In 2007, the Ministry of Emergency Situations contacted the Research Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University. The rescue agency needed a Russian unit to facilitate rescue operations - an exoskeleton. A special design for the human body, which allows you to increase the body's capabilities several times. Thanks to the development of modern technologies, this idea of science fiction writers about a superman has now found its real embodiment. This area has been actively developing in the West over recent years, and Russian engineers decided not to remain aloof from these processes.
An exoskeleton today is an external frame system designed to enhance the muscular strength of a person or the special lifting force of an android robot. This designation was originally taken from biology, in which it meant the exoskeleton of invertebrates. In the future, this technology should eliminate the physical limitations of people, as well as various mechanisms.
Currently, the main area of use of exoskeletons is development in the interests of the military. The main direction of work on exoskeletons is the development of a working prototype that could enhance the physical abilities of soldiers. In the future, similar functions can be used, for example, for deep diving or space flights, as well as in other quite complex situations. The second, no less common, example of the use of exoskeletons is to help in the rehabilitation of patients with damage to the musculoskeletal system. An example of such a device is the Honda Walking Assist Device exoskeleton. It is worth noting that Russian developers are also interested in this direction of development.
In addition to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, domestic developers were also supported by the Ministry of Education and Science (allocation of funding in the amount of 120 million rubles). In 2013, the first sample, weighing 50 kg and capable of withstanding a maximum load of up to 200 kg, was presented as part of the 6th International Integrated Safety Salon. At the same time, the development received a gold medal from the hands of Sergei Shoigu himself and the task of “refining” the device. Still, the first exoskeleton created in Russia turned out to be too bulky, as well as with an unacceptable delay in reactions.
Similar to the Iron Man suit from the popular science-fiction film, the Russian development “ExoAtlet” is able to endow a person with a set of superpowers. And although it is impossible to fly in such a suit, the developers believe that with its help “you can move mountains.” According to Pavel Komarov, a researcher at the Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University, the weight, which is mounted on the power structure at the top, goes through the joint in the hip and pelvis through the leg into the ground. In a static position, a person is completely freed from the load; he does not feel the weight being held. The maximum load that this exoskeleton can currently withstand is 200 kg. At the same time, holding such weight, a person is unlikely to be able to move. However, with the help of this exoskeleton a person can carry a weight of 70 or even 100 kg even over very long distances.
LifeNews correspondents who visited the laboratory tried on ExoAtlet for themselves. With a total load of 50 kg, its weight is absolutely not felt by a person. At the same time, in order to fully use this development, a person needs to learn to cope with the force of inertia, and this is achieved through constant training. This suit was mainly created for Russian rescuers; the Ministry of Emergency Situations was one of the initiators of its creation. At the same time, Russian scientists were faced with the rather difficult task of creating a durable and at the same time fairly light suit.
It is necessary that the Ministry of Emergency Situations employees can easily climb stairs in the area of man-made accidents or disasters, while wasting less oxygen, explains one of the aspects of using ExoAtleta Elena Pismennaya, who holds the position of senior researcher at the Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University. The creators of the Russian exoskeleton believe that the possibilities for using this mechanism are almost unlimited.
Currently, the development team continues to work on improving their project, finalizing the model in collaboration with future users and relevant departments. However, all these are closed developments, while the employees of the research institute have a desire to release something for the open market. Therefore, in the near future a new exoskeleton may appear in a medical version.
Almost simultaneously, a number of team members came up with an idea that went beyond R&D - to commercialize their product. Of all the possible options for adapting the exoskeleton for its possible introduction to a wide market, they found the medical area - patient rehabilitation - to be the most breakthrough and profitable. Ekaterina Bereziy, who headed the project that spun off from the main team back in 2011, notes that the developers did not want to stop at the drawing level and abandon the whole thing. A commercial structure was specially created, called “ExoAtlet”, with the participation of Moscow State University specialists and under a government contract from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Ministry of Industry and Trade allocated 40 million rubles for the development of the exoskeleton, while the team that left to do business does not lose touch with their colleagues who work on defense orders.
