The Halo Suit of the Modern World - Fraud?
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Infiltrator
Member # 5754
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 16:59
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Recently a Canadian inventor from Hamilton announced that he has made a suit of armour that is nearly indestructible. He also said that he planned to suppy troops in Afganistan with them, and that they can be mass produced for only 2 000 $. But how can this be possible? It's light, it's nearly indestructable and it's really cheap. How can something this far beyond current technology actually exist? This is a huge jump in technology if it is real, but what if it's not? What if this guy has created huge scam to get lots of money, and possibly sabotage the mission in Afganistan. What do you think? Click here for more on the Halo Suit. Poll Information This poll contains 2 question(s). 18 user(s) have voted. You may not view the results of this poll without voting. function launch_voter () { launch_window("http://www.ironycentral.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=poll;d=vote;pollid=HsmhaUNVWXjs"); return true; } // end launch_voter function launch_viewer () { launch_window("http://www.ironycentral.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=poll;d=view;pollid=HsmhaUNVWXjs"); return true; } // end launch_viewer function launch_window (url) { preview = window.open( url, "preview", "width=550,height=300,toolbar=no,location=no,directories=no,status,menubar=no,scrollbars,resizable,copyhistory=no" ); window.preview.focus(); return preview; } // end launch_window   Posts: 626 | Registered: Monday, April 25 2005 07:00 |
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Shaper
Member # 7472
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 17:49
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Hmm... The thing seems architecturally sound. It's made of proven materials, anyway. It could actually work, and if it does, than this guy may have just saved several lives. But I'm reserving judgment on it until it actually is shot at with someone inside it. But there is no way on earth that those suits could be mass produced for $2000 dollars. Not a chance. Maybe if they didn't come with all the gadgets, then I might see it costing $2000, but as it is? No. -------------------- I tried to think of something witty to put here. Needless to say, I failed. Posts: 2686 | Registered: Friday, September 8 2006 07:00 |
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Off With Their Heads
Member # 4045
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 17:53
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I'd be interested to know how you're arriving at your cost estimate, there. And, fortunately, I think that $2,000 per combat-zone soldier is not prohibitive on a military budget. [ Sunday, January 21, 2007 17:55: Message edited by: Kelandon ] -------------------- Arancaytar: Every time you ask people to compare TM and Kel, you endanger the poor, fluffy kittens. Smoo: Get ready to face the walls! Ephesos: In conclusion, yarr. Kelandon's Pink and Pretty Page!!: the authorized location for all things by me The Archive of all released BoE scenarios ever Posts: 7968 | Registered: Saturday, February 28 2004 08:00 |
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Law Bringer
Member # 6785
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 17:57
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It still leaves major joints exposed so explosive damage will result in major injuries there. Still it's probably better than what they are using now. Posts: 4643 | Registered: Friday, February 10 2006 08:00 |
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Agent
Member # 27
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 18:06
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How long does that thing take to get on? Posts: 1233 | Registered: Wednesday, October 3 2001 07:00 |
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Law Bringer
Member # 335
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 21:23
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That fails the evil overlord test. Anyone could slip into that armor, pretend to have a broken transmitter, and start killing the guards. —Alorael, who otherwise thinks it's brilliant. He has no idea how reasonable $2000 is for that production, but if it's viable it's a great cost for outfitting troops. Posts: 14579 | Registered: Saturday, December 1 2001 08:00 |
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Electric Sheep One
Member # 3431
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 22:17
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One problem I see is really being bulletproof. He claims to have tested it, but it doesn't say what kind of bullets he used. Modern military bullets are much harder than hunting ammo, to penetrate stuff on the way to the target; whereas hunting rounds are actually designed not to penetrate well. (Exposed lead tip for the hunting bullets, partial steel core for semi-armor-piercing military bullets.) -------------------- We're not doing cool. We're doing pretty. Posts: 3335 | Registered: Thursday, September 4 2003 07:00 |
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Shaper
Member # 7472
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 22:27
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Well, I guess the only thing we know for sure is this: That guy is one berry short of a fruitcake. -------------------- I tried to think of something witty to put here. Needless to say, I failed. Posts: 2686 | Registered: Friday, September 8 2006 07:00 |
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Lifecrafter
Member # 7538
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 22:35
