Where might millitary technology be up to?
Discussion
Just reflecting on the fact that things like the F117 were unknown to the public for quite a long time after they first appeared and - tinfoil hat firmly donned - there are continual rumours of things like the hypersonic Aurora spy plane.
So, where do we speculate they might be up to? Do you reckon there may be interesting technologies that the likes of us aren't aware of and, if so, what areas might they lie in?
So, where do we speculate they might be up to? Do you reckon there may be interesting technologies that the likes of us aren't aware of and, if so, what areas might they lie in?
I love this stuff.
Plenty going on in directed energy weapons (coil laser, microwaves, etc).
The funny thing about the stealth fighters were that they were flying for about 10 years before "coming out", and the main reason as I always understood it, was that they wanted to start doing daylight missions, and would then soon be spotted.
There are also new propulsion systems, eg the doughnut-on-a-rope con trails, so I'd be guessing that some pretty significant speeds are available, well beyond what is currently available in the raptor or jsf.
Plenty of work going on in the electronic warfare space too.
Too much to list. Check the web, wade through the BS, and you'll still be amazed.
Plenty going on in directed energy weapons (coil laser, microwaves, etc).
The funny thing about the stealth fighters were that they were flying for about 10 years before "coming out", and the main reason as I always understood it, was that they wanted to start doing daylight missions, and would then soon be spotted.
There are also new propulsion systems, eg the doughnut-on-a-rope con trails, so I'd be guessing that some pretty significant speeds are available, well beyond what is currently available in the raptor or jsf.
Plenty of work going on in the electronic warfare space too.
Too much to list. Check the web, wade through the BS, and you'll still be amazed.
Maxf said:
With the ongoing conflicts, I would expect that aside from some kind of invisible weapon anything really new and interesting which is in service would have come to light.
I would be amazed if there wasnt all kinds of equipment in the research/prototype stages though.
I suppose stealth technology is an interesting one. Wasn't there supposed to be a company testing a stealth suit at one point, which displayed the image behind it on the front or something.I would be amazed if there wasnt all kinds of equipment in the research/prototype stages though.
Surveillance must also be a big area for investment - we know uncle Gordon likes keepig tabs on us!

Edit: May be a hoax, but this is reported to have been developed by a Jpaanese company - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFtM6wJeRbc
Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 16th July 13:02
thewave said:
Given you can get hand held lasers off the internet which are very dangerous, I expect military versions are in the much more advanced/deadly stage.
Noticed yesterday (was it not on here?) that raytheon have produced an add on to the Phalanx to shoot down missiles....based on commercial lasers as opposed to military spec. Be available next year i think.thewave said:
Given you can get hand held lasers off the internet which are very dangerous, I expect military versions are in the much more advanced/deadly stage.
and quiet!I think they're trying to develop stealth soldiers, actually tring to make them invisible.
Al Q Soldier: I woke up this morning, and my ringer's really sore.
etcetc
DrTre said:
thewave said:
Given you can get hand held lasers off the internet which are very dangerous, I expect military versions are in the much more advanced/deadly stage.
Noticed yesterday (was it not on here?) that raytheon have produced an add on to the Phalanx to shoot down missiles....based on commercial lasers as opposed to military spec. Be available next year i think.Or do you mean ICBMs?

Now doubt there is a lot of development in weopons, but from my understanding, much of the focus has been on information sharing systems.
So you're looking at soldiers on the ground having real time access to the battle plan/maps that the Generals back at HQ are watching. The Generals get upto the minute info about what is happening on the ground/air/sea. Lot's of GPS, lots of real-time video, lots of maps etc.
Certainly the stuff I've seen in helmet mounted displays for helicopter pilots makes the X-Box look like kindergarten stuff.
So you're looking at soldiers on the ground having real time access to the battle plan/maps that the Generals back at HQ are watching. The Generals get upto the minute info about what is happening on the ground/air/sea. Lot's of GPS, lots of real-time video, lots of maps etc.
Certainly the stuff I've seen in helmet mounted displays for helicopter pilots makes the X-Box look like kindergarten stuff.
Not far off.
I know of a couple of people who work in this area. Obviously they can’t say a word abut what they do. I did notice they didn’t laugh when I mused if anyone was developing a mechanised ‘battle’ suit of the sort that would increase the wearers speed over ground on foot together with full body armour protection, comms and so forth.
I know of a couple of people who work in this area. Obviously they can’t say a word abut what they do. I did notice they didn’t laugh when I mused if anyone was developing a mechanised ‘battle’ suit of the sort that would increase the wearers speed over ground on foot together with full body armour protection, comms and so forth.
thewave said:
Given you can get hand held lasers off the internet which are very dangerous, I expect military versions are in the much more advanced/deadly stage.
Did you see in the paper the other day the article about all those people who went blind at some sort of rave in Russia because they were using lasers designed for projecting into the sky in a tent?Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff