Urbanization of combat space
The pursuit of superiority is not waning. Its continuation contributes to the emergence of many new developments in various programs for the future soldier, since many tend to keep up with the rapidly developing operational space.
Specialists from the British Laboratory of Defense Science and Technology continue to work with a number of industrial enterprises to develop the army’s FSV program
In an effort to maintain tactical superiority over almost equal and high-tech rivals, the armed forces of many countries are forced to develop the additional capabilities required in modern military operations in a complex combat situation, in particular, in populated areas.
According to the leadership of the British Laboratory for Defense Science and Technology (DSTL), the armed forces are very cautious about the future operational space, although they are confident that the urbanized area will be one of the "most difficult areas in which they will have to act."
Tactical choice
According to the chief adviser of the Laboratory for Tactical Cyber and Information Systems, Chris Nichols, in the future the cities will turn into multi-dimensional combat spaces. “The armed forces operating in future cities will be forced to take into account the whole variety of combat conditions, ranging from underground communications to cyberspace. The scale of this problem is likely to be huge, each city block will turn into an equation with many unknowns, demanding special tactics and combat principles. ”
Considering this contested urban space (UCP) in connection with the concept of the British Army FSV (Future Soldier Vision - the vision of a future soldier), he noted that it is necessary to “improve the level of control of the situation in difficult conditions” by increasing the level of physical and cognitive perception, as well as by observing, reconnaissance and gathering information at the tactical level in order to immediately obtain data on the situation and increase the controllability of combat forces and means. "All this must be supported by reliable and stable communication in areas with difficult terrain."
With this in mind, DSTL Laboratory implements the Five Eyes technical cooperation program with partners from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.
This concept pays special attention to the usefulness and effectiveness of indirect-aiming weapons in UCP, as well as the abilities: to fire at quickly passing and undefined targets; improve exposure accuracy; use terrain to mask, hide and mislead; and finally, optimize communications and the GPS system inside buildings and in underground structures.
Future directions for the development of a cooperation program are likely to include the selection of technologies and the definition of tactics, methods and methods of warfare in order to: control the situation in human settlements almost in real time by managing intelligence and observation data, their reliable and timely collection, consolidation and distribution; on an ongoing basis, study autonomous systems and their role in reducing information overload at the tactical level; and prioritize sensors and information controls.
According to TT Electronics, more than 19 programs are present on the global soldier modernization market, all of which are at different stages of development and deployment.
Among the well-known programs for a dismounted soldier who are in advanced stages are: FELIN (France); IdZ-ES (Germany); Dominator (Israel); ACMS (Singapore); and Nett Warrior (USA). Other programs undergoing prototype testing include ISS (Canada); Land 125 (Australia); Warrior 202 (Finland); NORMANS (Norway); Tytan (Poland); MARKUS (Sweden); IMESS (Switzerland); and VOSS (Netherlands).
Each of these programs is distinguished by its combination of technologies, ranging from communication devices, advanced headsets, video devices, smartphones and wearable personal computers to UAVs, terrestrial robots, unattended sensors and weapons systems.
The Canadian army is at the second stage of its ISS program, according to which two operational groups are already equipped with soldier equipment
Iron fist
The British Ministry of Defense pays special attention to the deployment of the FIST concept (English, fist - fist; Future Integrated Soldier Technology - the technology of the future integrated soldier), the purpose of which is to reduce the burden on dismounted soldiers leading melee, while improving the means of observation and targeting awareness, vitality, mobility and mortality.
According to Colonel Alex Hutton of the Department of Combat Training Programs, the “ideal” equipment weight of the British Army's gunner is 25 kg, although he assumes that the “acceptable minimum” may be 40 kg. However, he noted that the current load actually averages 58 kg.
British Army initiatives aimed at meeting combat load requirements and simultaneously increasing levels of protection include integrating Raven's power and data management solutions into the advanced Virtus Pulse 3 personal protection and equipment system in order to further optimize the overall dimensions and energy-consuming characteristics.
In support of this initiative, the Ministry of Defense is in the process of determining the integration of the future soldier’s systems, although according to reports, the British still lag behind the achievements of the German IdZ-ES program and the French FELIN program.
