Emerging Technologies

What, in your view, are the top three emerging technologies that will alter the course of the battlefield -- leaving a mark, and steering the course of arms in history.

For the sake of cleanliness and argumentation, the format will be as follows:

Name:

Description:

Reason:

Below, you can argue any user's previous statements, or opinions if should so be desired. I would ask however, for the sake of argument, that we use specifics. 'Digitalizations', 'Networking' are pretty words -- But, for instance, towards what program? Where does it succeed where others have failed? Etc.?

Remember that these all do not have to be backed by real-world tests: Mentioning future uses for supercavitation is just as valid as saying solid-state lasers. Theories vs. actuality -- It all comes down to what we know, and what you think, and why.

1. Nanotechnology

Technology on the nano scale.

Nanotechnology will someday alter the battlefield like nothing we've ever seen. Everything from invisibility, to armor that also doubles as a synthetic muscle allowing you to jump higher and run faster. Eventually every battlefield material will consist of nanotech.

2. Computers

Computers continue to get faster. Someday soldiers will carry what is the equivalent to today's super computer in something the size of a rice crispy treat. This kind of computing power in the hands of a soldier let alone the commanders at the base will revolutionize the way we fight wars once its full potential is fully realized.

3. Sensors

Sensors of all sort will one day warn of impending health problems, material break downs, and a variety of environmental factors.

-Caseless ammunition

This is honestly the magic pill as far as firearms jamming goes. Although caseless ammo does have its own issues such as being delicate, it is much lighter, and therefore easier to carry.

-DEWs

Already happening. Guided interceptant missile will soon be replaced by systems that strike at light speed. Lasers like MTHEL are already deployed.

-Supercavitation

We already know of the russian supercavitating torpedos, and there is a mine clearing 30mm supercavitating cannon the USN is planning to mount to helicopters. There is even talk of creating an underwater CIWS with supercavitating bullets for the USN soon. Who knows? Maybe in 20 years, there will be underwater fighter craft shooting supercavitating missiles at each other. We might even see the emergence of underwater dogfighting.

here's a list

nanotech (in the form of almazoid armour, synathetic materials for invisibility , muscle )

heavy ERA

electric reactive armour

EMP grenades

railguns/electro thermal cannons

Electro-Magnetic Acceleration Weapons

Technology that uses Magnetic fields to accelerate an object to very high speeds,
and capable of firing said projectiles hundreds of miles.

Basically because EMAG's are cheaper when it comes to ammunition, why spend millions on
a missile when you can buy a chunk of Titanium cheaper and get the same results, if not better.
Apart from that it can be made much smaller, as it does'nt need fuel, since the only
power needed is the electric power to generate the Magnetic field, which is provided from
on-board generators.



Integrated Wireless Local Network Communication

Local, secure and wireless Internet between soldiers in a unit, with satellite up-linking
to command bases.

With the advancement of electronics and there integration into the military,
the need for improved, silent and otherwise between soldiers in the battlefield is essential.
Instead of a soldier relaying something over the radio, leading to less than full information,
instead audio/visual devices integrated into the equipment will send real time data about
what the soldier see's and hears, allowing for a better situational awareness for the
entire squadron, and more efficient planning.
With the addition of remote up-link control of mobile field robots and connection to
advanced computer systems, the soldiers will become highly efficient, have a greater
situational awareness of the battlefield and be able to get the job done faster and with
a lower loss of life.

[edit on 5/30/2007 by iori_komei]