The panels, called SLIVER cells, are the result of a $US2.3 million contract with the Australian Department of Defence. Professor Andrew Blakers, head of the project, describes their development:
We are able to use the sliver cells to make modules that can be bent around a radius of around a few centimetres. This means we can roll them up, put them in a package, carry them long distances and then unfurl them for use in remote areas.
That’s all quite nice until he mentions that the panels are designed to be worn on the soldier’s “uniform, helmet or guns”.
I understand the need to generate energy on the battlefield and to reduce the weight soldiers have to carry, but I’m sure any infantry man or woman will agree with me that wearing shiny stuff anywhere on your body is a pretty stupid idea unless you want to get killed. I know lots of military people read Gizmodo, so speak up in the comments: Would you rather carry batteries or wear shiny stuff all around you? [9news via Ubergizmo]
shane
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 8:28 AMThe article clearly states that the cells are removeable. Are you inferring that US soldiers are too stupid to take them off when appropriate?
Mr Biggles
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 8:41 AMdoes that ‘need’ to be inferred…?
Muhammad
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:14 AM+ 1 :)
EckyThump
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:54 AMI usually hate grammar nazi’s, but. heh +1 #]
Ogre
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 8:59 AMConsidering that the article clearly says “Australian Department of Defence”, I think the article is actually inferring that Australian soldiers are “too stupid to take them off when appropriate”.
Chris
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:01 AMShane, the article was about Australian soldiers and the contract was with the Aust. DOD so I am not sure where you garnered any inference about US soldiers but if the cap(helmet) fits…
Sicarius123
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:34 AMWhile US grunts are hillarious, this article is about an AU Military contract with an AU University.
craig
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 8:36 AMThey may be removable, but in no tactical scenario is it a good idea to have something shiny. Especially if your relying on it to charge devices.
When I first read these articles all I could do was laugh. As a current ADF member, this is a joke.
Chris
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:04 AMReponding to the original article,
I am not sure I see the point, my understanding of field operations, the only time you could use something like this is in a secure location where there is likely charging facilities.
I do see lots of applications outside the military though.
Evan
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:09 AMI note that the Ubergizmo site named the cells involved as “SILVER” cells. They are, in fact, sliver cells, which can be transparent.
In any case the art of camouflage is based on the breaking up of outlines; seems to me that these cells could as much improve a soldier’s low visibility as decrease it.
The US Army announced a similar development a few months ago, why no “…too stupid…” criticims then?
canberracubicle
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:19 AMThis is lazy writing. Frankly this is becoming too regular an occurrence on this site. When I find myself preferring to work than read your site then you have issues.
EckyThump
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 9:56 AMHmm,… now if you wrap the stuff around bullets with a tiny copper trailing wire like a torpedo,…!! #]
Shannon
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 12:31 PMSolar cells are designed to Absorb incoming light, not reflect it. Clearly this product is still in the design phase and there will probably be some change to the coating of the cells so it is more matte.
Osiris Fox
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 1:22 PMSoldier in the picture looks more like a rapper with bad taste in clothing wearing a bizarre waistcoat.
Stefan
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 1:58 PMWearing them would be pretty dumb, but it says they can be rolled up, so perhaps simply carried in the back pack.
EckyThump
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 4:02 PMHow would they charge anything in the backpack?