IDEF 2017: Turkey will showcase railgun and exoskeleton development

Turkish defence electronics giant Aselsan will showcase its progress in exoskeleton and electromagnetic railgun technologies at the forthcoming International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), which will take place in May in Istanbul.

As per the Daily Sabah, Aselsan’s exoskeleton concept, dubbed Askeri Yürüyüş Asistanı (Military Walking Assistant or ASYA), is being developed with the aim of reducing “the impact of gravitation upon [a] soldier’s leg and foot muscles and joints, and will thus help them to perform better.”

The ASYA could be used to help soldiers carry heavy equipment more comfortably and to traverse longer distances by foot without tiring. The Milliyet reports that a prototype will be shown at IDEF.

Alongside the ASYA, Aselsan will also showcase its Electromagnetic Gun System (EMT), which will be a vital component of Turkey’s railgun development program. TÜBİTAK-SAGE had showcased a railgun concept in November 2016 dubbed the “Sapan.”

As per C4 Defence, Aselsan has been conducting research and development work in electromagnetic launchers since at least 2014. It claimed to have carried out tests in December 2016. Aselsan aims to have a multi-mission solution, one that can be used for surface-to-surface and surface-to-air applications.

Notes & Comments:

These are important qualitative technologies. The benefits of the ASYA would be subtle, but the ability to reduce workload strain from the level of the individual could enhance efficiency in logistics. These benefits are not obvious, but they can instigate positive effects that can increase the success of major operations.

The potential impact of the Sapan and EMT are apparent. Electromagnetic railguns can form the basis of new long-range weapons. By using electricity (instead of explosive material) to propel warheads, railguns could fire munitions at significantly longer ranges. The munitions fired from railguns can also travel at a much higher speed than explosively-propelled counterparts.