In the field of medicine, especially in the field of rehabilitation of patients, exoskeletons are able to provide a large number of opportunities to those people who currently move using a wheelchair. At the same time, they can solve several different functions at once: a product - a substitute for a wheelchair, a simulator for people with diseases of the musculoskeletal system who need rehabilitation, as well as a product for emotional and social rehabilitation - since a person with limited physical capabilities gets a chance to start move independently. He gets rid of the need to constantly look up to the people around him.
Currently, the goals of the Russian project “ExoAtlet” are to develop the first exoskeleton in our country. The basis of this project is the innovative developments made by employees of the Research Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University and aimed at expanding the physical capabilities of people. Currently, the project is developing in two directions: emergency rescue modification and medical exoskeleton.
The emergency rescue modification of the exoskeleton was designed to solve problems that involve carrying fairly heavy loads over long distances; it can also be used during anti-terrorist operations and mine clearance. To eliminate the consequences of man-made disasters and natural disasters, to clear the resulting rubble, to perform fire-fighting operations in conditions of limited air reserves in the breathing apparatus of firefighters. The medical version, designated ExoAtlet Med, is being developed to help people with disabilities. It can be used for both medical and social rehabilitation of patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. This exoskeleton is ideal for the needs of therapy and rehabilitation of the specialized population of rehabilitation centers and hospitals.
True, the Russian company ExoAtlet is several years late in this direction, preparing to present its medical development only in 2017. However, the most successful medical versions of exoskeletons have already reached the end consumer: from the leader in medical skeleton construction, the American company Ekso Bionics and the Israeli Re Walk. At the same time, the American prototype is similar to the Russian development, and the company itself chose a similar development path, having at one time separated from military developments. Not long ago, Ekso Bionics managed to attract about $20 million in investments into its project.
Currently, the Russian company ExoAtlet employs 20 people - designers, engineers, mathematicians, programmers, specialists in the field of control theory and neural interfaces, marketers and managers. The company is well aware that this project can be included in the list of rehabilitation means only with support from the state. The developers of ExoAtlet Med expect that their product will be included in the official register of technical means of rehabilitation (today it includes wheelchairs and crutches, which disabled people under special programs are able to receive for free or at a significant discount).
At the same time, the company also hopes to receive government orders. In total, the state spent 160 million rubles on the development of a working model of the Russian exoskeleton in 2011-2014. According to representatives of the ExoAtlet company, the new prototype will be ready before the end of 2014. And already in 2015, doctors, partners of the project, will be able to conduct preclinical tests of the new product, and the developers will begin to refine it based on receiving recommendations from doctors. For the next stage of work on the project, which is expected to last at least a year, the developers need about 137 million more rubles. It was decided to turn to Russian officials for the required amount.
Until the product is ready to launch into mass production, there is no point in pinning your hopes on private venture funds - the risks are too great. Therefore, it is planned to attract private investors to the project only at the second stage of work. The Russian exoskeleton should go into serial production in 2016-2017. When a working prototype is ready, it will become completely clear what the company’s final product is, how it can be implemented and what are the prospects for the new product to be included in the register of technical means for the rehabilitation of the disabled. It is at this moment that the product will finally become commercial and private investors can be sought for it. The developers also expect to find a partner who will be ready to build a plant for them for the opening market, Ekaterina Bereziy outlines the next steps.
In fact, at the moment there is simply no market for such products in Russia; it has yet to be created. The question also remains open whether Russian designers will be able to bring their brainchild to fruition. The ExoAtleta team will have to solve many issues that are in related areas - synchronize the reading of the impulse and reaction of the machine, solve the issue of increasing the battery charge, continue to reduce the volume and weight of their product, and solve the problem of how to free the user’s hands. At the same time, this direction is gaining strength in the world. According to experts, the European exoskeleton market alone is already valued at 1.5 billion euros. The technologies that have emerged today may finally lead to a real breakthrough in the construction of exoskeletons, and Russia may have a chance to keep up with its direct competitors in this race.
Information sources:
http://expert.ru/expert/2014/23/primerka-vneshnego-skeleta
http://www.exoatlet.ru
http://lifenews.ru/news/126090
http://robonovosti.ru/texnologii/1191-ekzoskelet.htm
Exoskeleton prototype for the Russian military October 6th, 2017
No, well, it’s clear that they can deceive us with tablets and smartphones - they won’t do what they show to the president. They can even cheat with .
But the military is usually not deceived and they do what they were promised. But will they do this?
