Armada-Modern-Soldier-Compendium-AUGSEPT-2013

Compendium 

Modern 

Soldier 

Programmes 

by 

All About Power 

INTERNATIONAL: The trusted source for defence technology information since 1976

The Soldato Futuro sighting system 

is currently made of Raytheon Elcan 

SpecterDR 1-4x, L-3 Warrior System 

Insight Mini Thermal Monocular 

and AN/PEQ-15 Aptial laser pointer 

(Armada/P. Valpolini) 


With the years the term “Future Soldier Programme” has become hardly applicable in a 

certain number of nations, although many, if not most of the systems announced by 

certain nations, yet need to enter service. Some soldier modernisation programmes, or 

SMPs in short, have been announced, but work is still in the starting blocks. 

Paolo Valpolini 

The advent of smartphones with 

powerful computing capacities is 

definitely influencing the evolution 

of many soldier modernisation 

programmes, to the extent that some had to 

be moved back to square one to exploit 

those suddenly available technologies. 

However, no system in service is yet based 

on that type of hardware and the related 

operating system that allows the installation 

of rapidly developed apps. 

Currently only France has operationally 

fielded an integrated suite. Britain, for its 

part, has fielded most of the Fist 

components, although they are only related 

to sighting and targeting, while Germany 

deployed its first IdZ-ES equipped infantry 

battalion to Afghanistan in summer 2013. 

NETT WARRIOR 

One of the programmes that was heavily 

impacted by the advent of smartphones is 

definitely the Nett Warrior, the successor of 

the Land Warrior, which is evolving yearly 

through Network Integration Evaluations 

(NIEs). Following the decision to abandon 

the conventional way of acquisition, the 

DOT&E that saw three companies being 

selected for the development of competing 

systems to be evaluated, and that of 

following a cots path, the programme has 

now gone through various iterations, the 

one that started last May being NIE 13.2. 

One thing that is relatively stable is the 

communications element. The choice went 

to the General Dynamics C4I Systems 

AN/PRC-154, which is able to transmit both 

voice and data simultaneously utilizing the 

Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW). Thanks to 

the embedded GPS it continuously 

transmits the Position Location 

Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013 

03

The US Army Nett Warrior 

programme is sliding towards 

cots technologies. A typical 

example of this trend is the use of 

smartphones. (US Army) 

Initial Production order covered 2,052 

radios and had a maximum potential value 

of $11 million if all options are exercised. 

Initial deliveries started in Q1 2013. 

Turning to the computer, the “Network 

Integration Evaluation 13.1” of November 

2012 saw the adoption of the first cots item 

in the form of a Motorola Atrix smartphone. 

At 135 grams, it featured a 4-inch display with 

a 960x540 pixel resolution. A Soldier Worn 

Integrated Power Equipment System was also 

adopted to extend the endurance of the 

system – this conformal battery package 

providing some 14 extra hours to be added to 

the radio’s 7 hours autonomy. The Atrix 

screen dimensions were considered too small 

and for NIE 13.2, which was run in May 2013, 

a 178-gram Samsung Galaxy Note I was 

adopted, its 5.3-inch Super Amoled 

touchscreen having a 1280x800 pixel 

resolution. However, following the issuing of 

the Atrix to two of the 10th Mountain 

Division brigades (the next unit to receive 

Nett Warrior gear), part of 1st Armored 

Division will get the Samsung Note II that 

The availability of text messages, maps and 

pictures is one of the goals pursued by the US 

Army soldier digitisation programme. (US Army) 

General Dynamics C4I Systems’ AN/PRC-154 soldier radio is the backbone of the US Army 

soldier modernisation programme. (US Army) 

Information (PLI), enabling situational 

awareness and blue force tracking, and 

supports hands-free display and external 

computer interfaces. The radio operates in 

UHF and L bands and allows to actively 

participate in one voice talk call group while 

simultaneously monitoring other talk 

groups. At 417 grams without battery and 

771 grams with battery, its operational life 

is of over 10 hours. 

In November 2012 the US Army 

launched a first contract for the new 

AN/PRC-154A Nett Warrior Radio. The 

main difference is that the “Alpha” is made to 

allow platoon leaders and those above to 

connect on secure nets up to Secret, while 

keeping the Sensitive-but-Unclassified 

connection to the soldiers equipped with the 

standard radio, even while physical features 

remain nearly identical. The Low Rate 

features a 5.5-inch display and can host 

memory cards of up to 64 GB. The software 

has evolved considerably according to user 

indications, especially in terms of map 

handling. The Nett Warrior also includes a 

helmet-mounted display, while the cabling of 

the various elements has also been upgraded 

to save weight and improve reliability. 