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1. Nothing is indestructible. 2. Very seldom is anything as cheap as first calculated. Or advertised, for that matter. quote:I chuckled a little. Sophomoric, I know, but it struck me rather suddenly. -------------------- Do not provoke the turtles. They do not like being provoked. -Lenar My website: Nemesis' Refuge Posts: 743 | Registered: Friday, September 29 2006 07:00 |
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Infiltrator
Member # 4248
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written Sunday, January 21 2007 23:06
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It's possible to get the price that low once they get the mass production going. Sure, building and testing the first few will cost like hell, but once we get the factories ready and running, it shouldn't be that hard. It'll take time (likely a year or few), but it is feasible. I don't know how that helmet could protect against depleted uranium bullets or such, but overall that armor seems to be a plausible and good idea. [ Sunday, January 21, 2007 23:09: Message edited by: Frozen Feet ] -------------------- I have nothing more to do in this world, so I can go & pester the inhabitants of the next one with a pure concscience. Posts: 617 | Registered: Tuesday, April 13 2004 07:00 |
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Shaper
Member # 7420
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written Monday, January 22 2007 00:27
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I've seen this guy before. My teacher a few years ago in high school showed us a documentary on his 'bear suits.' They were terrible, and he tested them by ramming a battering ram into his chest. My teacher pointed out that a bear would't punch you in the chest, but more likely just tear your limbs off. This guy is an idiot, though it doesn't take a genius to make a suit of armor. Plus, his armor does look cool. -------------------- You lose. Posts: 2156 | Registered: Thursday, August 24 2006 07:00 |
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Infiltrator
Member # 5410
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written Monday, January 22 2007 06:08
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I refused the poll on the basis of not enough tested evidence. There are other issues in suits of armor than merely stopping bullets (mobility, vision, camoflage, as was pointed out joint protection, heat exhaustion... The suit may work but is it practical in a combat situation? Perhaps it might fit for a specialist role? Anyhow, I am waiting for the day of soldier bots so we don't send anyone except drones and convicts to the battle field. -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 | Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00 |
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Infiltrator
Member # 5754
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written Monday, January 22 2007 12:32
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Well, in the article I posted it said that he drove for 4 hours south and found it comfortable and easy to move in. Also, the suit has a built in straw with a supply of water. quote: quote:It said that in the article I posted. [ Monday, January 22, 2007 12:33: Message edited by: Kyrek ] Posts: 626 | Registered: Monday, April 25 2005 07:00 |
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Agent
Member # 27
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written Monday, January 22 2007 13:33
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If I recall correctly, the M16 rifle was met with a lot of skepticism before it was improved and widely implemented in warfare. Posts: 1233 | Registered: Wednesday, October 3 2001 07:00 |
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...b10010b...
Member # 869
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written Monday, January 22 2007 14:09
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quote:Because forcing people to place themselves at risk of gruesome death isn't cruel and unusual punishment at all, and having a conscript army consisting entirely of criminals is just great for morale. quote:I think he meant Nioca's "estimate": quote: [ Monday, January 22, 2007 14:10: Message edited by: Cryptozoology ] -------------------- The Empire Always Loses: This Time For Sure! Posts: 9973 | Registered: Saturday, March 30 2002 08:00 |
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Infiltrator
Member # 5754
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written Monday, January 22 2007 14:26
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Oh, sorry. Just so you know, I think there are actuallly military robots. I seem to remember surfing the channels one time, and stumbling across information about military robots. Posts: 626 | Registered: Monday, April 25 2005 07:00 |
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Shaper
Member # 7472
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written Monday, January 22 2007 14:36
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I say that because of all the fancy toys built into it. We have: A KnifeAn Emergency LightA Small Recording DeviceA Pepper Spray GunA Swallowable TransponderA ClockA Solar-Powered Fresh-Air SystemA Drinking Tube with a Small CanteenA Laser PointerSeveral LED LightsSeveral CompartmentsAll of those devices and gadgets won't come cheap. The suit alone is already complex and expensive, considering that it's made of High-Impact Plastic, Ceramic Armor, and Ballistic Foam. Add the gadgets in, especially some of them which are built right into the suit, and you're looking at a fairly substantial cost. -------------------- I tried to think of something witty to put here. Needless to say, I failed. Posts: 2686 | Registered: Friday, September 8 2006 07:00 |
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Off With Their Heads
Member # 4045
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written Monday, January 22 2007 15:10