At the Army 2017 forum, a prototype of a new army exoskeleton called “Defender of the Future” was presented. It is reported that such an exoskeleton in the future will become equipment for soldiers, allowing them to improve the physical parameters of a soldier, his endurance and the quality of shooting. With the help of such an exoskeleton, military personnel will be reliably protected from bullets and shrapnel, in addition, they will be able to carry up to 150 kg of cargo
"Ratnik-3" includes a titanium exoskeleton that will increase physical strength and endurance, scale body armor, a camouflage uniform that can adapt to weather conditions, an armored helmet with a flashlight, a display and a night vision device, as well as shoes with explosive sensors.
The division of this equipment into generations is quite arbitrary. Rather than reflecting specific time-bound milestones, it reflects a general process of refinement and improvement. Considering that the service life of the "Warrior" is five years, at this interval we should expect an update, i.e. closer to 2020.
What will happen in "Ratnik-2" in the near future?
Firstly, a “friend or foe” recognition system for both combat vehicles and soldiers. This will allow you to avoid friendly fire on your own, and in general, better understand what is happening on the battlefield.
Secondly, perhaps by this time the production of the cardiovisors announced at the Army 2016 forum will be launched. This device allows you to take ECG readings, heart rate, respiratory movements, and temperature in real time. Based on this data, the commander can have an idea of the physical and emotional state of his soldiers.
Thirdly, the time of aramid fabrics is coming to an end and they are being replaced by more practical and durable high molecular weight polyethylene.
New modern technologies fill our lives with amazing inventions and gadgets. Every day we use household appliances that were previously considered nothing more than science fiction. The Internet, smartphones, cars filled with sensors and autopilot are things and phenomena that are familiar to us and brighten up our lives. It turns out that the military industry is driving the technological progress of human evolution. For example, the microwave oven was first available to the military, and then the civilian population of the planet learned about it. Satellites, computers and much more have entered our lives. A military exoskeleton will soon become available to us.
What are we talking about?
After reading the last paragraph, many were surprised or even scared by the word “exoskeleton”. Don’t panic, let’s figure it out and decide what kind of “beast” this is and why it is needed.
The exoskeleton is the latest unique development of scientists in such a field of science as biomechanics. The technology is manufactured in the form of an external frame system that is designed to enhance the muscular strength of a human or android robot. This term was taken from biology. It refers to the superficial skeleton of invertebrate organisms. In the future, such technology will eliminate physical limitations in human life, as well as in the use of mechanisms. Military technology and its needs have once again exceeded all expectations. They say that in 5-6 years the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation will have special-purpose equipment.
You have already understood and guessed that the development of exoskeletons is the area of interest of the Ministry of Defense. After all, such a development will increase the capabilities and physical abilities of a soldier. In the future, they want to use these technologies on spacecraft, as well as in machines for diving to extreme depths for research.
How did it all begin?
The military exoskeleton has become commonplace in the fantasy world. We have seen such devices in video games, movies and cartoons, but these “suits” have only recently been developed. The very first one was introduced to the world by American military technologies in the 60s of the twentieth century. But it was so heavy and immobile that the possibility of its actual use had to be ruled out. General Electric and United States Military closed the project without achieving positive results. Samples that have been successfully used have appeared recently. The Russian-made exoskeleton has proven itself positively. Other countries are also developing costumes: the USA, Israel, Japan. What powers do you think are competing with each other in this development? The honor of bearing the name “military exoskeleton” has so far been awarded to the developments of the USA and the Russian Federation!
"Exosuit" today
An exoskeleton is found in various games: “Stalker”, “Warface”, “Starcraft”, “Crisis” and others. But in reality, these suits are just being developed. In our country, this new product is being developed by the Mechanics Research Institute of Moscow State University under the ExoAtlet logo. In America, two vehicles are being developed in parallel: the lightweight infantry “Hulk” from the Locked Martin company and the multi-purpose heavy “XOS-2” from the manufacturer Raytheon.
A large amount of information about developments is closed. But human biomechanics in our country wants to release the device for the open market. A skeleton for medical purposes will appear soon.