Last May – a noteworthy point – the 

Department of Defense announced the 

release of the Apple iOS 6 STIG (Security 

Technical Implementation Guide), adding 

this operating system to BlackBerry’s 

Enterprise Service 10 software and Google’s 

Android OS for Samsung Knox which had 

already been released. This allows the 

Department to chose among multiple cots 

options for its SMPs. 

04 Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013

The commanders’ tablet of the Félin French Army soldier-worn C2 system allows to plan a 

mission on a digital map. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

The Félin system includes a modular 

protection system that allows soldiers to tailor 

their equipment according to the mission. 


FÉLIN 

With the delivery of the 10,000 th kit to the 

French Army, the Félin programme is 

moving at a steady pace. In the meantime 

the first lessons learned have started to flow 

back from Afghanistan: according to 1 st 

Infantry Regiment personnel, who first 

deployed downrange with the Felin system, 

the sights proved of invaluable importance in 

improving fire effectiveness and reducing 

ammunition consumption. Each infantry 

team was normally carrying three thermal 

imaging sights and four image 

intensification ones. As for C2, radio 

performances have to be improved 

according to French soldiers, who 

particularly appreciated the osteomicrophone 

fitted in the headband. 

The touch-screen tablet was used only at 

platoon/company commanders level; on the 

move it allowed to verify the position of the 

sub-units, while when static it was used to 

verify the firing plan, getting the info from 

section commanders, and to send to higher 

echelons a summary of the situation. Not 

been used by the 1 st Infantry Regiment in 

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Afghanistan, however, were the preformatted 

messages as well as the headmounted 

display. Battery endurance proved 

to be more than sufficient, given the 

relatively non-intensive use of the system. 

The spiralisation of the system will see 

the adoption of a new radio and of a new 

body armour, the latter aiming at increasing 

the infantryman mobility by lowering 

weight and increasing comfort. This should 

occur two-thirds into the deliveries, that is 

around kit number 15,000 – out of a total of 

some 22,000 systems. 

IDZ-ES / GLADIUS 

The Bundeswehr IdZ-ES (Infanterist der 

Zukunft – Erweiterte System) 1 , the future 

infantryman improved system, officially 

started its operational life on 7 March 2013, 

when the system was officially handed over 

from prime contractor Rheinmetall Defence 

to the President of the BAAIN (formerly 

BWB), Mr. Harald Stein, in the presence of 

The German IdZ-ES was handed over by Rheinmetall to the German Bundeswehr in early 

March 2013. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

the General Inspector of the German Army, 

Lt.Gen. Bruno Kasdorf. 

In fact one German Army unit, the 12 th 

Security Battalion, has been training with the 

system since September 2012 in order to 

gather as much experience as possible. The 

battalion is now in charge of the instruction of 

the operational units that will receive the IdZ- 

ES gear and will deploy in Afghanistan. The 

first unit to be equipped with the system is 

the 232 GebirgsjägerBatallion based in 

Bischofswiesen and part of the 23 Mountain 

Infantry Brigade, (which will have been 

redeployed in Afghanistan since Summer 

2013). The IdZ-ES familiarisation phase for 

each of the battalions lasts six weeks and takes 

place at the Infantry School in Hammelburg. 

A few elements have been changed, 

starting with a new helmet, the Ops-Core 

Fast Ballistic Helmet (1328 grams in the 

Medium/Large size including Visual 

Augmentation System Shroud and rails). 

With the improved body armour, these two 

new items result in a 20-25% weight 

reduction over the previous subsystems. 

Shortly before the configuration was 

frozen the German Army decided to adopt 

the Mehler carrying vest in place of that 

from Blücher, the latter company 

nevertheless remaining the main provider 

for the clothing and protection system. 