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Pretty much all of those things (knife, clock) could be purchased together for less than $100 total, even if you're buying reasonably good ones. I don't know how any of those gadgets would even make a dent in a $2000 budget. [ Monday, January 22, 2007 15:12: Message edited by: Kelandon ] -------------------- Arancaytar: Every time you ask people to compare TM and Kel, you endanger the poor, fluffy kittens. Smoo: Get ready to face the walls! Ephesos: In conclusion, yarr. Kelandon's Pink and Pretty Page!!: the authorized location for all things by me The Archive of all released BoE scenarios ever Posts: 7968 | Registered: Saturday, February 28 2004 08:00 |
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Shock Trooper
Member # 5545
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written Monday, January 22 2007 15:43
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The real question is when it will be made available to the public. Even if its black market, a $2000 suit of armor would open to a large market. No need to carry a pistol in your purse if you can wear a military grade suit around, even if it only protects against small arms. -------------------- Plaudite, amici, comedia finita est. Posts: 344 | Registered: Friday, February 25 2005 08:00 |
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Agent
Member # 2820
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written Monday, January 22 2007 15:59
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I am skeptical of truly how practical it is. There is no doubt in my mind that it is possible to build a bulky suit of armor that will prevent all major injuries from fragmentation grenades and assault rifle fire at a distance with the advanced materials that we have today. However, his suit does not seem quite that tough. The materials that claims to use in the suit will protect a soldier from even an armor piercing round, but not extremely consistently. It does not seem as bulky as a suit of platemail, but if you were wounded it would certainly be difficult to keep moving. Still, you cannot really blame the suit for not being able to protect the joints. You still want to be able to bend your elbows and knees. I do not know much about the inventor, but if he is not a crock, then I would be fine with the army funding testing for it. -------------------- Thuryl: I mean, most of us don't go around consuming our own bodily fluids, no matter how delicious they are. ==== Alorael: War and violence would end if we all had each other's babies! ==== Drakefyre: Those are hideous mangos. Posts: 1415 | Registered: Thursday, March 27 2003 08:00 |
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Infiltrator
Member # 5754
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written Monday, January 22 2007 17:46
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I think that both the cost and indestructibility are real. This guy got himself bankrupt from these inventions, he has everything to lose if they don't sell. He can't afford for them not to be bought. He won't have enough money to support himself if they don't sell. Posts: 626 | Registered: Monday, April 25 2005 07:00 |
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Infiltrator
Member # 5410
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written Monday, January 22 2007 17:51
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quote:FYI I added the convict comment in as poor humor. I would have serious moral problems with the reality of such an event. quote:Bankruptcy and personal investment are not signs that the suit necessarily works, more that he is earnest in pursuing a dream. Not that it indicates anything in the other direction either (bankruptcy = flawed) Note that Troy appears in Wikipedia and American Antigravity where several of his other inventions are alos profiled. [ Monday, January 22, 2007 17:58: Message edited by: Bismark* ] -------------------- "Dikiyoba ... is demon ... drives people mad and ... do all sorts of strange things." "You Spiderwebbians are mad, mad, mad as March hares." Posts: 687 | Registered: Wednesday, January 19 2005 08:00 |
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Infiltrator
Member # 5754
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written Monday, January 22 2007 18:08
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It does make it very likely that the suit costs that much though. Reading through those articles I didn't see anything to discredit his inventions. I didn't take a too in-depth look, but from what I read he hasn't produced any failures. Posts: 626 | Registered: Monday, April 25 2005 07:00 |
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Law Bringer
Member # 6785
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written Monday, January 22 2007 19:03
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quote:About 5 years ago some robbers were being shot at by police who watched their bullets have no effect because of kevlar body armor. Eventually some police officers when into a gun shop and got some high powered rifles to even up the odds. They were finally able to wound the robbers. It was on television at the time and I can see a huge demand among the crinimal element to protect themselves as they rob us. Posts: 4643 | Registered: Friday, February 10 2006 08:00 |
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Law Bringer
Member # 335
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written Monday, January 22 2007 21:50
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I don't really see armored suits becoming common tools of self-defense. Sure, it may be comfortable, but I don't see it becoming anything but awkward casual wear in the near future. Consequently, anyone wearing it is marking himself as a soldier, a crackpot, or a criminal. The first is unlikely in, say, Los Angeles, and the other two deserve investigation. —Alorael, who also doesn't think that $2000 is within the budget of most criminals. Or, for that matter, their needs. How many people decide that the best way to perform armed robbery is in a suit of armor? Posts: 14579 | Registered: Saturday, December 1 2001 08:00 |