New research from Rice University suggests graphene could be used to make strong body armour and to protect spacecraft. Researchers tested a graphene sheet by firing ‘microbullets’ at it and found it stretched, created a conical deformation before breaking, suggesting the force had been distributed over a large area, dissipating much of the energy.

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In this edition of Latest In Defence, Sandia National Laboratories has developed a rifle zoom that works like the human eye; DCNS unveils a concept diesel-electric attack submarine that includes capabilities usually only found nuclear-powered submarines; and two US Navy F-35C aircraft have landed on and taken off from the carrier USS Nimitz .

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Until now, search and rescue robots have been mainly tracked and either self-righting or able to operate either side up to enable them to cope with uneven terrain and falling from heights. With animal and human inspired legged robots on the rise, researchers are looking to ways to help them land safely then quickly resume their mission.

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In this edition of Latest In Defence, American researchers have developed a jetpack to enable soldiers to run a four-minute mile; DARPA brings us a vision of some futuristic new ground vehicles that dodge damage; and Boeing aims to prove its new laser weapon works through fog.

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The US military’s research agency DARPA is funding a new generation of flexible exoskeletons, which will enable soldiers to walk further, lift more and minimise injury risks. Unlike existing exoskeletons, which are usually bulky machines worn over normal gear, the new suit technology developed at Harvard is a web of smart textiles which can be worn under regular clothing.

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In this issue: The US military’s green energy research, advances in regenerative medicine for injured soldiers, the US Air Force’s vintage bomber upgrades, optionally manned capabilities for legacy systems, the BMD potential of the Type 45’s Sampson radar and more.

The post Global Defence Technology: Issue 43 appeared first on Army Technology.

Latest In Defence visits D3O’s laboratory headquarters in Brighton to investigate how the company develops military armour products using its patented gooey orange smart material. Not only does it make helmets and body armour more effective and comfortable for soldiers, but it could also reduce the incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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With the help of crowdfunding, a UK-based technology firm is producing the world’s first detector capable of identifying plastic 3D printed weapons. The technological breakthrough is seen as an answer to the growing threat posed by plastic firearms, which can be printed cheaply at home and slip through normal metal detectors with potentially disastrous consequences.

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To celebrate the New Year, this edition of Latest In Defence brings you innovations that are not just brand, spanking new but also aim to help humanity. A ship-based system to neutralise chemicals weapons brings hope to the people of Syria; DARPA challenges teams to develop humanitarian rescue robots, and a new tactical UAS could deliver aid and help evacuate casualties from dangerous areas.

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In the spirit of Christmas, this final Latest In Defence of 2013 brings you some special footage that will have you dreaming of flying, and a real medical miracle. BAE Systems shares some astounding footage of Eurofighter Tranche 3, a soldier receives a bionic arm replacement that he can control with his mind, and the Ministry of Defence takes us inside a command centre in England that controls unmanned aircraft in Afghanistan.

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