In the field of the night vision, a new 

thermal imager has been added to the Zeiss 

Optronics (now Cassidian Optronics) IRV- 

600, a thermal imager perfectly suited for 

use at longer ranges – 400 to 600 metres – by 

designated marksmen, snipers or machine 

gunners, as well as by riflemen operating at 

medium distances. The performance of this 

clip-on system, that can detect a person at 

1,520 metres, recognise it at 520 and identify 

it at 250, comes at a price, namely weight, 


The electronic backpack of the German IdZ-ES 

developed by Rheinmetall; Boxer and Puma 

seats have been adapted to fit that German 

Army system. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

since the IRV-600 weighs 1,090 grams 

including batteries, mount and CQB rail. To 

lighten the burden of the rifleman when 

operating at shorter engagement distances, 

under 100 metres, the Bundwswehr added 

a second clip-on uncooled thermal imager, 

the Dragon C developed and produced by 

Qioptiq in Britain. This unit can be 

integrated with optical day sights in the 

range of x1 – x4 magnification and thus 

perfectly fits the Zeiss Optics 4x30 sight 

chosen for the IdZ-ES. Excluding batteries 

the Dragon C thermal imager weighs less 

than 390 grams, its two AA 1.5 V batteries 

providing over five hours of operation at 

standard temperature. 

Each infantry squad will maintain four 

Cassidian IRV-600, while in mechanised 

squads we will also find three Qioptiq 

systems, allowing soldiers to choose their 

equipment according to the mission. Night 

vision goggles remain the 51° FoV Lucie II D, 

310 of which were ordered to Thales in late 

2012. Compared to the standard NVGs of 

that type those developed for the IdZ-ES 

feature an integrated OLED data and video 

display. With this add-on the Lucie II D can 

be used for night vision only, image display 

only, showing terrain layouts or maps, or 

mixed-mode operation, overlaying tactical 

and status information in the upper or lower 

display area over night vision. Moreover the 

contract also included 16 Lucie II DIR; these 

NVGs will feature the Thales Angénieux IR 

module that creates an image overlay with 

residual light and thermal image. Thales is 

also responsible for communications and 

supplies its Solar 400 EG, lithium-ion 

batteries as the power supply for the entire 

electronic backbone, charging stations, 

antenna kits and adapters and cables. 

Although currently not yet part of the 

IdZ-ES, the Rheinmetall man-worn shotgun 

detector known as AkSL (Akustisches 

Schützen-Lokalisationssystem) is now a 

reality and a proposal to the Bundeswehr 

was filed in late April 2013. The system 

adopts the well-known configuration with a 

shoulder pad containing the sensors and the 

electronics and a light wrist-worn display. 

Currently seen as a stand-off system, the 

AkSL might well be integrated into the IdZ- 

ES, feeding its data into the main computer 

and exploiting the IdZ-ES man-machine 

interfaces. 

The IdZ-ES programme also has a 

considerable impact on the two new vehicles 

that are being introduced in service by the 

Bundeswehr, the wheeled 8x8 Boxer APC 

and the tracked Puma IFV. The IdZ-ES is 

being fully integrated in the vehicles, in 

order to provide a seamless transition from 

inside the vehicle to outside and vice versa 

to the dismount, the vehicle being a real 

member of the infantry squad. Inside the 

Qioptiq Dragon C thermal imager is one of the latest addition to the German Army IdZ-ES 

system. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 


07

The German Army name for the recently delivered SMP 

remains IdZ-ES while Gladius is the commercial name used 

by the company for export. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

vehicle the soldier uses a break-off plug that 

would disconnect without damage when 

debussing the APC/IFV even if he forgets to 

unplug. This plug enables the soldier to use 

his headset to talk through the intracom, the 

IdZ-ES batteries to reload and the C2 system 

to constantly update from the vehicle C2. 

With the GPS position also being updated, 

the soldier will know immediately his 

position upon debussing. Via the C2 system 

the soldier equipped with the target 

acquisition system can automatically 

transmit the target position to the vehicle 

C2, the latter thus being able to immediately 

provide fire support. 

Three target acquisition systems are 

available, the Jenoptik Bird, the Vectronix 

Moskito day/night observation and locating 

units, and the Vectronix Vector IV BT 

binocular rangefinder; the systems used 

depend on the type of unit, i.e. a light 

infantry squad would carry three Moskitos 

and one Bird. An auto-slaving feature is 

being proposed by the company but is not 

part of the current Bundeswehr system, 

although this may be introduced in future 

batches of Boxers and in the Pumas. Seats 

were also redesigned to allow IdZ-ESequipped 

soldiers to properly fit in them to 

ensure maximum safety in case of mine or 

roadside bomb explosion. 

