Like something out of sci-fi, special operations forces could be outfitted with Iron Man armour

TAMPA, Fla. – In the 2008 movie “Iron Man,” the main character becomes a superhero after building a suit of armour with an exoskeleton that gives him incredible strength.

Now, US special operations forces may be a few years away from donning a similar suit, one that can monitor the user’s vital signs, give him real-time battlefield information and be bulletproof from head to toe. It might eventually have other capabilities unheard of only a few years ago, including an exoskeleton made of liquid armour and smart fabrics that could help stop hemorrhaging.

The Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) project is co-ordinated through the Special Operations Command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.

Some companies working on TALOS are in Tampa this week for the International Special Operations Forces conference.