In an obvious attempt to seduce impressionable teenage gamers into their armed forces the Republic of Korea will begin development of their own totally badass science fiction battle uniform early next year. In addition to a whopping 95% increase in awesomeness, the uniforms will feature a number of other technical enhancements, including a multifunction helmet with video transmitter, GPS display and voice recognition, a backpack with command / control and friendly-or-foe identification systems, a BDU that offers protection from nuclear, biological and chemical attacks, and the laser-guided, multi-function XK11 assault rifle, which shoots both standard NATO 5.56mm rounds and 20mm grenades. Did the future just get way cooler, or way scarier? Or both? We're not sure. But you can check that gun out yourself in the video after the break.
5.56 rounds + 20mm grenade launcher sounds alot like the OICW.
The way I see it, unless your HUD is contained in a small, form fitting suit like the nanosuit in Crysis, rather than these huge helmets - or the weapon itself, the developers will run into the age old problem of bulky devices that hinder soldier performance.
Otherwise, the soldiers will be to expensive to field, when carrying all that stuff.
I think we should go another route.
Why not use military satellites or UAVS to accurately place fin stabilized/directed smart munitions - like rockets - fired by soldiers?
Why not build military GPS units the size of iPhones into soldier's suits and have them disable or destroy themselves if the soldier is K.I.A or his hear rate indicates unconsciousness?
Hell, in Crysis, if you risked your technology falling into North Korean hands, THEY VAPORIZED YOU !
Our military uses 40mm grenades and they only have a kill radius of 5m. If I remember right, the maximum effective range is 400m for our 40mm. Even an HEDP (high explosive dual penetration) round isn't as powerful as you see in the movies. Actually, nothing is like you see in the movies or TV...
Granted, it's got a precision arming system after you use the range finder...the soldier still has to accurately aim and fire to even injure the target. ...that's if he even has eyes on the target.
Well, first off, a High-Explosive Dual Penetration is a sex act, not a projectile type. Maybe you meant High-Explosive Dual Purpose, the purposes being anti-personnel and armor-piercing (up to 2" of steel).
But you're largely correct; 5m kill radius, 130m casualty radius for both HE and HEDP rounds. Maximum effective range 350m against area targets, and 150m against point targets.
But the idea of 20mm (or so) grenade launcher / assault rifle combos has been around since the 80s (OICW). The advantages claimed for such a system: * Everybody with a rifle has grenades, instead of about half with M203s. * You can carry more ammo. * For the same recoil, you can have a flatter trajectory. * Terminal effects of 20mm air-burst munitions are comparable to 40mm impact-burst munitions.
It says that they just began development on this. I wouldn't expect to see anything like this come out in the next 20+ years...
They're talking about making a light suit that is battery effecient, repels nuclear attacks, is completely bullet-proof, maintains homeostasis while under extreme stress, and doesn't restrict any range of motion. They might as well add a jetpack and cloaking ability in for good measure.
Seriously, that's just wishful thinking at this point...
Land Warrior has been in development since the 90s (maybe even earlier). I went in the army late 90s and never saw it and I was in a unit that got all of the toys first. They still can't get an efficient battery and comfortable weight to make it worth the cost. ...and we're the richest country in the world (with the most technologically advanced military). I highly doubt that we'll see Koreans with this in our lifetime.
...take my word for it. The only effective military weapon is a well-trained soldier.
You can avoid service almost all together if you get a PhD. (The military here probably had too many bad experiences with bookworms trying to fire a rifle...)
Uh... I hope that thing's air-conditioned for use in desert climates, and heated / defrosted for use in winter climates. Scifi is cool, but warfare is about breaking things and killing people -- not getting broken or killed.
i know my Korea's chief, i spent 2 years studying the Korean war, i didn't bother to include the south because the article was clearly about south Korea... common sense don Giovanni.
South Korea say they can afford things just fine, but in a country that censors the weather report you can never be too sure whats true. The fact is that the majority of the population live as peasants, the government is floating on the gains of a regime and this is just a bit of scaremongering to rile up the USA, they've been doing it for years.
Do you remember the grand hotel in S. Korea? The one that cost millions and was seen as the greatest building in the east and then got abandoned because Someone ran out of money?
"In an obvious attempt to seduce impressionable teenage gamers into their armed forces the Republic of Korea will begin development of their own totally badass science fiction battle uniform early next year."
Teenage gamer to military recruiter: "Hey, I just watched a great video about all the high-tech stuff you get to use if you join the army"
Military recruiter: "Sure, you want to sign up?"
Teenage gamer: "Yeah! I just have one question: how many lives do you get?"
Military recruiter: "Lives? Well... one. Once you're dead, you're dead"
Teenage gamer: "Hmmm... you know what, I think I'll stick to the games".
