Soldier Lethality Technology

Soldier Lethality Technology under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Army / BA 2: Applied Research, aims to conduct fundamental research on Soldier Lethality technologies to develop an integrated Soldier and Squad architecture of equipment and systems that improve Soldier and Small Combat Unit survivability, sustainability, mobility, combat effectiveness, and individual cognitive and physical readiness. The program focuses on integrating multiple technologies and sub-systems to improve the effectiveness of the technologies a Soldier utilizes and apply systems-level practices to mitigate constraints from size and weight of the equipment. The research areas encompass individual and crew-served weapon designs and technologies as well as applied research in lightweight and transparent armor materials to mitigate effects from blast and ballistic threats, counter explosive hazard detection, counter-sensor capabilities, and signature management of weapons, equipment, personnel, and high-value targets.

Project AY6 within this program specifically investigates individual and crew-served weapon designs and technologies that enhance the fighting capabilities and survivability of the dismounted Warfighter in support of all Services. It also conceives and advances weapon concepts based on innovative ballistic and advanced incapacitation technologies that will enhance the defeat of hard and soft infantry targets at extended ranges. The project supports technology needs from all Services to include the Next Generation Family of Weapons. Additionally, it performs research directed toward non-kinetic modalities to incapacitate combatants. The work in this project supports key Army needs and leverages technical research from several Program Elements (PEs) including Defense Research Sciences (PE 0601102A), Soldier Lethality Advanced Technology (PE 0603118A), and Lethality Technology (PE 0602141A).

Overall, the program aims to develop materials, technologies, methodologies, system models required to optimize Soldier lethality and survivability through investments in mobility, human-agent teaming, improved situational awareness interfaces and display technologies as well as provide Soldier-borne power and energy materials supporting multiple Soldier-borne systems. It also investigates Warfighter training technologies to establish architecture standards necessary for creating realistic synthetic environments enabling Army units to conduct realistic multi-echelon / multi-domain combined arms maneuver training.

The funding changes reflect planned lifecycles of these efforts with decreased funding supporting higher priorities within the Science & Technology (S&T) portfolio. The work is performed by the United States Army Futures Command (AFC) in alignment with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering priority focus areas and the Army Modernization Strategy.