In the British Army, special attention is paid to the ability of dismounted soldiers, leading melee, to command and control the combat space.
Current activities are aimed at improving tactical hearing protection systems, both in-ear and in-ear solutions. This special program provides for the purchase of 250000 "basic" devices, 9800 devices for the "special user" and 20866 systems for close combat.
One of the winners of this program is Invisio, which supplies S10 control devices and H5 hearing protection headsets to the British Army, Navy and Air Force from 2015.
Regarding the need for situational awareness and operational management, the Ministry of Defense is awaiting confirmation of funding for the DSA program (Dismounted Situational Awareness - possession of the situation of a dismounted soldier), which according to military sources remains in the middle of the “two-year pause”: funding should be resumed in April 2019 .
Addressing delegates to the advanced soldier technology conference held in London in March of this year, a representative of the British Army Army Development and Training Department said that the DSA and Raven projects would be “combined” in order to more quickly achieve mutual goals and save resources.
Describing the need for a full-fledged launch of both programs during 2018 and 2019's priority, Hutton noted that the DSA continues to take shape “to increase the pace, improve and accelerate decision making, increase cooperation, reduce risk and loss of own strength and reduce physical and cognitive load on dismounted soldiers. "
A program aimed at providing soldiers with a data transmission channel, an end-user device and an integrated combat control application must be broken down into five weekly experimental units that provide for testing in the laboratory and testing in combat conditions.
The British MoD continues to study the practicality of tactical autonomous technologies to support dismounted melee units. Among the options considered light tactical mobile platform LTMP (Light Tactical Mobility Platform), which satisfies the requirements for a system of transportation of high-traffic for evacuation of the wounded, the supply and support of advanced sniper groups.
Hatton noted that this concept is tied to the “fight easy” doctrine and that LTMP will replace quadrocycles; funding for this program will be agreed upon later. Other innovative technologies are also being considered, including the Big Dog platform from Boston Dynamics.
Many of these initiatives, capable of supporting the future community of dismounted soldiers, were reviewed by the Department of Defense during the Autonomous Warrior (Land) exercise, which began in June of this year and conducted as part of the Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE) 2018 experiment.
During the exercise, which will last until April 2019 of the year (after which they will go into the operational phase), "prototypes of air and ground transport platforms will be tested, designed to reduce the levels of danger to soldiers during combat operations."
The ministry’s statement also said: “In addition to the demonstration of vehicles performing supplies on the last mile, the Autonomous Warrior exercises will also check the observation capabilities, which will seriously increase the effectiveness, range and accuracy of the personnel’s armament.”
The importance of enhancing such capabilities was also noted by the new Chief of the General Staff, General Carlton, who said that the armed forces "must be ready to immediately join the battle today and prepare for tomorrow's hostilities."
In his opinion, “The essence of the war is expanding beyond traditional physical areas. We need a more proactive, knowledge-based approach. We need to make major bets on those technologies that can bring an exponential advantage, because, judging by the momentum, falling behind today means giving the advantage to the opponents, after which it will be impossible to catch up with opponents. ”
Autonomous Warrior teachings will also be based on the experience gained in the past AWE 2017 experiment, but taking into account new directions: the need for an intuitive battle management system, including the introduction of methods for reading / sending data packets; audible warning signals; overlay information on the cards; return buttons; zoom function by spreading and pinching fingers; remote delete functions; and prompt function.
In addition, the needs for built-in calculators for counting ammunition, compatibility of the user's end device with night-vision goggles, and variants of the end devices attached to the wrist were identified.
Achievement of results
The industry has already responded to another result of the AWE 2017 experiment. In June, Systematic unveiled the 3D visualization component for its SitaWare battle management software, designed to further improve the knowledge of a dismounted soldier's environment.
As Hans Bolbro from Systematic explained, the 6.7D visualization tool integrated into the SitaWare Headquarters 3 software allows users to “increase the level of visualization” of the battlefield while maintaining the same information and planning functions.
