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During the ARMY-2017 arms exhibition, the Ratnik-3 “future soldier” concept was demonstrated again. This time Russian companies’ officials who develop the project revealed more details concerning Ratnik-3.
The helmet of Ratnik-3 will be equipped with an advanced aiming system. It will automatically calculate the distance to the target as well as all the variables like the wind speed and direction, the temperature of air etc. Having the projectile ballistics data, it will calculate the point of aim. So all the soldier will have to do is to match the point of aim with the target and pull the trigger. It will also have a “corner shooting” possibility allowing to shoot from cover without exposing the shooter himself.
Besides providing protection for eyes and ears, the helmet will also have a built in gas mask. In case of hazardous elements detected in the air, it will automatically activate the gas mask. The helmet will allow the soldier to control various unmanned vehicles in the field as well as receive and send data to other soldiers and command centers. It will also continuously collect data concerning soldier’s health status and will be able to electrically stimulate the soldier’s brain if needed.
One of the officials said that the body armor will be able to withstand more than ten hits of different bullets. Well, this statement makes more questions than gives answers. What caliber and type of bullets it is rated for? Is it better than existing types of armors and levels of protection?
The Ratnik-3 suit will be covered with a special compound which will be able to change its color depending on the background thus becoming an active camouflage.
The exoskeleton will be one of the most important features of the Ratnik-3, too.
The weapon system will be a combination of an assault rifle and grenade launcher. The grenades will be self-guiding “fire-and-forget” type. Unfortunately, there are no details concerning the weapon itself. In one of the images, it is fed by linked, telescoped and polymer-cased ammunition.
The final appearance of the Ratnik-3 will be shown by the end of this year. It will probably be issued in 15 to 20 years.
Many of the described features sound to be from science fiction genre, but these are exactly what was described in the following sources:
