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Exoskeleton for special forces

04.06.2012

Prototypes of Lockheed Martin's HULC combat exoskeleton may soon head to Afghanistan.

The representative of the developer said that already this year the first combat exoskeleton in the history of the armed forces can go to the combat zone in Afghanistan. Most likely, HULC will be used by special forces, which will continue their operations in the Afghan theater of operations after the withdrawal of coalition forces in 2014.

At the exhibition of the Special Operations Forces in Tampa, an upgraded version of the HULC exoskeleton was presented, ready for combat deployment. It is equipped with a rotary mechanical "arm" (for hanging weapons and unloading the hands and back of a soldier) and a more powerful battery. Unfortunately, the head of the HULC program, Keith Maxwell, did not allow us to take photographs of the new exoskeleton model, but he willingly spoke about its advantages.

The first version of the HULC was demonstrated in 2010, but it was a bulky design that provided continuous movement for only an hour. The current version of the HULC, with a more powerful lithium-ion battery, can drive for 8 hours, while Lockheed Martin is working on a fuel cell generator that will increase the run time to 72 hours even in the most difficult conditions. That's enough for an average spetsnaz mission, plus the fuel cell can be refueled "in the field."

In fact, HULC is an artificial external spine, legs and a mechanical rotary "arm" that unload the soldier's musculoskeletal system. The latest version of the HULC is capable of carrying up to 90 kg of cargo and allows the commando to take with him more equipment, ammunition, food and batteries and at the same time stay in good physical shape longer. Moreover, for the first time, it is possible to use heavy weapons (for example, a 12,7-mm machine gun) by one person, which dramatically increases the firepower of the unit. It is also possible to use a heavy assault armored shield. In urban combat conditions, this is an indispensable, but very heavy piece of equipment. When using HULC, all the previously unbearable load falls on the strong metal "bones" of the exoskeleton, and not on the soldier's shoulders.

HULC is very durable and easy to use. After just 90 minutes of getting used to the exoskeleton, you can quickly walk, run, jump over ditches and climb steep slopes. With the growing importance of small groups, the exoskeleton is becoming an important element of military superiority, allowing you to carry heavier weapons, equipment or more ammunition.

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