Soldier Lethality Technology

The Soldier Lethality Technology program is designed to enhance the effectiveness and survivability of soldiers through advanced research and development. This initiative focuses on integrating various technologies to improve soldier and squad equipment, addressing challenges such as size and weight constraints. Key areas of research include weapon designs, lightweight armor materials, counter-explosive detection, and signature management. Additionally, the program explores human-agent teaming, situational awareness interfaces, and energy solutions for soldier-borne systems.

The Soldier Squad Small Arms Armaments Technology project is dedicated to advancing weapon designs that enhance the capabilities of dismounted soldiers. It supports the development of innovative ballistic technologies to defeat infantry targets at extended ranges. The project also explores non-kinetic methods for incapacitating combatants and aims to upgrade medium and heavy support weapons. Research is conducted by the Armaments Center and Army Research Laboratory, aligning with the Army Modernization Strategy.

Body Armor & Integrated Headborne Technology focuses on developing materials for protective equipment like body armor and helmets. The project aims to increase protection against ballistic, blast, and directed energy threats while optimizing design trade-offs. Efforts include maturing film-insert molding processes for eyewear, developing active cooling technologies for helmets, and investigating novel materials for enhanced protection. This work supports soldier protection modernization priorities.

The Dismounted Soldier Survivability Materials project investigates fibers, textiles, and materials to enhance soldier survivability against combat and environmental threats. The initiative focuses on developing multifunctional materials for protective clothing that mitigate flame, thermal, and sensor threats while reducing physical burden. Research includes integrating engineered fibers into textiles, designing conductive e-textiles, and exploring novel camouflage materials to counter emerging sensor capabilities.