soldier modernisation, lightweight soldier equipment, lightening the load, reducing the soldiers burden, soldier systems, modern soldier equipment, defence, military, US Army, UK MoD, FELIN, IdZ, IMESS

1. Soldier Modernisation: Soldier systems must integrate effective protective plates and
optical sensors
Wolrdwide Business Research, London, April 6, 2011
Much of soldier modernisation in recent years has focused on situational awareness and
reducing the burden on soldiers.
Many different pieces of equipment have been added to the soldier system and a great deal
are lightweight and effective but, as different threats emerge, combat environments change
and technology advances, the combined weight increases.
Below is some recent comment on two crucial areas of soldier modernisation: soldier sensors
and soldier protection - protective plates.
“In military environments, the sensor often has to operate reliably within a background of
electro-magnetic interference due to the proximity of other electrical or electronic equipment.
Additional filtering is therefore provided to ensure this electromagnetic compatibility.
Sensor devices are employed in defence applications where ‘situational awareness’ is critical
– i.e. to provide the user with as much information as possible concerning their present
circumstances in order to take the most appropriate action.
Sensors play a crucial role in enabling this situational awareness, and there has been a huge
increase in the volume of information being made available to military personnel as a result.”
(Source: Electronics Weekly, March 17, 2011)
Soldier situational awareness is crucial to the soldier modernisation effort so sensors that can
identify new threats in new environments are needed. Perhaps, in light of current IED threat
and mortar attack, stronger and lighter weight body armour is required.
In Australia, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon recently gave
an insightful briefing to industry on the importance of body armour to the modern soldier:
"Body armour is one of the most important elements of a soldier's personal protection. It
offers protection from ballistic threats like small-arms fire and fragments from improvised
explosive devices," Mr Snowdon said. "The ballistic plate inserted into body armour is made
from an advanced ceramic material that is incredibly strong for its weight. The stronger and
lighter the ballistic plate, the better protection it provides to our soldiers."
Improved sensors for situational awareness and soldier protection will be key themes at
Soldier Technology 2011 Conference and Exhibition at Olympia Conference Centre, 7th -
10th June.
To find out more visit www.SoldierTechnology.com,
email soldiertechnology@wbr.co.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7368 9465.
soldier modernisation, lightweight soldier equipment, lightening the load, reducing the soldiers burden, soldier systems, modern soldier equipment, defence, military, US Army, UK MoD, FELIN, IdZ, IMESS
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