We "stumbled upon" this fascinating article from Fast Company.com that discusses some of the high tech gear that our military canines wear to both protect them and enable communication with their human partners. Take a gander at the "vest" this working dog is wearing below, complete with high-def camera.
Photo courtesy of K9 Storm
Soldiers need to communicate with their dogs, often under unpredictable conditions, and "handlers need to see and hear how their dog is responding", which is all possible with this wearable technology. The signals from dog to handler can penetrate concrete barriers, steel fortified ships, and tunnels, with "standard operating ranges up to four football fields." Cost? Upwards of $30,000.
This article also interviews K9 Storm, the Canadian company that customizes this armor for our military dogs. According to company representatives, each piece of canine armor is "completely silent-no metal-to metal contact or reflective give-aways"-and weighs no more than three to seven pounds, depending on the size of the dog. And there are always custom fittings, because the armor must fit perfectly for the dog to do its job without impediment or injury.
Read the full article and view a detailed diagram of this canine body armor here: www.fastcompany.com/1753360/the-tech-that-outfits-the-dogs-of-war
Soldiers need to communicate with their dogs, often under unpredictable conditions, and "handlers need to see and hear how their dog is responding", which is all possible with this wearable technology. The signals from dog to handler can penetrate concrete barriers, steel fortified ships, and tunnels, with "standard operating ranges up to four football fields." Cost? Upwards of $30,000.
This article also interviews K9 Storm, the Canadian company that customizes this armor for our military dogs. According to company representatives, each piece of canine armor is "completely silent-no metal-to metal contact or reflective give-aways"-and weighs no more than three to seven pounds, depending on the size of the dog. And there are always custom fittings, because the armor must fit perfectly for the dog to do its job without impediment or injury.
Read the full article and view a detailed diagram of this canine body armor here: www.fastcompany.com/1753360/the-tech-that-outfits-the-dogs-of-war
5 comments:
Now that is cool! It's great to know that the government is willing to spend some cash to protect military dogs. They're an asset, not an accessory- I'm glad their value is appreciated.
Very nicely said, Pitt Bulls and Patience! It really is cool!
What a very interesting post, we've never thought about this, but are glad these hero doggies have armor too!
Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar
It's amazing what these dogs can - and will - do for our troops. They're a valuable piece of the puzzle, just like our human troops!
Wow, what amazing dogs. i am just in awe of all that they do.
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