“This has several advantages. For example, when selecting possible observation posts, commanders receive a comprehensive picture of the operational space, allowing them to choose the most suitable positions for achieving the success of a combat task. ”
However, Bolbro, referring in particular to the field of close combat, explained: “The most difficult task so far is to get all the best and best systems with the required size, weight and energy, and also to develop various ways of using the user interface for a soldier on the field fight Although everyone uses smartphones with touchscreen technology, this may not be the best approach. There are new ways to allow a soldier to interact with their end-user device, tablet, head-mounted display, etc. ”
Referring to projecting operational management icons and overlaying graphics on lenses of various optical devices, he noted: “Some companies are considering integrating advanced augmented reality functions into more elegant solutions without bulky headsets, or even projecting data onto the retina, rather than onto the display. This may be the most important change for melee, which will give the soldier a more integrated user interface. ”
“The battle management system is increasingly seen as an essential component of increasing the pace of operations, as well as security. Knowing where your forces are located is one of the key elements of the operation, including the ability to generate relevant situational awareness and exchange plans and teams on the battlefield. ”
Canada can
Director Daniel Thibodeau of the Integrated Soldier System ISS (Integrated Soldier System) program confirmed that after the NATO certification in June of this year, the Canadian army began its deployment. He added that the ISS should ultimately be compatible with the NATO standard STANAG 4677, while its system architecture is still being improved and refined.
Speaking at the conference Future Soldier Technology. Thibodo confirmed that the ISS program provides for the purchase of 4144 equipment sets that will increase the capabilities of soldiers in melee by increasing the level of knowledge of the situation and improved navigation systems, target detection and information exchange with other soldiers, weapons systems, sensors and vehicles.
In order to be able to equip up to six “task forces” or battalions, this program received further impetus and moved to the second phase or the 2 Cycle. In the first stage or in the 1 Cycle, a “basic version of the wearable communication kit was originally developed, including data and voice encryption, logistic and technical support.
In accordance with the contract awarded to Rheinmetall Canada in 2015, the initial batch of 1632 kits was delivered, based on the Argus Next-Generation concept, which was presented at Eurosatory 2018. As Thibodeau confirmed, the first two operational teams were equipped with ISS kits this summer.
At the same exhibition, BAE Systems presented another prototype of the Argus Next-Generation. It is distinguished by the Broadsword Spine open-architecture hub, which was designed to reduce the weight and size and power characteristics of a dismounted soldier. A sample of technology demonstration was exhibited with the words “Canadian ISS layout”.
Also, at Eurosatory, the integration of Broadsword with the radio station Thales St @ R Mille, the special mobile network radio station Persistent Systems MPU4 and the Getac MX50 tablet were presented.
The ISS 2 cycle, which is expected to last from 4 to 5 years, focuses on product development in the following areas: the ability to communicate with the combat vehicle; integration of existing and new sensor soldiers; and adoption on the supply of tablets, alternative headsets and navigation technologies. “Speech messages will remain important in the fighting, but the need for data transmission is growing and therefore the Cycle will consider the possibility of transferring data between the ISS and the ground command support system,” Thibodo explained.
However, further technological improvements will be implemented in the 3 Cycle based on the results of research and development. “ISS has one option with the same opportunities for everyone, from the shooter to the platoon commander. You use what you need and when you need it. We did not want to limit the soldiers, ”Thibodeau explained, referring to the developments in the field of tactics, methods and methods of warfare, conducted at the Gagetown Training Center.
This test program was aimed at studying the tactical use of user end devices, for example, when scanning sectors of fire in parallel with optical armory sights.
“Much can be obtained during the relevant combat training, but we have never had problems so far, as the soldiers know their work,” said Thibodeau at the Future Soldier Technology conference. However, in his opinion, the rapid progress of technology will make it almost impossible to predict what might become available to the armed forces in the next few years.
“I cannot predict which technologies will be available in five years. We will do some research in the defense industry, work with the business and determine where we want to go in the future. There is already one project that should replace ISS. In essence, we know that a system that is heavily dependent on technology will not remain forever. So what happens next? Did we like it? Do we want to buy another product? Do we want to be based on what we have understood and studied? ”
Rheinmetall used the Eurosatory exhibition to demonstrate its vision of promising soldier technologies, many of whose elements are integrated into German and Canadian programs.
Rise of the Bundeswehr
The German armed forces are preparing plans to integrate IdZ-ES into their joint VJTF (Very High Readiness Joint Task Force) for 2023. Currently, under a contract with Rheinmetall, upgrades to the existing IdZ-ES system include the integration of a “compact battle management system, as well as the consideration of the IdZ-3 variant”.
