Increased situational awareness of armored combat vehicle crews

Observation

From the very beginning of the development of armored vehicles there was a problem of poor visibility. Requirements for the maximum protection of armored vehicles impose severe restrictions on survey devices. Optical instruments mounted on armored vehicles have limited viewing angles at low pointing speed. This problem concerns both the commander and the gunner, and the driver of the armored vehicle. The author personally had the opportunity to ride a passenger on the BTR-80 and see how the driver in some parts of the route, got out of the hatch, deftly driving the armored wheel with his foot. Using this method of control clearly characterizes the visibility in this armored vehicle.

[center] Crew Jobs tank T-14 “Armata” - driver (upper image), commander and gunner (lower image)

In the 21st century, it became possible to radically improve the capabilities of armored vehicles for orientation in space and search for targets. There were high-resolution video cameras, high-performance night-vision devices, thermal imagers. Nevertheless, there is still some skepticism regarding the radical increase in the capabilities of domestic armored vehicles in terms of surveillance and reconnaissance of targets. To detect targets, it still takes considerable time to turn around the observation devices, followed by pointing weapons on target.

Perhaps there is a shift in the conceptually most advanced T-14 tank on the Armata platform, but there are questions about the capabilities of all-round cameras, the presence of night vision channels, speed, and guidance controls.

IronVision System Helmet

A very interesting solution is the IronVision helmet project by the Israeli company Elbit System. Like the helmet of the pilot of the fifth-generation American fighter F-35, the helmet IronVision will allow the crew of armored vehicles to see through the armor. The helmet provides the crew with a high-resolution color image that allows you to distinguish objects both in the vicinity and at a distance from the armored vehicle.


The work of the helmet system Iron Vision

It is necessary to dwell on this technology in more detail. The problem with the implementation of “transparent armor” is that it is not enough to hang the armored car with video cameras and put a helmet on the pilot with displays or projection of the picture into the pilot's eye. You need sophisticated software that can "stitch" information from neighboring cameras in real time and mix, that is, overlay layers of information from different types of sensors. For such complex software, an appropriate computing complex is required.

The total size of the F-35 fighter software source software (software) exceeds 20 million lines, almost half of this software code (8,6 million lines) conducts the most complicated algorithmic processing in real-time mode for pasting all incoming data from sensors into a single picture of the theater of operations.

The onboard supercomputer of the F-35 fighter is capable of performing 40 billion operations per second in continuous mode, thanks to which it provides multitask execution of demanding advanced avionics algorithms, including processing of electro-optical, infrared and radar data. The processed information from the sensors of the aircraft is displayed directly into the pupils of the pilot, taking into account the rotation of the head relative to the body of the aircraft.

F-35 fighter pilot helmet

Helmet Pilot F-35

In Russia, a new generation of helmets are being developed as part of the creation of the fifth generation fighter Su-57 and the Mi-28HM “Night Hunter” helicopter.

Perspective helmet of the pilot

The main technical characteristics of the pilot pilot helmet:
- the optical system of the helmet-mounted indicator of the binocular type;
- number of video display elements, not less than 1024х768;
- brightness - not less than 2000 cd / m2;
- the range of angular coordinates of the helmet position: in azimuth - from minus 90 to + 90, in elevation - from minus 60 to + 30;
- the frequency of updating the coordinate information is at least 100 Hz;
- the delay in issuing the coordinates of the current measurement is not more than 20 ms;
integral helmet weight - no more than 2 kg.

Based on the available information, we can assume that the technically promising Russian pilot’s helmet is capable of displaying graphical information, but at the same time it is primarily focused on the output of character graphics. Displaying the image from optical and thermal imaging intelligence can be inferior in quality to the image displayed by the F-35 pilot’s helmet, given the complexity that is required to adjust the latter. F-35 pilot helmet fit takes two days for two hours, the display of augmented reality should be located exactly in 2 millimeters from the center of the pupil, each helmet is designed for a specific pilot. The advantage of the Russian approach is most likely the ease of helmet adjustment compared to its American counterpart, and the Russian helmet can most likely be used by any pilot with a minimal setting.

A much more important issue is the ability of the combat vehicle software to provide a seamless “gluing together” of the image coming from the all-round cameras. In this case, the Russian systems are most likely still inferior to the systems of the likely enemy, ensuring that the image is displayed in a helmet only from surveillance devices located in the nose of the aircraft. However, it is possible that work in this direction is already underway in the relevant institutions.

