xvi, [2], 311, [7] pages. Figures. Tables. References. Glossary. Appendices.

xvi, [2], 311, [7] pages. Figures. Tables. References. Glossary. Appendices. Index. Dramatic political and economic changes throughout the world, coupled with rapid advances in technology, pose an important question for the U.S. Army: What technologies are best suited to defending U.S. interests against tomorrow's military threats? BOARD ON ARMY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (BAST): The BAST serves as a convening authority for the discussion of science and technology issues of importance to the U.S. Army and formulates independent Army-related studies conducted by the National Academies. In coordination with the Army, the BAST focuses study issues and statements of task and reviews committee membership nominations. BAST committee members are also encouraged to participate in ad hoc committees. STAR 21 provides an expert analysis of how the Army can prepare itself for the battlefield of the future--where soldiers will wear "smart" helmets and combat chemical warfare with vaccines produced in days to counter new threats. This book summarizes a wade variety of new developments, including robotics, "brilliant" munitions, medical support, laser sensors, biotechnology, and novel materials. Taking into account reliability, deployability, and other necessary characteristics of military systems, the volume identified the emerging technologies that offer the greatest potential payoff for the Army. It presents practical recommendations for pursuing their development and integrating them into Army Operations. Topics include long-term forecast of research; computer science, artificial intelligence, robotics; electronics and sensors; optics, photonics, directed energy; biotechnology and biochemistry; advanced materials; propulsion and power; advanced manufacturing technologies; and environmental and atmospheric sciences.