According to the representative of the army, the armed forces are already working on the option of outfitting the shooter of a smaller form factor. This option differs in the so-called "electronic back", which consists of a central battery and power management system.
The previous version of the system was a larger form factor. Therefore, this element was reconfigured in connection with the problems associated with its poor ergonomics in combat vehicles, for example, in the new Puma BMP. Soldiers are known to suffer from limited mobility within the vehicle, including embarkation and disembarkation.
The option shown at Eurosatory 2018 in Paris by Rheinmetall Electronics had a tablet-mounted computer, a monitoring device for communications, a headset, a programmable radio station, and a speaker detection acoustic system mounted on the chest.
The German armed forces are also considering the acquisition of an integrated command and control command and control system (C4I), which has a push button, is included. Now the soldier will not need to remove his hands from the rifle in order to work with the combat control system or other subsystems. The new shooter kit includes a helmet-mounted display, night vision goggles with an infrared channel, an "electronic back", an operational control unit - it will be used also for recognition and classification of targets, as well as navigation.
“The C4I operational management system of the IdZ-ES equipment, which has officially passed the security check, must be able to process secret data up to the NATO classified secret,” the army official confirmed.
It is assumed that the IdZ-ES system will unite the dispersed soldier, acting as part of the VJTF group, with a wider range of military equipment, including the BMP Boxer, a heavy weapons transporter, semi-autonomous ground-based robots and nano and micro-UAVs, including the Black drone Hornet from FUR Systems.
After the first success of the equipment of the future soldier, including FELIN and IdZ, the market continues to work closely with the industry and the end-user community to develop solutions that are more suitable for supporting tasks in the entire modern operational space.
However, it does not matter how advanced the technology is, solutions must be supported by developed and proven principles of combat use, tactical techniques, methods and methods of warfare, as well as ergonomics to allow dismounted soldiers conducting close combat to perform their task safely and effectively
Materials used:
www.shephardmedia.com
www.gov.uk
www.ttelectronics.com
systematic.com
www.baesystems.com
www.rheinmetall.com
www.bundeswehr.de
www.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org
Specialists from the British Laboratory of Defense Science and Technology continue to work with a number of industrial enterprises to develop the army’s FSV program
In an effort to maintain tactical superiority over almost equal and high-tech rivals, the armed forces of many countries are forced to develop the additional capabilities required in modern military operations in a complex combat situation, in particular, in populated areas.
According to the leadership of the British Laboratory for Defense Science and Technology (DSTL), the armed forces are very cautious about the future operational space, although they are confident that the urbanized area will be one of the "most difficult areas in which they will have to act."
Tactical choice
According to the chief adviser of the Laboratory for Tactical Cyber and Information Systems, Chris Nichols, in the future the cities will turn into multi-dimensional combat spaces. “The armed forces operating in future cities will be forced to take into account the whole variety of combat conditions, ranging from underground communications to cyberspace. The scale of this problem is likely to be huge, each city block will turn into an equation with many unknowns, demanding special tactics and combat principles. ”
Considering this contested urban space (UCP) in connection with the concept of the British Army FSV (Future Soldier Vision - the vision of a future soldier), he noted that it is necessary to “improve the level of control of the situation in difficult conditions” by increasing the level of physical and cognitive perception, as well as by observing, reconnaissance and gathering information at the tactical level in order to immediately obtain data on the situation and increase the controllability of combat forces and means. "All this must be supported by reliable and stable communication in areas with difficult terrain."
With this in mind, DSTL Laboratory implements the Five Eyes technical cooperation program with partners from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.
This concept pays special attention to the usefulness and effectiveness of indirect-aiming weapons in UCP, as well as the abilities: to fire at quickly passing and undefined targets; improve exposure accuracy; use terrain to mask, hide and mislead; and finally, optimize communications and the GPS system inside buildings and in underground structures.
Future directions for the development of a cooperation program are likely to include the selection of technologies and the definition of tactics, methods and methods of warfare in order to: control the situation in human settlements almost in real time by managing intelligence and observation data, their reliable and timely collection, consolidation and distribution; on an ongoing basis, study autonomous systems and their role in reducing information overload at the tactical level; and prioritize sensors and information controls.
