Whose batteries?
Power Armor?
- Thread starter solarz
- Start date
broadsword
Brigadier
Saft probably. Old name in the military circle.
The French integration of exoskeletons and bulletproof vests is just an example. No country currently has batteries that can support soldiers for long-term operations. This type of equipment is essentially intended for urban SWAT teams
I think exo suit should prioritize high mobility and firepower over super heavy armor unless material science has advance to a point where heavy armor wont impede movement. For an infantry being able to move fast probably will fare much better than taking shot.
We might have our first capable battery from the images of the PLA using powered exos in the fields.
I think the most realistic use of power armor in the short term (20-30 years) would be simply to give troops the ability to carry heavy weapons like LMGs, rockets, explosives, ammo, and or any other heavy tech in large quantities and for long distances without tiring out the soldiers. Being able to carry a couple more rockets or hundreds of extra ammo would be extremely beneficial for certain troops.
As for armor & protection, police and SWAT would definitely make use of this. They have the money and infrastructure to support it.
Ability to carry heavy weapon/gear over difficult terrain.
We haven't seen too many of them operate in difficult terrain, mostly urban/flat. Exo suits will have limited utility in heavily bombed out urban environment where there will be no easily accessible doorways/stairs all the time, can't imagine getting up/down a destroyed stairwell in any sort of powered armor.
IMO it probably still boils down to cost. Equipping a soldier is already expensive, giving them powered armor would balloon costs to unacceptable levels.