Researchers in China developed a new material that enables stealth ships and jets even harder to spot by anti-stealth radar. The material is called active frequency selective surface (AFSS) and carries a unique ability to adapt to various radar frequencies and react accordingly. A substance used in printed circuit boards cover the entire material, making it the radio wave version of a chameleon's changing skin.
Existing stealth gadgets capable of microwaves absorption are heavy and thick. The newly developed stealth material is about 5/16 of an inch thick, making it lighter and ten times thinner compared to conventional materials.
Here are other newly developed technologies capable of altering the rules of warfare.
Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO)
These self-guided bullets are capable of changing directions airborne and inflight, which enables it to hit moving targets or adjusting to external factors which may have affected its course. The optical tips first identify the lasers on a set target while the tiny fins guide EXACTO towards the laser.
High Energy Liquid Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS)
An ambitious project by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), HELLADS' objective is to disable incoming missiles using lasers. Surface-to-air missiles are faster, making it difficult for airborne aircrafts to evade an incoming threat. Apart from disabling capabilities, DARPA is working to optimize HELLADS's laser as an offense weapon.
Flying Trucks
Doc Emmett Brown from the Back to the Future trilogy will have mixed feelings about this one. DARPA's version of an actual flying car won't be available for consumer activities such as pizza deliveries. Rather, they are designed for warfare.
Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES) is a vertical launch and touchdown flight module that is also capable of hovering over land and transforming into a vehicle flight and soaring into high-speed air travel.
Legged Squad Support System (LS3)
Think of it as the animal version of future Terminators. The mobile, four-legged machine looks like a robotic horse that mimics a packed horse in the battlefield, carrying pounds and pounds of gear and rations, lessening the weight burden of the soldiers.
Geckskin
U.S. soldier could soon become the real-life Spiderman. DARPA's Z-Man program boasts of a high-grip material that enables soldiers to perform past physical obstacles which include climbing on walls. The Geckskin gives soldiers the capability to mimic geckos' natural climbing prowess. A 16-square-inch sheet of Geckskin can lift 660 pounds while it is attached to a smooth surface.