According to TT Electronics, more than 19 programs are present on the global soldier modernization market, all of which are at different stages of development and deployment.
Among the well-known programs for a dismounted soldier who are in advanced stages are: FELIN (France); IdZ-ES (Germany); Dominator (Israel); ACMS (Singapore); and Nett Warrior (USA). Other programs undergoing prototype testing include ISS (Canada); Land 125 (Australia); Warrior 202 (Finland); NORMANS (Norway); Tytan (Poland); MARKUS (Sweden); IMESS (Switzerland); and VOSS (Netherlands).
Each of these programs is distinguished by its combination of technologies, ranging from communication devices, advanced headsets, video devices, smartphones and wearable personal computers to UAVs, terrestrial robots, unattended sensors and weapons systems.
The Canadian army is at the second stage of its ISS program, according to which two operational groups are already equipped with soldier equipment
Iron fist
The British Ministry of Defense pays special attention to the deployment of the FIST concept (English, fist - fist; Future Integrated Soldier Technology - the technology of the future integrated soldier), the purpose of which is to reduce the burden on dismounted soldiers leading melee, while improving the means of observation and targeting awareness, vitality, mobility and mortality.
According to Colonel Alex Hutton of the Department of Combat Training Programs, the “ideal” equipment weight of the British Army's gunner is 25 kg, although he assumes that the “acceptable minimum” may be 40 kg. However, he noted that the current load actually averages 58 kg.
British Army initiatives aimed at meeting combat load requirements and simultaneously increasing levels of protection include integrating Raven's power and data management solutions into the advanced Virtus Pulse 3 personal protection and equipment system in order to further optimize the overall dimensions and energy-consuming characteristics.
In support of this initiative, the Ministry of Defense is in the process of determining the integration of the future soldier’s systems, although according to reports, the British still lag behind the achievements of the German IdZ-ES program and the French FELIN program.
In the British Army, special attention is paid to the ability of dismounted soldiers, leading melee, to command and control the combat space.
Current activities are aimed at improving tactical hearing protection systems, both in-ear and in-ear solutions. This special program provides for the purchase of 250000 "basic" devices, 9800 devices for the "special user" and 20866 systems for close combat.
One of the winners of this program is Invisio, which supplies S10 control devices and H5 hearing protection headsets to the British Army, Navy and Air Force from 2015.
Regarding the need for situational awareness and operational management, the Ministry of Defense is awaiting confirmation of funding for the DSA program (Dismounted Situational Awareness - possession of the situation of a dismounted soldier), which according to military sources remains in the middle of the “two-year pause”: funding should be resumed in April 2019 .
Addressing delegates to the advanced soldier technology conference held in London in March of this year, a representative of the British Army Army Development and Training Department said that the DSA and Raven projects would be “combined” in order to more quickly achieve mutual goals and save resources.
Describing the need for a full-fledged launch of both programs during 2018 and 2019's priority, Hutton noted that the DSA continues to take shape “to increase the pace, improve and accelerate decision making, increase cooperation, reduce risk and loss of own strength and reduce physical and cognitive load on dismounted soldiers. "
A program aimed at providing soldiers with a data transmission channel, an end-user device and an integrated combat control application must be broken down into five weekly experimental units that provide for testing in the laboratory and testing in combat conditions.
The British MoD continues to study the practicality of tactical autonomous technologies to support dismounted melee units. Among the options considered light tactical mobile platform LTMP (Light Tactical Mobility Platform), which satisfies the requirements for a system of transportation of high-traffic for evacuation of the wounded, the supply and support of advanced sniper groups.
Hatton noted that this concept is tied to the “fight easy” doctrine and that LTMP will replace quadrocycles; funding for this program will be agreed upon later. Other innovative technologies are also being considered, including the Big Dog platform from Boston Dynamics.
Many of these initiatives, capable of supporting the future community of dismounted soldiers, were reviewed by the Department of Defense during the Autonomous Warrior (Land) exercise, which began in June of this year and conducted as part of the Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE) 2018 experiment.
During the exercise, which will last until April 2019 of the year (after which they will go into the operational phase), "prototypes of air and ground transport platforms will be tested, designed to reduce the levels of danger to soldiers during combat operations."
