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In reply to the discussion: OK, I gotta say it. Women don't belong in combat. [View all]MADem
(135,425 posts)103. HULC to the rescue. That is soon to be "not an issue." For men or women.
They've been working on this for what seems like forever, I remember seeing a tethered prototype way back when and I wondered if they'd ever get the thing off the ground. It looks like they are close to the finish line on this thing:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/hulc.html
Strap it on, lift two hundred pounds, run, jump, crouch--and it's all on the mechanicals, not the human...
Dismounted warfighters often carry heavy combat loads that increase the stress on the body leading to potential injuries. With a HULC exoskeleton, these heavy loads are transferred to the ground through powered titanium legs without loss of mobility.
The HULC is a completely un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton that provides users with the ability to carry loads of up to 200 pounds for extended periods of time and over all terrains. Its flexible design allows for deep squats, crawls and upper-body lifting.
An onboard micro-computer ensures the exoskeleton moves in concert with the individual. The HULCs modularity allows for major components to be swapped out in the field. Additionally, its unique power-saving design allows the user to operate on battery power for extended missions. When battery power is low, the HULC system continues to support the loads and does not restrict mobility. HULC can also support a maximum load, with or without power.
Lockheed Martin is also exploring exoskeleton designs for industrial use and a wider variety of military mission specific applications.
The HULC is a completely un-tethered, hydraulic-powered anthropomorphic exoskeleton that provides users with the ability to carry loads of up to 200 pounds for extended periods of time and over all terrains. Its flexible design allows for deep squats, crawls and upper-body lifting.
An onboard micro-computer ensures the exoskeleton moves in concert with the individual. The HULCs modularity allows for major components to be swapped out in the field. Additionally, its unique power-saving design allows the user to operate on battery power for extended missions. When battery power is low, the HULC system continues to support the loads and does not restrict mobility. HULC can also support a maximum load, with or without power.
Lockheed Martin is also exploring exoskeleton designs for industrial use and a wider variety of military mission specific applications.
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From personal experience, any woman in the military experiences a form of combat
Siwsan
Jan 2013
#10
True but better than automation. The automation makes it too cheap and easy.
TheKentuckian
Jan 2013
#18
And I've got to say this: Neither do men, or any living being, belong in combat.
1monster
Jan 2013
#21
+ infinity! If that had happened there would have been no Iraq or Afghanistan
Dark n Stormy Knight
Jan 2013
#27
Male & Female Marines Are Tested Against Two Completely Different Physical Fitness Standards
cer7711
Jan 2013
#65
They are not "completely different"--they are similar and account for biological differences.
MADem
Jan 2013
#66
You need to check again. And not use a right wing RAG with the word "hints" in the headline as
MADem
Jan 2013
#85
You need to read the TOS. The Moonie Times is NOT a "messenger"--it's a propaganda rag.
MADem
Jan 2013
#94
That is why drones are being used more and more in killing the "enemy" in their homes.
RC
Jan 2013
#83
So true Jackpine yet now the Repukes & NRA ironically want everyone to be armed w/assault guns!
hue
Jan 2013
#49
Well, there's HULC--that's not quite "robot"--more like robot - human. It's in the biometric stage
MADem
Jan 2013
#91
Swords into Plowshares...Nation Building at Home. Everyone else will be OK.
libdem4life
Jan 2013
#59
The story about the young women sitting on DU crates was told to me by a friend who died.
Liberty Belle
Jan 2013
#98
If you're in the service, in wartime, you can be "forced into combat" even if your job is
MADem
Jan 2013
#102
What does this mean? "I have extremely mixed feelings about women in Congress"?????
Logical
Jan 2013
#81
A mistype - I meant to say combat. I've worked for a woman running for Congress before,
Liberty Belle
Jan 2013
#99