Focused on a helmet display, the Q-Warrior is a wearable computer that provides soldiers with a high-resolution screen capable of showing a sophisticated but easy to understand intermix of video and symbols, layering information on their view of the battlefield.
Based on its Q-Sight display system, the Q-Warrior’s lightweight design provides soldiers with “a heads-up, eyes-out, finger on the trigger” method for acquiring and sharing enemy positions with other soldiers and support units operating in the field. Outside of being able to locate targets within their field of view, soldiers armed with the heads-up system will be able to pull in video streams from UAV’s and other surveillance craft. With the ability to see targets far afield, soldiers will have the option to call in nearby air support units and clear areas well ahead of their location.
“The biggest demand, in the short term at least, will be in roles where the early adoption of situational awareness technology offers a defined advantage,” says Paul Wright of BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems. “This is likely to be within non-traditional military units with reconnaissance roles, such as Forward Air Controllers/Joint Tactical Aircraft Controllers (JTACS) or with Special Forces during counter terrorist tasks.”
Although immediate adoption is likely to be limited, Wright believes a wider swath of the military could be brought into the fold soon. “The next level of adoption could be light role troops such as airborne forces or marines, where technical systems and aggression help to overcome their lighter equipment.”
Currently, the US military is field testing the Q-Warrior system. Given recent news that the US will begin to shrink its forces to a level not seen since the early part of WW2, arming each soldier with an advanced tactical HUD might be key in making forces as effective as possible.
Image Courtesy of BAE Systems