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The Future of Battle Tech

Posted by Soulskill on from the i-wouldn't-bet-the-farm-on-lightsabers dept.

PolygamousRanchKid tips a story about research into futuristic military technology currently being funded by DARPA. The Disc-Rotor Compound Helicopter 'is propelled by rotor blades that extend from a central disc, letting it take off and land like a helicopter. But those blades can also retract into the disc, minimizing drag and letting the Disc-Rotor fly like a plane, powered by engines beneath each wing.' The Vulture program aims to keep a plane in the sky for five years or more, and 'LANdroids' are pocket-sized robots which soldiers can scatter around urban areas to seed a communications network. FastRunner is a 'two-legged robot that can cover a moderately rough terrain as fast as the best human sprinters.' The article mentions the flying humvees we've discussed in the past, as well as projects for 'smart' binoculars and a method for recycling space junk.

5 of 122 comments (clear)

  1. Misleading heading is misleading by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I want to hear about recent ferro-fib developments leading to overall Steiner Scouting Party weight reduction as a means to increase troop transit efficiency against Davion forces.

    1. Re:Misleading heading is misleading by mistapotta · · Score: 4, Funny
      r/DARPA/ComStar

      And bring on the Fourth Succession War!

    2. Re:Misleading heading is misleading by AoF.Squall · · Score: 5, Funny

      I used to be a mechwarrior like you, then I took an LRM to the knee.

  2. pointy sticks by Colin+Smith · · Score: 3, Funny

    Going to be very big in future wars.
     

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  3. Re:I mentally deleted the space in Battle Tech by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Giant robots are the future.

    Teach them well and let them lead the way.