Medical exoskeleton
Russian-made systems are planned to be used in medicine. This will expand the capabilities of people confined to a wheelchair. Human biomechanics is trying to introduce such devices into the rehabilitation process. They will perform several functions simultaneously:
- wheelchair substitute;
- a simulator for people with musculoskeletal diseases;
- a means of social and emotional rehabilitation.
The owner of such technology will be able to move independently and even get rid of the problem of looking “from the bottom up.”
Emergency rescue version of the suit
The military exoskeleton was designed to solve several problems:
- carrying loads that are very heavy for humans over long distances;
- demining the area;
- participation in anti-terrorist operations;
- liquidation of consequences of man-made disasters and natural disasters;
- analysis of collapses and rubble;
- extinguishing fires when the supply of air in the rescuer’s breathing apparatus is limited, etc.
What is a modern superhero costume?
The Russian-made exoskeleton is made in the form of a frame located behind the owner’s back. There are also two supports for the arm and leg on one side of the body. The device has no limbs that act as a hand. Domestic development differs from its overseas counterpart. Our device is passive in nature. It is not equipped with servos, that is, the movement is carried out due to the muscle power of the owner of the device.
But the international community believes that our development is much more promising than the American one in terms of mass application. “ExoAtlet” allows a fighter to carry a load weighing about one hundred kilograms. The whole point is that the weight on the frame is correctly distributed. Such a solution reduces the cost of producing exoskeletons by tens of times, which makes it possible to equip a larger number of fighters.
Overseas equivalent
A large number of electronics and batteries were built into the American development. In addition to the high cost, there is another problem in Western designs - autonomy. Engineers ensured that the system operates for 72 hours. But soon the question arises of charging or replacing the power supply unit (battery), because in field conditions this is very problematic and sometimes impossible!
Critics saw another problem with the American HULK. What should a soldier do if the structure is discharged and there is no way to restore the energy resource? The designers claim that this situation is not a problem at all. These military robots can be easily folded, turning them into a kind of backpack. But such a robot weighs about 25 kg. So what should the defender do: abandon the expensive development or carry another 25 kg of excess weight, not counting those 100 kg of luggage?
HULC maintainability
In field conditions, the reliability and repairability of this equipment also raises a large number of questions. For military equipment, these parameters are very important. For example, small arms will be effective if they withstand adverse factors, and a soldier can repair them with improvised means during operation. It is unknown how the unprotected electronics of the American counterpart will behave in frost or dust conditions. In order to disable a fighter with such a “thing,” it is enough to shoot a firearm at a structural, power or hydraulic element. As a result, the supersuit will turn into heavy ballast. It is not possible to repair such a thing in the field due to its increased technological complexity.
Russian exoskeleton
In the domestic version there are no problems with the power supply. Our “ExoAtlet” is limited only by the physical capabilities of the fighter. The device does not relieve the warrior of physical stress, but allows him to carry up to 100 kg of equipment and weapons. Our development does not carry a burden; it helps a person perform this function. Military developments are unique. Engineers have ensured that ExoAtlet weighs only 12 kg. This is one of its advantages. After all, in battle conditions, every gram counts. We must understand that excess weight slows down a fighter's performance. This negatively affects the warrior's effectiveness. And the ease of such a design is an obvious plus.
The military use of ExoAtlet is also due to the fact that hydraulics and electronics are absent. The device is a simple and lightweight metal structure. After all, the simpler the equipment, the less negative factors affect it, be it a breakdown or harsh climatic conditions. Repairs will also be much easier. Our developers have created a skeleton in which there is practically nothing to be damaged. And it is much easier to restore mechanics in battle than electronics. Due to these factors, domestic development is much more reliable than Western analogues.
Simply put, simple and cost-effective military robots will soon appear in our country's defense. Meanwhile, Western design engineers continue to scratch their heads. They have a long way to go to refine and improve their brainchild. Recently, HULC participated in army tests, but, unfortunately, the results were disappointing. Therefore, the military youth of the United States will not soon see an exosuit on their shoulders.
The history of the creation of "ExoAtlet"
- 2011 - MSU scientists won the tender of the Ministry of Emergency Situations to develop the skeleton. In subsequent years, the team creates passive and active devices. The passive one was not afraid of fire, weighed 12 kg and tolerated weights up to 100 kg. Active allowed the fighter to lift weight up to 200 kg.
