Batman or Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided kNowledge is a program at Air Force Research Lab to improve the performance of the Terminal Attack Controller and other Battlefield Airmen. With a motto of “Lighter, Smarter…Deadlier” it couldn’t be anything than Air Force.
CNN Money recently took a look inside the program. Watch it here.
Some of the gems in this ensemble include the “Bat Hook,” the nickname used for the Remote Auxiliary Power System developed by Defense Research Associates, a new wrist mount unlike anything you’ve seen developed by our friends at Juggernaut Defense, and an armor mounted computer system.
While most of these technologies seem TAC-centric, BATMAN works Guardian Angel projects as well. For example, late last year they issued a challenge for a new stretcher system via the website InnoCentive. Seeking a single-rescuer solution, the Air Force also challenged innovators to propose a system that would stabilize the patient.
(Photo by Senior Airman Chris Hubenthal : 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing)
Other interesting items include this grappling hook developed by students at BYU for AFRL.
BATMAN is spirally developed and fields solutions when they are ready for prime time. In fact, the program has been around since 2004 and has already fielded several versions.