I would love to see this stuff in real action...I mean...if they could create a suit that could do the stuff they described in this story, then wars would be over a whole lot faster. Or would it be longer? Imagine this helmet for Paintball. :)
Hmmm.... Anyways...give me a SPNKr launcher and some plasma nades and then I will be happy.
Tho only really special thing there is the ability to distinguish 20mm and 40mm.
If you're familiar with experimental weapons programs in the US, think OICW. All the 20mm (and similar) grenade systems are somewhere between light autocannon and conventional grenade launchers, so it's rather different from an M4/M206A1 system.
I think those guys over at the R&D building really didn't have their minds with them when they designed this rifle. Have you seen how much this gun wheighs? It's 6.1kg empty!!! That's like the weight of two of those Korean guys put together !!!! :p :p
This is typically the type of rifle, that although is good as a conversation piece, it's absolutely worthless in real combat. Unless, off course you are using it from a defensive position of some sort.
My impression is that a single zap with a stun gun would short circuit all that electronic gear and probably fry the unfortunate grunt too. If the history of miltary tech breakthroughs is any indication (remember those billion dollars planes that can't fly if it's raining?) probably just passing under an high tension cable or a working microwave could have even more lethal consequences for those cyber-grunts. The one thing I learned in my long gone days of patriotic service in Lebanon is that the only effective weapon for a soldier is preparedness (training), and for a general is propaganda: all the rest is mostly for show.
I have to agree with you on this, Although top quality intellegence is also critical. A hi tech suit like this would have no real value against a terrorist insurgency.
This is truly amazing. Many other countries are developing this technology as well, including the U.S. FCS (future combat systems) needs to be approved though, it will be voted on next year here. VOTE YES!
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posted Nov 18th 2008 1:02PM
Is that a high-powered dremel on the end of that gun? Awesome.
Well, they couldn't use chain saws, those are reserved for North Korea. :)
it's the Craftsman magnum.
Nah... more like a Craftsman BR.
yeah...and whats up w/ the MGS music playing in the backround.
I hope these battlesuits don't suffer from the Stormtrooper effect.
5.56 rounds + 20mm grenade launcher sounds alot like the OICW.
The way I see it, unless your HUD is contained in a small, form fitting suit like the nanosuit in Crysis, rather than these huge helmets - or the weapon itself, the developers will run into the age old problem of bulky devices that hinder soldier performance.
Otherwise, the soldiers will be to expensive to field, when carrying all that stuff.
I think we should go another route.
Why not use military satellites or UAVS to accurately place fin stabilized/directed smart munitions - like rockets - fired by soldiers?
Why not build military GPS units the size of iPhones into soldier's suits and have them disable or destroy themselves if the soldier is K.I.A or his hear rate indicates unconsciousness?
Hell, in Crysis, if you risked your technology falling into North Korean hands, THEY VAPORIZED YOU !
All we need now are energy swords and we can call it a day.
Bayonets were so 18th century, it's about time for a revamp.
I won't be surprise if Samsung developed 50% of those gears.
Halo! The game was Halo, not Gears!...
"mini missile system"?
awesome
...it's only 20mm.
Our military uses 40mm grenades and they only have a kill radius of 5m. If I remember right, the maximum effective range is 400m for our 40mm. Even an HEDP (high explosive dual penetration) round isn't as powerful as you see in the movies. Actually, nothing is like you see in the movies or TV...
Granted, it's got a precision arming system after you use the range finder...the soldier still has to accurately aim and fire to even injure the target. ...that's if he even has eyes on the target.
To urinate? HUD select 'Alt_mini-missle'
Well, first off, a High-Explosive Dual Penetration is a sex act, not a projectile type. Maybe you meant High-Explosive Dual Purpose, the purposes being anti-personnel and armor-piercing (up to 2" of steel).
But you're largely correct; 5m kill radius, 130m casualty radius for both HE and HEDP rounds. Maximum effective range 350m against area targets, and 150m against point targets.
But the idea of 20mm (or so) grenade launcher / assault rifle combos has been around since the 80s (OICW). The advantages claimed for such a system:
* Everybody with a rifle has grenades, instead of about half with M203s.
* You can carry more ammo.
* For the same recoil, you can have a flatter trajectory.
* Terminal effects of 20mm air-burst munitions are comparable to 40mm impact-burst munitions.
"Dual Penetration"
Like a double penetration station, right?
Look at his stature...what a nancy!
Where did you come from?
But will they be able to play Cr.... ah hell, I'm just going to stop right there.
Maximum fail.
Play? No
Recreate? Yes! :p
Exactly, the North Koreans are right next door. Live LAN parties FTW
good thing they have bad aim, otherwise they might be able to actually do something with those guns
I was hoping they would demo the suit in the video... The gun looks freakin sweet though
It says that they just began development on this. I wouldn't expect to see anything like this come out in the next 20+ years...