How much is equipment of this type demanded as equipment for armored combat vehicles? Ground combat is much more dynamic than air combat, of course, not from the point of view of the speed of movement of military vehicles, but from the point of view of the sudden appearance of threats. This is facilitated by the difficult terrain, and the presence of green spaces, buildings and structures. And if we want to provide crews with high situational awareness, then aviation technologies must be adapted for use on armored vehicles, and the above example of the IronVision helmet by the Israeli company Elbit System clearly shows that their time has already come.

When using display systems in a helmet, it is necessary to take into account the fact that a person is not an owl, and cannot turn his head at 180 degrees. If we use the image from the sensors located in the nose of the aircraft or helicopter, this is not so critical. But when providing the crew with a circular review, it is necessary to consider various solutions that reduce the need for crew members to twist their heads to maximum angles. For example, compressing an image into a sort of 3D panorama, when turning the head 90 degrees, the image is rotated to 180 degrees. Another option - the presence of quick-change direction buttons - when you press one of them, the center of the image shifts to the top / side / rear hemisphere. The advantage of digital image display systems is that several options for controlling the review can be implemented, and each member of the crew of the armored vehicle can choose the most convenient method for themselves.

The main method of targeting weapons to the target should be the guidance of the eye. In this mode, several control algorithms can be implemented - for example, when a target is detected, the operator seizes it, then a command is given to use weapons, then the CIDA automatically turns around and fires a target. In another scenario, the DUMM performs a turnaround and tracking of the target; the operator for opening the fire is given by the operator additionally.

Helmet or screen?

Theoretically, information from external viewing cameras and other reconnaissance equipment can be displayed on large-format displays in the cockpit of a combat vehicle, in this case, the guidance of weapons will be provided by assault target designation systems (SCS) similar to those used in the cockpits of Su-27, MiG-29 fighters, helicopters Ka-xnumx. But the use of such solutions will be a step back, because the convenience and quality of outputting information on large-format displays will in any case be worse than when displaying a helmet-mounted display, and the failure of large area displays during a fight is more likely than damage to a helmet destroyed most likely only with the head of the carrier.

Surat XSTS of Su-27, MiG-29 fighters (left and center) and Review-800 NSC of Ka-50 helicopter (right)

In the case of using screens as a backup information display tool, guidance can be carried out by specifying a point on the surface of the touch screen, in other words, act according to the principle “point the target with your finger”.

Large screens in the cockpit of the concept of an Israeli tank "Carmel"

Judging by the latest information, such panels of the Russian industry are quite capable.

Dashboard Su-57 with the integration of large-format displays.

As mentioned earlier, compared to display systems in a helmet, displaying information on screens can be considered a less promising direction of development. On the example of the development of aircraft instrument panels and helicopters, it can be seen that for some time LCD screens coexisted with mechanical indicators. Later, as they got used to the screens and became convinced of their reliability, they gradually began to refuse mechanical indicators.

A similar process in the future can occur with screens. As helmet technology will be improved with the ability to display images, the process of setting them up will be simplified and automated, a complete abandonment of displays in the cockpit of military equipment is possible. This will optimize the cockpit ergonomics in view of the vacated space. From the point of view of redundancy, it is easier to put a spare helmet in the cab and make a backup line to connect it.

Neurointerface

Currently, the technology of reading brain activity is rapidly developing. There is no talk about reading thoughts, first of all these technologies are in demand in the medical field for people with limited mobility. Early experiments implied the introduction of small electrodes into the human brain, but later devices appeared, placed in a special helmet, and allowing control of a prosthesis or even a character in a computer game.

Neurointerfaces of Neurobotics company (left) and Rostec concern (right)

Management robot through the neural interface

Potentially, such technologies can have a significant impact on the control systems of combat vehicles. For example, when the distance to the observed object is changed, the person refocusing the eyes intuitively, without additional mental or muscular efforts. In a helmet with image output, brain activity recognition technology can be used in conjunction with pupil position tracking technology to instantly change the magnification of guidance devices according to the operator’s “mental” intuitive desire. In the case of using high-speed intelligence guidance drives, the operator will be able to change the field of view as quickly as a person can, simply looking around.

Hack and predictor Aviator

Combination DUMV with high-speed drive drives and modern information display systems in the helmets of the crews of armored vehicles, with the guidance of their weapons, will allow the armored vehicles to acquire previously inaccessible situational awareness and the highest response rate to threats.

In the next article we will talk about the ergonomics of the workplaces of ground combat vehicles and what the tank needs a supercomputer for.

Comments

[Krasnodar]

Informative, clear and to the point.

[Civil]

1. Thanks to the author for an excellent analysis.
2. All this, if combined with crewless systems, will be the future.

[Keyser soze]

In 10 years, Augmented Reality will steer in many areas of ordinary life and will become an ordinary prefix like a telephone. It is clear that the military will not pass by the capabilities of this technology.

