TALOS (Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit) looks like it is out of a movie, but it is the name given to a robotic exoskeleton that the USSOCOM intends to design with the help of universities, laboratories, and the technology industry. The brief for TALOS at SO/OLIC stated that it must be bulletproof, weaponised, have the ability to monitor vitals, and give the wearer superhuman strength and perception. The suit would comprise layers of smart material and sensors.
Thus, TALOS is a vision for the future SOF Operator. In fiscal year FY14, SOCOM AT&L established the Joint Acquisition Task Force Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (JATF-TALOS) in order to develop an advanced combat suit prototype through an innovative acquisition process.
The current TALOS roadmap consists of incremental prototypes with increased levels of subsystem integration leading to the First Article Tactical Prototype delivery, currently scheduled for August 2018. Along this path, JATF-TALOS expects to discover, develop, and transition advanced technology to the soldier.
The JATF-TALOS priorities for FY15 are: Pioneer Innovation Processes (rapid prototyping, prize challenges, streamlined acquisition), Powered Exoskeleton & Enabling Technologies (further integration of subsystems), Consistent Collaboration (maintaining extended network, user engagement), Accelerating Technology Development and Transition (equipping SOF to win in a complex, uncertain future).
TALOS is looking deeply in these functional areas: Mobility & agility, power & energy, computing, human factors, operator interface, offensive systems, survivability and C3!
Thus, TALOS is a vision for the future SOF Operator. In fiscal year FY14, SOCOM AT&L established the Joint Acquisition Task Force Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (JATF-TALOS) in order to develop an advanced combat suit prototype through an innovative acquisition process.
The current TALOS roadmap consists of incremental prototypes with increased levels of subsystem integration leading to the First Article Tactical Prototype delivery, currently scheduled for August 2018. Along this path, JATF-TALOS expects to discover, develop, and transition advanced technology to the soldier.
The JATF-TALOS priorities for FY15 are: Pioneer Innovation Processes (rapid prototyping, prize challenges, streamlined acquisition), Powered Exoskeleton & Enabling Technologies (further integration of subsystems), Consistent Collaboration (maintaining extended network, user engagement), Accelerating Technology Development and Transition (equipping SOF to win in a complex, uncertain future).
TALOS is looking deeply in these functional areas: Mobility & agility, power & energy, computing, human factors, operator interface, offensive systems, survivability and C3!
Andre Forkert
For more information on the TALOS, please see the Special Forces Features in recent issues of MILITARY TECHNOLOGY.