They're talking about making a light suit that is battery effecient, repels nuclear attacks, is completely bullet-proof, maintains homeostasis while under extreme stress, and doesn't restrict any range of motion. They might as well add a jetpack and cloaking ability in for good measure.
Seriously, that's just wishful thinking at this point...
so South Korea equips their soldiers with halo gear and in reaction North Korea equips its soldiers with Crysis gear.............now...... WHO WINS?
has a nerdgasm and scuttles off to make a comprehensive list and comparision between Crysis and Halo gear........
You mean Chinese made knock-off Crysis gear? :P
why can't they give him better footwear then a pair of, what looks like, chuck taylors?
I think he just has woman feet. Unless it's woman, then she just has feet.
Hey now, nothing says I kick ass on the battlefield than some serious indie cred!
looks like the LAND WARRIOR for the army
Land Warrior has been in development since the 90s (maybe even earlier). I went in the army late 90s and never saw it and I was in a unit that got all of the toys first. They still can't get an efficient battery and comfortable weight to make it worth the cost. ...and we're the richest country in the world (with the most technologically advanced military). I highly doubt that we'll see Koreans with this in our lifetime.
...take my word for it. The only effective military weapon is a well-trained soldier.
They don't need to seduce any teenagers, they are forced to join.
Yep, compulsary military service ftw! For 2 years... though they are gradually reducing it to 1 and a half by 2012
You can avoid service almost all together if you get a PhD. (The military here probably had too many bad experiences with bookworms trying to fire a rifle...)
who needs guns? in ten years war will be run by iphones
You would send your iPhone into war unnarmed?
Of course SkyNet wouldn't send their iPhones into combat unarmed in its campaign to wipe out humanity.
Or is it Steve Jobs?
Unarmed?
Don't forget about the KILL SWITCH.
Uh... I hope that thing's air-conditioned for use in desert climates, and heated / defrosted for use in winter climates. Scifi is cool, but warfare is about breaking things and killing people -- not getting broken or killed.
OTOH, where can I buy one now!?!?!?
clearly propganda... Korea cant afford that for any more than 1000 soldiers, its just spin.
They will make a suit that looks like that, but doesnt do any of the stuff it claims.
As with most things in life then! What's new?!
Do you mean SOUTH Korea? Because they can afford things just fine. I think you are confusing the two Koreas.
i know my Korea's chief, i spent 2 years studying the Korean war, i didn't bother to include the south because the article was clearly about south Korea... common sense don Giovanni.
South Korea say they can afford things just fine, but in a country that censors the weather report you can never be too sure whats true. The fact is that the majority of the population live as peasants, the government is floating on the gains of a regime and this is just a bit of scaremongering to rile up the USA, they've been doing it for years.
Do you remember the grand hotel in S. Korea? The one that cost millions and was seen as the greatest building in the east and then got abandoned because Someone ran out of money?
So... please don't be pedantic.
I hope you aren't referring to this "grand hotel in S. Korea":
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryugyong_Hotel
Oli, as a korean, i feel qualified to say this.
GTFO the internet.
kthxbai.
Btw, all korean males must join the military for 24 months, I believe, so it's not a ploy. They're just way ahead in many technological fields.
He knows his Koreas fine, dudes. He just doesn't know north from south, or his head from his ass.
ey ey ey ey, i made a mistake getting political here didn't i?
Right, lets round this off with the comment i was expected to leave
"Awsome! hitech battle gear! They should bulid lasers into the battle mittens! ROFL."
Lets see whos being so cynical when bush goes and fucks the pony by declaring war and ruining everything for poor Obama.
oops i did it again.
(p.s. i was talking about that hotel, and believe it or not, the re-construction is going veeeeeeery slowly, i wonder why)
looks more like an ODST.
http://www.bungie.net/images/Games/Halo2/Gallery/Renders/ODST.jpg
So...the future of warfare is tights and motorcycle helmets...interesting.
Sign me up!
BDU with NBC protection + NBC mask will be a pain to wear.
That gun is cool and it is more compact than the US M203 but the M203 shoots 40mm round. That gun weighs a ton though.
0:33 : 20mm....5.56mm....860mm...
Sat there for a moment thinking "wait, what the hell are they launching?!?" and then realised what it is.
Duh!
is it me, or is there a cgi guy attempting to hump the gun at around 0:34?
Why, yes, I believe you are correct.
So there really was a guy humping the gun? Wow, and here I thought someone had drugged the office coffee pot again...
What's this? iwar? is that an iphone app?
Judge Dread also comes to mind.
It's written "Dredd", juve.