[Aerodrome]

The network-centric principle is the near future, you can't go anywhere, but the weapon does not stand still. if some "EM contraption" turns off the monitor screens, and "muffles" the radio exchange, who will be in favor? T-64-72 ... here and from the "armata" will want to in the T-34 ... recently the SSJ disaster showed how modern GA pilots fly without an "autopilot".

[Keyser soze]

if some "EM gizmo" extinguishes the monitor screens, and "muffles" the radio traffic,

Well, I suppose that all the same military products have 9 "lives" and will not give up so easily. And if everything goes out, we take Kalash, run to the Metro and sign up for the Order :)

[SHOPPING MALL]

Quote: Aerodrome

The network-centric principle is the near future, you can't go anywhere, but the weapon does not stand still. if some "EM contraption" turns off the monitor screens, and "muffles" the radio exchange, who will be in favor? T-64-72 ... here and from the "armata" will want to in the T-34 ... recently the SSJ disaster showed how modern GA pilots fly without an "autopilot".

If what technique and can be maximally protected from EMR, then this is armored vehicles. Special electronics, Faraday cage with grounding through the tracks, metallized sputtering on optics, etc.

[lucul]

The combination of the SUMM with high-speed guidance drives and modern information display systems in the helmets of the crews of the armored vehicles, with the sighting of the armament, will allow the armored vehicles to gain previously inaccessible situational awareness and the highest reaction speed to threats.

..... And that means - it will significantly increase the survival of equipment and, accordingly, the crew.
It is a pity that the conclusion is not complete.
And so everything was thoroughly painted.

[Operator]

Augmented reality glasses / visor is not only accelerating the response to threats, but in fact the only effective way to bring video information to an infantryman or a tankman, since all large-format displays will fail after the first strike of a shell in a tank's armor, and all small-format displays of perspective equipment infantryman - after the first crawling on a belligerent on the battlefield.

A neural interface has an additional effect: the computer captures the microscopic time delays of a person’s pupils at the possible locations of the masked enemy firing points and flags them with flags so that the soldier who is under stress returns to them and examined in more detail. As a result, the military’s accumulated combat experience and a formalized neural interface algorithm are optimally combined.

[voyaka uh]

"displays ... will fail after the first hit of a shell in the tank's armor" ///
----
Do you think the developers did not think about this?
Screens in vibration and shockproof housings. Like rangefinders, night vision devices, etc.

[riwas]

It may be not so much to improve the situational awareness of the crews, but to include a computer in the processing of information from devices (identification of targets, identification of the most dangerous, automatic aiming of weapons, etc.) and leave the person only making a decision to open fire, and in some cases provide the latter with a computer .

[English tarantas]

This is also, but it is impossible to give the computer final decisions, so the work of the computer is attached to augmented reality. Still, a person is still fighting and will be smarter, so the computer only helps, not replaces.

[English tarantas]

Comrades, can someone tell me what kind of car this was shown in the video about IronVision based on BMP 2? I've never seen such a combat module.

[voyaka uh]

Maybe Carmel? The prototype concept of the Israeli light tank / BMP.
A chassis with 6 small rollers looks like the rest is not very ...

[English tarantas]

Yes, something doesn’t seem like, I only asked about the module, but the chassis in general is painfully familiar)

[SHOPPING MALL]

Shown are modern Russian microdisplay indication systems, including tanker "glasses" - https://topwar.ru/160242-pokazany-sovremennye-rossijskie-mikrodisplejnye-sistemy-indikacii-vkljuchaja-ochki-tankista.html

[SHOPPING MALL]

Israel Showcased Three Smart Armored Technology Demonstrators -
https://topwar.ru/160901-izrail-predstavil-tri-demonstratora-tehnologij-umnoj-bronetankovoj-tehniki.html

[iouris]

This is a relatively new technological industry, which should be invested in, and immediately search for civilian applications, so that the development will be profitable, in particular, games.

[cpls22]

the failure of large-area displays during the battle is more likely than damage to the helmet, which will most likely be destroyed only along with the wearer's head.

- in fact, the tanker's helmet was originally created in order to protect his head from hitting the internal equipment. Armored vehicles did not immediately acquire radio communications. To this day, for the tanker, there is still a risk of bruising his forehead during sudden braking inside the armored vehicle, which cannot be said about the pilots. What kind of helmets are there, and even with a precision reticle mount two millimeters from the pupil? Screw their heads with screws? The screen can be protected from vibration, but the helmet from collision with the environment cannot. So he slid on one side of the commander, so what? Stop the fight?