UK scientists testing air-conditioned vests for military use

Air-conditioned vests have certainly graced the bodies of armed men and women before, but an elusive new breed is being tested in the multi-million dollar Spinnaker Building at the University of Portsmouth to ensure that it'll keep soldiers cool from the brutal conditions in Iraq. Scientists at the school weren't at will to disclose all the nitty gritty details about the classified gear, but we do know that these bad boys utilize "a combination of air, liquid, and new applications of old technologies such as converting paraffin wax into liquid in chambers within the vests to absorb heat from the body." The gist of the testing is to create a suit that actually improves one's ability to make sound judgments while in the field and under extreme conditions, and it was also mentioned that a mysterious US defense contractor is hoping to tweak these and have 'em out "within one to two years." Now, if only these things were available en masse for our poor laps, we'd really be in business.

[Via Gizmag]

[steve @ Mar 19th 2007 12:47PM]

That's great and all, but how about better body armor for our troops. I don't know about the rest of you, but chances are i'd make better "sound" decisions If I knew I was better protected from shrapnel and bullets...

[RC @ Mar 19th 2007 1:22PM]

Kevlar and armor-plated stillsuits - the next logical step?

[cjl @ Mar 19th 2007 1:41PM]

Wired magazine did a story in the most recent issue about DARPA's work to help soldiers "hack" their bodies to get better performance.

Here's a link:
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/15.03/bemore.html

CL

[Ian @ Mar 19th 2007 2:02PM]

well if you want a good body hack article look in the most recent WIRED mag has a ton of body hack ideas the government has going on

[gibschan @ Mar 19th 2007 2:41PM]

why do they need them in 1-2 years? Do they plan to stay there for that long?

[chaz9055 @ Mar 20th 2007 9:53AM]

No, there is a future beyond Iraq you know...

[The Big Fudge @ Mar 19th 2007 3:52PM]

Nah, President Obama will bring them home before then.

[mastershake @ Mar 19th 2007 4:14PM]

Steve Have you ever worn body armor? Thought not, its hot its heavy and it doesn't let air in or out. Many troops are overheating just from wearing it. Ever wonder why SF usually doesn't wear helmets? Cooling our troops will allow them to relax, and to wear more armor.

[Scooter @ Mar 20th 2007 7:36AM]

build this consumer-friendly and you can sell it to business folk in black woolen suits in Tokyo and New York in summertime, Singapore anytime, etc.
I perspire like a pig and could use an air-con. vest year-round.