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Action-man futuristic combat uniforms on way for British soldiers

Xinhua, September 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

Britain's Ministry of Defence Wednesday unveiled the futuristic uniform being designed for the country's armed services.

The sensor-laden body armor along with a smart watch that monitors life signs and smart glasses with integrated cameras, form part of the futuristic design for military uniforms.

The new uniform is part of a program called Future Soldier Vision, part of the Ministry of Defense's plan to ensure British soldiers of the future with high quality equipment, utilizing the latest technologies.

The unveiling Wednesday shows what a British soldier could be wearing and using on battlefields in the 2020s, based on current military research and emerging commercial technology.

Government Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said: "In an uncertain world it is vital that we continually look at the future threats our armed forces might face. The Future Soldier Vision, which is supported by the protected Defence budget, our 160 billion pounds (248 billion U.S. dollars) equipment plan and the very best of the UK's science and technology expertise, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our soldiers have the kit they need to keep our country safe."

The design includes head sub-system concept incorporating hearing protection, lightweight sensors for information sharing and an integrated power supply. It also has a smart watch style which incorporates sensors to record the user's biometric data.

Smart glasses concept which includes a heads-up display, integrated camera and bone conducting headphones to increase situational awareness without compromising hearing.

A robust personal role computer concept enabling better information sharing and communications between personnel is also included.

"The Future Soldier Vision is designed to work as an integrated system with survivability, enhanced situational awareness and network capability all central to the concept. Protection technology, a network of sensors for information sharing and power and data connectors will also all be built-in," said a spokesman for the Ministry of Defence. Endit