Rheinmetall Defence will soon deliver 

the kits to make the new infantry vehicles 

fully apt to operate with the IdZ-ES. 

Rheinmetall also received a contract and is 

working with Cassidian to develop a 

common interface that will allow to 

integrate the IdZ-ES in the higher level 

Führungs- und Informationssystems Heer, 

permitting automatic transmission of 

messages generated by soldiers. This 

interface will be available by late 2013. 

Gladius is the name given to the system 

for the export market. 

NORMANS 

Fall 2012 marked the first deliveries of 

production Normans (Norwegian Modular 

Arctic Network Soldier) kits developed by a 

team led by Thales Norway. The system 

provides blue force tracking, navigation, 

The Normans Light human-machine interface; 

the Thales Norway system is being proposed 

in a series of bids that look at a simple and 

lightweight C2 kit. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 


target hand-off and text messaging services, 

and comes in two different standards, the 

Normans Light aimed at the individual 

soldier member of a Dismounted Close 

Combat squad, and the Normans Advanced 

used by squad and platoon leaders. 

The production system is known as 

Version 2 and is based on a GFE radio, 

namely the Harris RF 7800S-TR operating 

in the 350-450 MHz band, though the squad 

commander is also equipped with a 

Kongsberg Handheld MH300 VHF set that 

operates in the 30-88 MHz band. Following 

a lengthy and unfruitful search for a 

commercial terminal for the commander 

version, Thales decided to develop a 

purpose-made system to overcome 

readability and ruggedisation problems. 

The current colour display terminal with 

map capability weighs 440 grams and allows 

the squad commander to send free text 

messages to the soldiers, who receive them 

on their wrist-worn terminal weighing only 

150 grams. This monochrome display is 

directly linked to the soldier’s radio (which 

also provides power, the display having a 

maximum consumption of only 0.3 Watts). 

Norway is starting to deploy its Normans soldier-worn C2 system. This unit is the Normans 

Advanced HMI aimed at commanders. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

COMBAT CLOTHING LOAD BEARING SYSTEMS BODY ARMOR HELMET SYSTEMS 

MODULARITY – ADAPTABILITY – PERFORMANCE

The soldier can send only pre-formatted 

messages to his commander. 

A spiralisation of the system is expected. 

The software, developed by Teleplan Globe, 

is constantly upgraded, but the integration 

of other subsystems thanks to the hub 

principle that allows to add additional 

sensors might also be implemented. 

The system developed by Thales Norway 

is being proposed by the group as the C4I 

element of its Dismounted Close Combat 

System, that integrates the Normans 

together with UK Fist surveillance and 

target acquisition assets and with the 

Starmille radio. 

The first phase of 

the British Army Fist 

programme is well 

underway, most 

aiming systems 

being now in use in 

Afghanistan. 

(British Army) 

FIST & CO 

The Future Integrated Soldier Technology 

programme is well known to our readers, 

the contract for the first increment – the 

surveillance and target acquisition system – 

having been assigned to prime contractor 

Thales UK four years ago (September 2009). 

It included a suite of day and night 

weapon sights, observation and target 

location equipment, to be employed by the 

dismounted soldier. The British Army 

aimed at reducing engagement times, 

improving detection and recognition ranges 

and increasing first hit probability. Details 

on subsystems and subcontractors are 

available in the table. 

Thales still expects further tranches. 

However these will come only once the 

Army restructuring is completed. Deliveries 

are on track and well underway, as over 50% 

of the equipment was handed over to the 

military. The last subsystem accepted in late 

2012 was the Vectronix/Wilcox grenade 

launcher fire control system. A good 

portion of the subsystems were delivered 

well in advance of the original schedule. 

Moreover, in March 2013 Thales completed 

deliveries of 8,000 Lightweight Day Sights 

integrated with Close Quarter Battlesights - 

Description Quantity Supplier 

Fist thermal sight 4,111 Qioptiq 

Lightweight day sight 10,835 Elcan 

Close quarter battlesight 19,122 Shield 

Underslung grenade launcher sight 784 Istec 

UGL fire control system 2,090 Vectronix 

Commander’s target locator 2,471 Vectronix 

Lightweight infantry periscope 856 Uniscope 

Ruggedised digital camera 856 Olympus UK 

Conversion of existing Maxikite 2s & 4,176 Qioptiq 

common weapon sights to meet 

Fist requirements 

this was under an separate contract, in 

addition to the main Fist contract. 