- 2013 - a team of scientists separated to develop ExoAtleta for medical purposes. Their motto was that real people would walk around in exoskeletons.
- 2014 - Moscow State University Research Institute receives the main prize from Startup Village. The team became a resident of Skolkovo, and also entered the top five finalists of the Generation S competition and competed at the Sochi Olympics in robotics. Next was the presentation of the development in Singapore and negotiations with the country's chief rehabilitator.
- 2015 - first sales. The Arkhangelsk region purchased 6 suits for research and testing. In the same year, the first trip to the Middle East took place. At the X Venture Fair in Kazan, the team took first place in the high technology category.
- 2016 - ExoAtlet crosses the Atlantic and conquers the American and Asian markets. Skeleton developers associate this year with a shot from a signal pistol. Sales of devices are starting in Russia, and serious clinical studies are also beginning.
"ExoAtlet" at home
Our “Athlete” is designed in such a way that it completely reproduces the gait of the owner. But this does not mean that the process will be carried out without the participation of the owner. This movement can be compared to riding a bicycle. A person will have to get used to the controls. With such equipment, you need to relearn how to maintain balance and take the first steps one after another. This process takes from several hours to several days. The procedure for learning to control the exoskeleton takes place in the clinic, where the device is adjusted to the personal parameters of the owner:
- pelvis width;
- back height;
- length and proportion of legs.
Naturally, everything takes place under the supervision of a doctor, who conducts a complete check of the body before each workout. Next, the patient has the right to conduct training and rehabilitation at home, but again under supervision. The robot records telemetric data and transmits it to the monitoring center.
If the spinal cord was injured relatively recently, then there is a chance to avoid disability. But this “golden hour” does not last long. The sooner the patient gets back on his feet and takes the first step with the help of ExoAtlet, the greater his chances of restoring motor functions and returning to normal life. But it is important to remember that the rehabilitation process is different for everyone and depends on the vital resources of the injured person.
In case of complete loss of motor functions, ExoAtlet will become a partial replacement for a wheelchair. It should be understood that you will not be able to spend days in a suit, as this is a means of rehabilitation. Daily training in a suit will replace three physiotherapists at once, and will also fundamentally change the quality of life of paralyzed patients. The exoskeleton will help people start walking. Walking will significantly improve ventilation of the lungs, return blood pressure to normal, increase joint mobility, eliminate urinary tract infections, restore nutrition to internal organs and muscles, and improve intestinal function. All this is a physiological effect.
The emotional and psychological aspects in the life of a disabled person are no less important. When using ExoAtlet, paralyzed people noticed that their mood and attitude towards the world around them improved. Their lives began to be filled with colors, positive impressions and emotions. They gain new strength. Now they are able to communicate on an equal basis with the people around them. Fire and interest in life appear in the eyes of ExoAtlet pilots. They say that behind them is not electronics and a battery, but a pair of technologically advanced wings.
Japanese HAL
In the Land of the Rising Sun, human biomechanics does not stand still. Scientists at a Japanese experimental laboratory have developed a hybrid assistive limb. Today on the island it is used by people with disabilities. The development and improvement of this suit took place at the University of Tsukubina over 20 years! Today, the Japanese are actively introducing HAL technology in medicine. Cyberdyne (the owner of the rights to the exoskeleton) has leased more than three hundred copies. Back in 2013, the invention received a certificate for safety in use. This fact paved the way for the device to the world market and also confirmed its reliability.
The owner of the HAL-5 modification can lift and move things and objects exceeding five times the maximum load in natural conditions. This turn in the world of technology and robots greatly simplifies the work of rescuers and liquidators of various consequences. But this modification has not yet been implemented.
Conclusion
We've seen fantastic developments in cinema before. We’ve seen an exoskeleton in games (“Stalker”), but we couldn’t even imagine that such technologies would soon become available to the average person. In 2017, active tests are being carried out in the field of controlling the suit with the power of thought. Our scientists are now required to teach the operating system to instantly read the operator's input. The problems of battery autonomy are gradually being resolved, as the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to begin purchasing such devices at the beginning of 2020. We can only wait for our bright heads at the Research Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University.
