BAE’s military vest features wearable tech

U.K.-based BAE Systems has introduced a smart fabric tactical vest made from conductive yarns that can charge and power electronics via USB to alleviate the cluttered wires, cables, battery packs and other impracticalities that can hamper soldiers in the field.

Developed in partnership with British military wearables company Intelligent Textiles, the vest can provide power and data to electronic devices and offers an estimated 40 percent weight saving.

The vest, named the Broadsword Spine, is designed to be resistant to water, fire, humidity and shock. Additionally, it can easily be recharged in the field using mobile charging points or through simple, lightweight battery replacements.

The kit includes an embedded management computer, which controls the power and data distribution through up to eight USB power ports, supplying up to 5 amps and operating at USB 2.0 speeds.