Helmets that cover the entire face are pretty much standard in science fiction, but they come with a host of problems. While they might protect the user from bullets and shrapnel, full helmets impair breathing and situational awareness while preventing the user from attaining proper cheek weld with their firearm. Possible solutions for vision: larger visor made of durable transparent materials like graphene or transparent ceramic/aluminum optics array linked to a VR display inside the helmet like a military-grade oculus rift Breathing: powered air supply Cheek weld: having the helmet cover only half of the face to allow for proper cheek weld gun-mounted optics wirelessly linked to a holographic HUD that simulates where the gun is firing power armor that allows stockless rifles to be held in front of the user like a pistol spray and pray What are some other solutions you can think of for problems with full helmets?
Difficulties with access to face for eating, drinking, nose-blowing, nose-scratching, etc... I don't know - I guess it would be best to not wear helmets when you have a cold? And to only wear them for limited periods of time so you can eat when they're off. If they had to be worn for longer, maybe a nutrient tube somewhere?
The obvious solution for cheek weld is laser sights - that way they don't have to bring the gun to the eye for aiming. The obvious solution for everything else is a flip up visor like you find on bike helmets
I've thought about laser sights, but the little red dot would be hard to spot, and it'd give your position away. The problem with flip-up visors is that it defeats the point of having the visor's protection while in combat. I guess full helmets explain why stormtrooper aim is so bad.
so you keep it flipped down when you need its protection but flip it up when you need to eat, drink etc - its not difficult really (ask any biker)
I would expect that a technology level in a civilization that gets away with full-face helmets wouldn't even need gun sights. Solutions Air: gas-permeable material. Vision: one-way mirror approach. But a material that doesn't reflect on one side; light penetrates toward face only. Cheek weld: helmet mechanically reforms to accept designated weapon(s). This can be assisted with computer virtual guidance.
Well, the one-way mirror would protect against blinding lasers, but the purpose of the visor is to protect the head from projectiles rather than obscure the user's face. I'm not sure what you mean by the helmet mechanically reforming though. Does it use computer-controlled electroactive polymers that change shape?
Sure. Whatever works. If you want cheek weld with a full-face helmet, then let the helmet have a tech that makes its shape change specifically to accommodate the weapon.
I like the gun camera + HUD idea. There's also an existing system that allows the shooter to designate a target, hold down the trigger, and the computer "watches" through a camera lined up to the gun. When the muzzle crosses the correct point in the gun's waver, the computer actually initiates the shot. AFAIK, it only works if both shooter and target are fairly stationary, but it's a new system, no reason you couldn't upgraded it. Here we are: http://newatlas.com/trackingpoint-precision-guided-firearms-scopes-digital/25264/
You could make the helmet less bulky, and still have the required breather apparatus. You could have the HUD work in tandem with a remote video sensor zeroed to the rifle, and have a targeting retical in the display field, like an FPS negating the need to shoulder fire the weapon. You can also have the optic set up to a PIP so it can be used to peek around corners/cover without exposing the soldier. It may not be the most original idea, but I am trying to be helpful.