The ministry’s statement also said: “In addition to the demonstration of vehicles performing supplies on the last mile, the Autonomous Warrior exercises will also check the observation capabilities, which will seriously increase the effectiveness, range and accuracy of the personnel’s armament.”
The importance of enhancing such capabilities was also noted by the new Chief of the General Staff, General Carlton, who said that the armed forces "must be ready to immediately join the battle today and prepare for tomorrow's hostilities."
In his opinion, “The essence of the war is expanding beyond traditional physical areas. We need a more proactive, knowledge-based approach. We need to make major bets on those technologies that can bring an exponential advantage, because, judging by the momentum, falling behind today means giving the advantage to the opponents, after which it will be impossible to catch up with opponents. ”
Autonomous Warrior teachings will also be based on the experience gained in the past AWE 2017 experiment, but taking into account new directions: the need for an intuitive battle management system, including the introduction of methods for reading / sending data packets; audible warning signals; overlay information on the cards; return buttons; zoom function by spreading and pinching fingers; remote delete functions; and prompt function.
In addition, the needs for built-in calculators for counting ammunition, compatibility of the user's end device with night-vision goggles, and variants of the end devices attached to the wrist were identified.
Achievement of results
The industry has already responded to another result of the AWE 2017 experiment. In June, Systematic unveiled the 3D visualization component for its SitaWare battle management software, designed to further improve the knowledge of a dismounted soldier's environment.
As Hans Bolbro from Systematic explained, the 6.7D visualization tool integrated into the SitaWare Headquarters 3 software allows users to “increase the level of visualization” of the battlefield while maintaining the same information and planning functions.
“This has several advantages. For example, when selecting possible observation posts, commanders receive a comprehensive picture of the operational space, allowing them to choose the most suitable positions for achieving the success of a combat task. ”
However, Bolbro, referring in particular to the field of close combat, explained: “The most difficult task so far is to get all the best and best systems with the required size, weight and energy, and also to develop various ways of using the user interface for a soldier on the field fight Although everyone uses smartphones with touchscreen technology, this may not be the best approach. There are new ways to allow a soldier to interact with their end-user device, tablet, head-mounted display, etc. ”
Referring to projecting operational management icons and overlaying graphics on lenses of various optical devices, he noted: “Some companies are considering integrating advanced augmented reality functions into more elegant solutions without bulky headsets, or even projecting data onto the retina, rather than onto the display. This may be the most important change for melee, which will give the soldier a more integrated user interface. ”
“The battle management system is increasingly seen as an essential component of increasing the pace of operations, as well as security. Knowing where your forces are located is one of the key elements of the operation, including the ability to generate relevant situational awareness and exchange plans and teams on the battlefield. ”
Canada can
Director Daniel Thibodeau of the Integrated Soldier System ISS (Integrated Soldier System) program confirmed that after the NATO certification in June of this year, the Canadian army began its deployment. He added that the ISS should ultimately be compatible with the NATO standard STANAG 4677, while its system architecture is still being improved and refined.
Speaking at the conference Future Soldier Technology. Thibodo confirmed that the ISS program provides for the purchase of 4144 equipment sets that will increase the capabilities of soldiers in melee by increasing the level of knowledge of the situation and improved navigation systems, target detection and information exchange with other soldiers, weapons systems, sensors and vehicles.
In order to be able to equip up to six “task forces” or battalions, this program received further impetus and moved to the second phase or the 2 Cycle. In the first stage or in the 1 Cycle, a “basic version of the wearable communication kit was originally developed, including data and voice encryption, logistic and technical support.
In accordance with the contract awarded to Rheinmetall Canada in 2015, the initial batch of 1632 kits was delivered, based on the Argus Next-Generation concept, which was presented at Eurosatory 2018. As Thibodeau confirmed, the first two operational teams were equipped with ISS kits this summer.
At the same exhibition, BAE Systems presented another prototype of the Argus Next-Generation. It is distinguished by the Broadsword Spine open-architecture hub, which was designed to reduce the weight and size and power characteristics of a dismounted soldier. A sample of technology demonstration was exhibited with the words “Canadian ISS layout”.