Today in Russia there is no market for similar products. We have yet to create it. The question remains open as to whether engineers and designers will bring their brainchild to perfection. The domestic ExoAtlet team will have to solve a huge number of complex issues: synchronizing the pulse reading and equipment response, increasing the battery capacity, reducing its weight, and much more. This trend is gaining momentum in the world and becoming more and more popular. Competitors are also growing, conducting a huge number of tests. Experts have already estimated the European exoskeleton market at one and a half billion euros. Let's wish Russian developers good luck, creative success and further breakthroughs and discoveries on their difficult creative path!
In the last decade, militaries of different countries have become literally obsessed with high technology. Today, US defense research agencies have many ambitious and promising projects. Our compatriots are also trying to keep up with them. At the Army 2018 forum, a passive army exoskeleton was presented. Most recently, his tests were caught on video.
Simplicity and reliability are the two traditionally attractive and most important postulates that domestic designers include in all types of weapons and equipment for army soldiers. Both are equally applicable to the main sensation of the last Army 2018 forum, where a passive exoskeleton for Russian soldiers was shown. The development appeared within the framework of the Fighter-21 project.
It is worth immediately noting that the passive exoskeleton does not have servomotors and sensors in its design, which makes it different from its Western counterparts. A version of the active exoskeleton is also being developed in Russia. However, the implementation of this technology is clearly not going to happen anytime soon. At the same time, a domestically developed passive suit for the military has already actually been introduced. The piece of equipment was even field tested in Syria.
By the way, sappers managed to use the Russian exoskeleton in Syria. The suit greatly helped the specialists, as they were forced to carry a huge amount of equipment. The development of domestic scientists allows, in turn, to evenly distribute the wearable load throughout the body.
What are the possibilities of domestic development? Thanks to such an exoskeleton, the payload on a fighter can be safely increased from 30+ to 50+ kilograms. In this case, the soldier will not feel significant discomfort. It is important that the exoskeleton allows you to instantly get rid of additional load in an extreme situation. To do this, the owner of the suit just needs to pull the special strap. You can put such a piece of equipment on your body in 20-30 seconds.
Need more fantastic technology? Then read about and are used by humans.
The combat equipment of the future will differ significantly even from the existing complexes of individual fighter equipment. The “Ratnik” equipment set, which successfully confirmed all the implemented technological solutions in Syria, . Combat defense Generations of combat equipment are very relative. Experts say that conventions such as designations are important for understanding the differences between combat sets, but the main thing for a soldier in this regard will always remain the successful completion of the assigned task and the preservation of his own life and health. Only at first glance, the “Ratnik”, which entered experimental military service, can be characterized by the general term “equipment”. In terms of its structure and number of elements, it is rather a complex of protection, equipment and a communication and target designation device at the same time.
There are five key elements in the “Warrior” kit: a destruction system - weapons and ammunition, a protection system - body armor and body armor, a life support system - special equipment, a uniform made of special hard-to-damage materials, as well as a communication, control and target designation system. Personal armor protection in case of with KBE "Warrior" is worth mentioning separately, since it is thanks to them that a soldier or officer from any unit can carry out assigned tasks as safely as possible. The modularity of the system ensures the main thing - versatility of application. Interchangeable elements of ceramic armor protection can be rearranged in different sets of equipment. For each type of military force, its own set of combat equipment was thought out, designed and created taking into account all the features. Thus, motorized rifle and infantry units received their own “Ratnik”, and special forces received their own. Protection from small fragments flying at a speed of 500 m/sec was also thought out for other military personnel wearing Ratnik: both tankers and reconnaissance officers have the same level of protection. Only kits for sappers are especially protected, but the explanation for this solution is quite simple: the tasks of these specialists require not only special skills, but also special equipment.
