Combat control software complex "Eye/Thunderstorm"
A reconnaissance UAV crew works with their Glaz/Groza terminals. Still from the documentary "Military Education. Taking into account combat experience"
Currently Russian artillery uses several basic combat control systems. They are used to collect and process target data, provide target designation, and monitor firing results. One of the latest developments in this area is the Glaz/Groza software system. Thanks to a number of modern solutions, it allows for a dramatic reduction in the time from target detection to target destruction.
In control loops
The first mentions of the Glaz/Groza complex in open publications date back to early 2024. By this time, devices with such software had already reached artillery units of the Russian army. There they were mastered and began to be used in practice, including when solving real fire missions in the Special Operation zone.
According to available data, the Glaz/Groza complex has now become quite widespread in the military. The corresponding equipment is available and used by various artillery batteries and crews, as well as reconnaissance units that interact with them.
The use of the Glaz/Groza complex has been repeatedly demonstrated in open materials. For example, in December last year, the Zvezda TV channel showed a documentary film, Military Education. Taking into account combat experience, dedicated to the work of the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy and its cadets.
A UAV operator surveys the area. Still from the documentary "Military Education. Taking into account combat experience"
One of the episodes of the film was shot at a training ground where cadets practiced their calculation and fire control skills. Various tools were used to test skills and knowledge, including the latest Glaz/Groza software package and related hardware.
In the near future, cadets who mastered the Glaz/Groza complex and other relevant control systems were to receive officer shoulder straps and go to combat units. They will have to operate modern artillery guns of various types, and knowledge of new fire control systems will improve shooting results and combat effectiveness.
The exact plans of the Ministry of Defense for the introduction of the Glaz/Groza complex, as well as other similar means, are, for obvious reasons, unknown. However, available data show that any means and systems that allow for rapid and high-quality improvement of artillery performance are being actively introduced into the troops.
Probably, in the future the Ministry of Defense will analyze the results of operation and combat use of such systems and select the most successful ones for further development and wider implementation. Whether Glaz/Groza will be able to become the main means in its link is still unknown.
Software package
Available data shows that the Glaz/Groza software package was developed no later than 2023. The developer organization remains unknown. By the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024, the new systems were in service. It is likely that they were talking about military tests.
Cadets of the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy master the Glaz/Groza complex. Still from the documentary "Military Education. Taking into account combat experience"
In general, "Eye/Thunderstorm" is an application or a set of applications designed for installation on user devices. The hardware platforms used are smartphones and tablet computers with the Android operating system and the necessary wireless communication functions, navigation, etc.
The complex allows for artillery reconnaissance using UAVs. In this case, a smartphone or tablet used for control drone, receives the necessary application from the "Eye/Thunderstorm" system. In addition, the unmanned system crew has a second user device with the appropriate software. Apparently, reconnaissance can also be carried out by ground units, on foot or in specialized equipment. They must use a tablet with the necessary application.
Similar “terminals” with the necessary functions are available to artillery crews, unit commanders, etc. Despite a certain unification, they differ in purpose and functions.
The devices in the Glaz/Groza complex communicate with each other via radio communication of different standards. Bluetooth can be used at short distances, while in other cases other channels are needed, probably from Wi-Fi to satellite communication. In all cases, a constant connection is ensured with the ability to transfer data with minimal delay.
Supercam S350 UAV operator. This type of drone can operate together with the new control system
The Glaz/Groza software package has several main modules with the necessary functions. It can work with terrain maps, receive or transmit coordinates and other data about objects, and also perform calculations. The software database contains firing tables for all artillery systems of the Russian army, used in calculations. An important component of the package is a built-in messenger for transmitting text messages.
Work principles
Regardless of the exact composition of the participants, the tasks to be solved, etc., the operating principles of the Glaz/Groza complex are quite simple. At the same time, reconnaissance, quick calculations and the issuance of data for firing artillery systems are ensured.
Working in the Eye/Storm contours, scouts must study the terrain and look for targets to strike. For example, this function can be performed by a UAV crew. When an enemy object is detected, the drone operator marks it on the map in the application of his smartphone-remote control. The data is transmitted wirelessly to the second device, which makes additional calculations and sends the data to other participants of the complex. If necessary, the scouts supplement the data with their comments.
Target data is sent to the artillery battalion or battery commander's tablet. At this level, additional calculations are made to guide the guns. Then, using this data, the howitzers or mortars open fire.
The scouts continue to observe the target and adjust fire. The artillerymen are given information about the locations of shell explosions, deviations from the target, etc. They are given the opportunity to refine their calculations and repeat the strike.
The crew of the Msta-B howitzer at a firing position. Such systems can fire based on data from the Glaz/Groza complex
It is reported that the automation of calculations and digital data transmission allow for a sharp improvement in the speed of reconnaissance and fire contours. Depending on various factors and circumstances, the time from target detection to the first shot does not exceed 2-3 minutes. Traditional control systems with voice data transmission and manual calculations require many times more time.
Automation of key processes reduces the workload of military personnel. Fatigue is reduced and the ability to work for long periods or be on duty is improved. In addition, the likelihood of a calculation error that could negatively affect the entire combat operation is reduced.
Artillery and control
Thus, the Ministry of Defense and the defense industry continue to develop artillery, and they do so in several ways. New types of weapons are created and modernized, and in parallel, control systems with improved characteristics are introduced.
One of the innovations in this area is the Glaz/Groza combat control software suite. It has been used in the troops for about a year and a half and helps to carry out calculations, as well as deliver quick and accurate strikes on the enemy. The suite has proven itself well and contributed to the growth of the potential of land artillery. It has probably already found its place in the plans for the further development of domestic artillery.
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