"In an obvious attempt to seduce impressionable teenage gamers into their armed forces the Republic of Korea will begin development of their own totally badass science fiction battle uniform early next year."
Teenage gamer to military recruiter: "Hey, I just watched a great video about all the high-tech stuff you get to use if you join the army"
Military recruiter: "Sure, you want to sign up?"
Teenage gamer: "Yeah! I just have one question: how many lives do you get?"
Military recruiter: "Lives? Well... one. Once you're dead, you're dead"
Teenage gamer: "Hmmm... you know what, I think I'll stick to the games".
Not sure why you out of the blue attribute so much intelligence to modern teenagers, what gives?
I wonder how many people realize that military service is mandatory for all males in the ROK...
Yeah and how many people realise korea has a tendency to export stuff eh.
I think south korea is a pretty cool guy. eh makes halo suits and doesn't afraid of anything.
You almost convinced me that you though South Korea is a person ;)
You almost convinced me that you thought South Korea is a person ;)
The Engadget Comment system strikes again!
XK11 assault rifle*
*echoing valley not included
screw a halo army, when are they gonna make mech warriors?
Oh Yeah!!! Battle Mechs for teh Win!!!!
I would love to see this stuff in real action...I mean...if they could create a suit that could do the stuff they described in this story, then wars would be over a whole lot faster. Or would it be longer? Imagine this helmet for Paintball. :)
Hmmm....
Anyways...give me a SPNKr launcher and some plasma nades and then I will be happy.
Oh, noes! Don`t tell Bush or the US will have another excuse to make a new war!!!
You're an idiot.
Who is Bush?
Reggie Bush is a running back for the New Orleans Saints. His teammates and substance90 just call him "Bush."
AWESOME! South Korea can now have robotic warriors and warriors in Halo suits running around kicking North Korean ass!
I hope they don't use sony batteries, or that the suit is flame-retarding at least.
New decisions for the battlefield: shall I bring 20 pounds of batteries or opt for ammo and drinking water?
Gamers would line up in droves if only the military could find a way to eliminate those pesky "physical fitness" and "sound judgment" components.
"sound judgement" component? What army are you on about?
>which shoots both standard NATO 5.56mm rounds and 20mm grenades
As doany of the AR variants used by US troops (with m203 attached), nothing really special there...
Tho only really special thing there is the ability to distinguish 20mm and 40mm.
If you're familiar with experimental weapons programs in the US, think OICW. All the 20mm (and similar) grenade systems are somewhere between light autocannon and conventional grenade launchers, so it's rather different from an M4/M206A1 system.
It bounces!
I think those guys over at the R&D building really didn't have their minds with them when they designed this rifle.
Have you seen how much this gun wheighs? It's 6.1kg empty!!! That's like the weight of two of those Korean guys
put together !!!! :p :p
This is typically the type of rifle, that although is good as a conversation piece, it's absolutely worthless in real combat. Unless, off course you are using it from a defensive position of some sort.
my 2 cents
V.
If it comes with an overshield and an A.I. Construct built into the helmet i'm in for 3
I'm pretty certain you will only be able to wear one at a time!
Or I can start my own army. Im pretty sure we could take Canada in a day or two ;)
I'd piss myself seeing a 130cm guy running around in pantie-stockings and a helmet! :D
Looks like they're impersonating the French at 4:23, 4:28, 4:33.
Hobbits with guns protecting the Shire....
Are those leg warmers?
Somebody better tell Korea that shoulder pads are so 1990's.
My impression is that a single zap with a stun gun would short circuit all that electronic gear and probably fry the unfortunate grunt too.
If the history of miltary tech breakthroughs is any indication (remember those billion dollars planes that can't fly if it's raining?) probably just passing under an high tension cable or a working microwave could have even more lethal consequences for those cyber-grunts.
The one thing I learned in my long gone days of patriotic service in Lebanon is that the only effective weapon for a soldier is preparedness (training), and for a general is propaganda: all the rest is mostly for show.
I have to agree with you on this, Although top quality intellegence is also critical. A hi tech suit like this would have no real value against a terrorist insurgency.
lol you served and fought in lebanon, when was that?
North Korea is screwed now :D
I don't think they have to worry about seducing anybody. 24 months service is mandatory:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_South_Korea#Personnel
Gotta love the sound track – straight out of some cheap-ass action flick from the '80s.
really... that government don't need to seduce "korean teenagers." Simply because every male has to serve in military by its law.
that get up should blend pretty easily when their enemy brings A CHAINSAW.
Yes, all very interesting. That is, only if you're a psychopath in training.
daft punk
This is truly amazing. Many other countries are developing this technology as well, including the U.S. FCS (future combat systems) needs to be approved though, it will be voted on next year here. VOTE YES!