Although the tests of the Ratnik CBE were carried out in accordance with all the rules and laws of military science, many specialists have long been interested in the real effectiveness of protective equipment. The long-awaited data will be announced by the General Director of TsNIItochmash Dmitry Semizorov at the press conference of the Army-2017 forum. According to Semizorov, even when getting into scrapes, not a single penetration of armored elements was recorded. The bottom line is that this means that the specialists who carried the Ratnik in Syria will calmly complete their combat missions and return home. It is important to understand that protection from rifle bullets and shrapnel does not come with a little blood. In the case of most domestic and foreign body armor, wearing SIBZ (personal body armor) was accompanied by a multi-kilogram load on the human body. Some of these body armor, which provide safety only in the third class of protection, weighed ten or even 15 kg. The 6b45 body armor vest from the Ratnik KBE, without additional armor panels, protects the operator in class 5A and weighs only eight kilograms. If you want to make the armor more powerful, the operator will be able to use the same modular design and armor plates from more protected body armor, for example B643 with protection class 6A. Airstrike Controller Separately, military intelligence officers noted the Strelets communication and control system, which is part of the Ratnik KBE. It is no coincidence that the ground forces and special forces units were the first to receive these. The main feature of the KRUS “Strelets” electronics and surveillance and target designation equipment is the ability to quickly transmit coordinates from an observer to attack aircraft. Russian specialists carried out debugging of the “mark-and-destroy” process in Syria with great success. The ability to send data with images of the area was largely provided by the PDU-4 multifunctional devices, which, in essence, are a kind of army multi-tool, combining binoculars, a laser rangefinder and a portable camera.
The high quality of transmitted data allows you to do the main thing - reduce the time for receiving/transmitting and confirming the target, and therefore speed up its destruction. Aircraft controllers with such devices, according to officers familiar with the system, can only watch as the attack on the marked objects begins, and then, after some time, send photographic confirmation of the hits to headquarters. Command tablets, from which officers can control a unit, are also protected from almost all troubles that can happen in combat conditions. Electronic computers are protected according to the IP68 standard. The first digit in this index means that the device is dust and dirt resistant, the second - that even at a depth of up to one meter it can work properly. However, officers of units that used electronic tablets not only for marking electronic maps claim that the electronic device is much more resistant to external influences than is commonly believed. “If we are talking about operation in conditions that are far from comfortable, then it is worth saying that the devices They can withstand not only heavy rainfall and low temperatures, but also work correctly in conditions of severe heat. The word “serious” means temperatures of +40 degrees in the shade,” the officers said.
Separately, special forces officers also note the “friend or foe” identification system, which alarms the operator and attracts attention with an alarm whenever an unidentified object appears in the designated sector. "Warrior" of the future Despite the success of the combat use of the Ratnik CBE, there are considerable prospects for growth within the framework of specialized R&D. The head of TsNIITochmash Dmitry Semizorov, at the Army-2017 forum, said that work is underway to shape the appearance of the equipment of the future, the Ratnik-3 CBE. Despite the fact that TsNIITochmash specialists plan to complete the study of this issue by the end of 2017, experts are already talking about some upcoming changes. According to experts, work within the framework of the Ratnik-3 development work will inevitably be carried out with an emphasis on reducing the element base of all wearable electronics, with the possibility of maximizing its efficiency. The armored helmet demonstrated by the developers at the Army 2017 forum deserves special mention in this matter. Of course, this is just a concept, but it is already clear that most sighting and navigation devices will move from the category of wearable electronics to integrated ones. Judging by the sample presented at the Army-2017 forum, the transport systems of the kit have already undergone a significant revision. Probably for carrying heavy weapons such as anti-tank missile systems or other devices and cargo. The exoskeleton, according to some estimates, will triple the weight of wearable equipment.
The developer does not say anything about the protection classes of the armored panels, but the director of TsNIItochmash, Dmitry Semizorov, has already revealed some details regarding the new armored helmet. According to Semizorov, the helmet will have an integrated aiming, control and communication system. In addition, he will be able to recognize objects on the battlefield in the “friend or foe” system. The helmet will be able to assess the physical condition of a fighter, as well as perform the functions of a gas mask and protect him from chemical and bacteriological attacks. The body of the armored helmet will be made of a modular design from new materials. The suit, in turn, will provide protection for the entire surface of the soldier’s body. It will include elements of a system for providing medical care for wounds, assessing the physiological state, and provides modular ballistic reinforcement in the areas of projection of vital organs. The suit, which will be used during assault operations, will receive all-round armor, Semizorov added.
In 10-15 years, when the Ratnik-3 design and development work smoothly moves from sketches to prototypes, and then to production products, it will become clear how much the appearance of the Russian soldier of the future will change. Probably, by that time, all means of communication, navigation and data transmission will turn into a single device, and the circular armor of the suit itself will allow fighters to act as efficiently as possible.