Also, at Eurosatory, the integration of Broadsword with the radio station Thales St @ R Mille, the special mobile network radio station Persistent Systems MPU4 and the Getac MX50 tablet were presented.
The ISS 2 cycle, which is expected to last from 4 to 5 years, focuses on product development in the following areas: the ability to communicate with the combat vehicle; integration of existing and new sensor soldiers; and adoption on the supply of tablets, alternative headsets and navigation technologies. “Speech messages will remain important in the fighting, but the need for data transmission is growing and therefore the Cycle will consider the possibility of transferring data between the ISS and the ground command support system,” Thibodo explained.
However, further technological improvements will be implemented in the 3 Cycle based on the results of research and development. “ISS has one option with the same opportunities for everyone, from the shooter to the platoon commander. You use what you need and when you need it. We did not want to limit the soldiers, ”Thibodeau explained, referring to the developments in the field of tactics, methods and methods of warfare, conducted at the Gagetown Training Center.
This test program was aimed at studying the tactical use of user end devices, for example, when scanning sectors of fire in parallel with optical armory sights.
“Much can be obtained during the relevant combat training, but we have never had problems so far, as the soldiers know their work,” said Thibodeau at the Future Soldier Technology conference. However, in his opinion, the rapid progress of technology will make it almost impossible to predict what might become available to the armed forces in the next few years.
“I cannot predict which technologies will be available in five years. We will do some research in the defense industry, work with the business and determine where we want to go in the future. There is already one project that should replace ISS. In essence, we know that a system that is heavily dependent on technology will not remain forever. So what happens next? Did we like it? Do we want to buy another product? Do we want to be based on what we have understood and studied? ”
Rheinmetall used the Eurosatory exhibition to demonstrate its vision of promising soldier technologies, many of whose elements are integrated into German and Canadian programs.
Rise of the Bundeswehr
The German armed forces are preparing plans to integrate IdZ-ES into their joint VJTF (Very High Readiness Joint Task Force) for 2023. Currently, under a contract with Rheinmetall, upgrades to the existing IdZ-ES system include the integration of a “compact battle management system, as well as the consideration of the IdZ-3 variant”.
According to the representative of the army, the armed forces are already working on the option of outfitting the shooter of a smaller form factor. This option differs in the so-called "electronic back", which consists of a central battery and power management system.
The previous version of the system was a larger form factor. Therefore, this element was reconfigured in connection with the problems associated with its poor ergonomics in combat vehicles, for example, in the new Puma BMP. Soldiers are known to suffer from limited mobility within the vehicle, including embarkation and disembarkation.
The option shown at Eurosatory 2018 in Paris by Rheinmetall Electronics had a tablet-mounted computer, a monitoring device for communications, a headset, a programmable radio station, and a speaker detection acoustic system mounted on the chest.
The German armed forces are also considering the acquisition of an integrated command and control command and control system (C4I), which has a push button, is included. Now the soldier will not need to remove his hands from the rifle in order to work with the combat control system or other subsystems. The new shooter kit includes a helmet-mounted display, night vision goggles with an infrared channel, an "electronic back", an operational control unit - it will be used also for recognition and classification of targets, as well as navigation.
“The C4I operational management system of the IdZ-ES equipment, which has officially passed the security check, must be able to process secret data up to the NATO classified secret,” the army official confirmed.
It is assumed that the IdZ-ES system will unite the dispersed soldier, acting as part of the VJTF group, with a wider range of military equipment, including the BMP Boxer, a heavy weapons transporter, semi-autonomous ground-based robots and nano and micro-UAVs, including the Black drone Hornet from FUR Systems.
After the first success of the equipment of the future soldier, including FELIN and IdZ, the market continues to work closely with the industry and the end-user community to develop solutions that are more suitable for supporting tasks in the entire modern operational space.
However, it does not matter how advanced the technology is, solutions must be supported by developed and proven principles of combat use, tactical techniques, methods and methods of warfare, as well as ergonomics to allow dismounted soldiers conducting close combat to perform their task safely and effectively
Materials used:
www.shephardmedia.com
www.gov.uk
www.ttelectronics.com
systematic.com
www.baesystems.com
www.rheinmetall.com
www.bundeswehr.de
www.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org
Information