ILLUSTRATIONS: Rafael Sarmento
The Batman has been protecting the nights of Gotham City since 1939. At that time, he had a much simpler apparatus. As the years passed, however, and especially from the 1990s onwards, Bruce Wayne’s technological arsenal only expanded. Check out the technology behind the hero suit.
1) BAT ON THE LINE
The helmet hides a hard rubber frame that houses the communication system. Microphones in the «ears» allow Batman to hear sounds and conversations from many meters away. A built-in microphone allows communication with the batcave. The encrypted signal is transmitted over a long distance by the antenna. Detail: all of Batman’s equipment varies from place to place according to the designer. Audio equipment is sometimes on the left.
2) MANUAL WORK
The gloves have integrated microcircuits. The one on the right regulates the functions of the suit, while the one on the left allows you to call and control functions of the batmobile.
3) HAS EVERYTHING
The utility belt has several compartments and hard parts made of titanium that help protect its contents. When it is separated from the suit, a self-destruct system is activated and can only be canceled with a secret password.
4) WORK CLOTHES
The suit is a steel frame surrounded by two synthetic fibers: underneath, there are 15 micro-layers of nomex, which protect against flames, radiation and corrosive materials. On top, there’s a kevlar-reinforced weave that resists bullets.
5) SYMBOL
The symbol on the chest is purposely a target for firearms. So it has a triple layer of kevlar
6) WINGS OF TERROR
The cover is also made of kevlar and nomex. The tips have lead weights, which allows them to be used as an impact weapon against enemies. There’s even a release button in case the case gets caught or grabbed.
7) CALLING FOR REINFORCEMENTS
The boots are also thermally insulated and have a steel wrap to enhance kicking. The soles are made of high adhesion rubber, preventing slipping. And there’s a camouflaged button on the side: activating it, a high-frequency sound is emitted, attracting a colony of bats that distracts enemies.
FOR ALL WORKS
This universal tool allows Batman to penetrate virtually any type of electronic device.
BATARANGS
In his fight against enemies, Batman uses different types of projectiles.
FOR THE UP AND AWAY
Batman’s grapnel only debuted in comics after the 1989 film – before, the hero threw the rope with his hands. It uses a compressed CO₂ gas system to generate the thrust of the tip when it is triggered. The end is connected to 60 m of extra-resistant monofilament rope that can withstand 180 kg and, at rest, is wound on a spool. Projectile models vary by comic book illustrator