior power system.

As with most technology transactions of this kind, we request that should our proposal be acceptable, a Non-Disclosure-Agreement be signed, which will be reciprocated pending Soviet Bloc approval.
Axis Nova
09-06-2005, 06:24
It is worth noting that severe enough impacts will still be felt by the soldier inside-- it is only body armor, after all, and thus the shock of impacts can still be transmitted. I imagine it would be quite possible to hit the armor with something that while it did no damage, would injure it's wearer (or even kill them).
Vastiva
09-06-2005, 06:34
Tyrandis - look here (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/afplifestylejapantechnologyrobotelderly;_ylt=At5yvEy0.SyAyQDp8aQFyYys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2bm5xNHVjBHNlY wNtcA--) and see if you get any good ideas for what to add to your armor...

:D
Gelfland
09-06-2005, 08:19
a question, how well does it perform underwater? I ask because, given a typical (earth-type) environment, it is inevitable that one will encounter significant bodies of water in a combat situation.
Tyrandis
10-06-2005, 01:51
It is worth noting that severe enough impacts will still be felt by the soldier inside-- it is only body armor, after all, and thus the shock of impacts can still be transmitted. I imagine it would be quite possible to hit the armor with something that while it did no damage, would injure it's wearer (or even kill them).

Exactly. Getting hit by a large-caliber projectile will cause severe blunt-force trauma, even though it won't penetrate. Even if you don't die, at the very least incapacitation will occur, since you can't really fight with a giant, nasty bruise the shape of a .50 cal bullet in your chest.
Sharina
10-06-2005, 11:11
Tyrandis, I've been wondering...

I have been trying to develop my own body armor a few RL months ago, mixing some ideas from the RL Land Warrior project with some ideas of my own.

Unfortunately, it never got off the ground because of lack of constructive criticism and feedback. If there's anyone here who would be interested, I could try to start it up again. I think it would be great to try to figure out a "common ground" on what's workable and what's not on body armor not just for Sharina but for you and others as well.

I do not want to end up creating body armor that's god-moddish or pure FT. I want to try to create, design, and develop a workable body armor for late MT and the Post-MT era (which your original Kodiak armor would probaby fit in Post-MT).
Soviet Bloc
11-06-2005, 02:28
The Tyrandisan Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration's counterparts in the Armed Republic, the Advanced Armaments Research and Implementation Directorate [ARID], along with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the Advanced Ground Systems Section at Dat' Pizdy Arms Corporation, have agreed to provide the full technical specifications of the VEPR NGICS' powerpack configuration. Since the VEPRK NGICS is our fourth generation infantry combat system, we have developed and perfected the mobile infantry-worn power system from the liability it formerly was to a competent battlefield addition. However, in return, we ask for the chance to research this carbon ring armor and potentially develop a procedure in order to produce it without extensive cost. Tyrandis, and their DARPA, will receive all data gathered and whether or not such a procedure exists or is possible.

We hereby accept your request and will sign a non-disclosure agreement, we await our counterpart's response. If there is anything else you need, we would not hesitate to assist.