US military is building a real ‘Iron Man’ suit

A Mark 5 prototype of the TALOS suit is expected by 2018

While many wish they had Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit, it is not real, at least not yet. But this has not stopped the US military from trying, who have made their own version of the armor with a working prototype suit is expected by 2018.

The Tactical Assault Light Operators Suit or TALOS “was chartered to explore and catalyse a revolutionary integration of advanced technology to provide comprehensive ballistic protection, peerless tactical capabilities and ultimately to enhance the strategic effectiveness of the SOF operator of the future,” US army's General Joseph Votel said at a National Defense Industries Association symposium on Wednesday.

According to the US Department of Defence joint acquisition task force for the suit was established in November 2013 and is banking on breakthrough technology -- or technologies -- to protect special operators, Votel said, having put together an unprecedented group from industry, academia and government to develop the prototype.

“Although many significant challenges remain, our goal for a Mark 5 prototype suit by 2018 is on track right now,” he said.