Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:17:23-2:18:53

Why infantry might still need powered armour beside tanks

Terrain and tasks that exclude tanks provide a possible role for infantry exoskeletons, with their effects on physical requirements treated as a forecast.

ArmourArmoured WarfareInfantryPowered Armour
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Question

Why wear armour when it could be mounted on tracks and carried by a vehicle?

Short answer

Some situations prevent infantry from using a tracked vehicle, which is where powered armour and exoskeletons could become useful.

Notes

Putting armour on a tracked vehicle is attractive where that vehicle can operate. Infantry still face situations in which they cannot use a tank, providing a possible role for powered armour and exoskeletons. The forecast also entertains biological enhancement and argues that assistance of this kind could reduce the importance of differences in physical strength. Carrying equipment remains demanding, while mental ability is judged especially important in using modern weapons.