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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.

3 of 122 comments (clear)

  1. BattleTech by TreyGeek · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Anyone else read the title and get excited that it was about the future of "BattleTech" the FASA war/board game?

  2. Re:pointy sticks by flaming+error · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I think you're suggesting the only way we could have these things is if DARPA comes up with them. There's some history behind you, but, seriously, peaceful civilian tech doesn't have to originate with the military.

    Cars, aircraft, and wireless communications all originated outside the military. Wars are the worst possible reason for government funding of tech improvements.

  3. the future of war by decora · · Score: 3, Insightful

    dead civilians

    shattered families

    PTSD

    horrific injuries

    rape and torture

    oh wait, EVERY war is about that. EVERY war is the same. EVERY war profiteer and war-welfare-queen is also the same.