Another add-on contract was that filed 

to Vectronix by Thales UK for 1,400 more 

Moskito multi-function target acquisition 

systems to be used as Commander’s Target 

Locator. All the equipment is currently in 

service in Afghanistan, the first unit to 

deploy with Fist equipment being the RAF 

Regiment element of the Herrik 16 rotation 

that deployed in mid-April 2012, while the 

following rotations deployed the system 

with most combat units. 

The next key milestone for the British 

programme is the investment decision on the 

procurement of C4I capabilities. For this 

Thales is promoting its Normans system (q.v) 

currently under delivery in Norway, since the 

system is apparently appreciated by the 

British Ministry of Defence for its simplicity. 

The ministry is also sponsoring a series of 

research programmes with a view to 


substantially decreasing weights in the 

perspective of the acquisition of C4I systems 

and sensors. Within the overall Generic 

Soldier Architecture (GSA) development, 

Cosworth is leading a group of companies in 

the development of the Man Worn Power & 

Data Technology Demonstrator Programme 

(MWPD TDP) to simplify connectivity and 

reduce weight for body-worn electronic 

systems. Part of the Cosworth team are BMT 

Defence Services, CQC, Martec, TE 

Connectivity and Ultra Electronics. 

Reducing wiring and integrating it in the 

clothing is only part of the business, a 18- 

gram power controller having been installed 

into an Osprey body armour; this draws 

power from a consumer grade three-cell 

integral Lithium battery that will change over 

time to improve performances. A single 

high-speed USB2.0 wiring system able to 

switch and monitor up to seven ports is also 

integrated into the Osprey and enables 

adaptive control of the power flow through 

the clothing. Low priority devices would be 

disconnected automatically when the battery 

reaches a predetermined percentage of its 

charge capacity (the controller is run by an 

ARM Cortex M4 processor core running at 

100MHz and will allow to recharge the 

system by plugging it into any other power 

source such as a solar mat, a fuel cell or a 

vehicle outlet). 

“Plug” is a word that might disappear in 

this context, as Martec is providing Cosworth 

with its Wireless Integrated Power Electronics 

System. This induction system supplies power 

and data at very short distances (millimetres or 

centimetres according to the model). 

Cosworth won a contract for the Man Worn 

Power & Data Technology Demonstrator 

from the British Ministry of Defence. The 

aim is to reduce the weight of the electronic 

vest. (Cosworth) 

Another area pursued 

by Cosworth in the 

development of its 

Man Power Data is 

improved connectors, 

ultra slim and wireless 

solutions having also 

been considered. 

(Cosworth) 

Cosworth intends to use the shorter range 

system to allow wireless connection between 

the Personal Role Radio and the webbing 

when the radio is put back into its standard 

position, while a longer range variant might 

be adopted to connect the soldier system to 

the on-board system when the military sits in 

the vehicle. No need thus to remember about 

“plugging in”. 

The power system provides a resilient and 

highly versatile connection through fully 

sealed and completely flush surfaces that can 

operate through a material barrier. When 

physical connectors can be adopted, 

Cosworth looked at TE Connectivity systems 

whose early prototypes were visible at a 

recent exhibition. These connectors are flat, 

do not show any cavity, don’t have any pin 

that may be bent, and can be used even when 

wet. They ensure USB2.0 data transfer and 

power specs. The demonstrator was 

completed in early 2013. 

In mid-March 2013 Roke Manor Research 

Ltd, part of the Chemring Group, was 

awarded a three-year research contract under 

the Dismounted Close Combat Sensors 

(DCCS) Research Programme. Roke is 

leading a team that also includes SEA 

(Systems Engineering & Assessments) and 

QinetiQ to assess, mature and integrate 

innovative sensor technology for the

dismounted close combat infantry soldier. 

The goal is to develop an open systems 

architecture to allow for the integration of 

multiple sensor-based subsystems, such as 

acoustic, thermal imaging and RF subsystems 

in order to enhance situational awareness, 

facilitate collaborative targeting and increase 

optempo, while minimising size, weight and 

power burden. Phase 1a, which aimed at 

identifying new and innovative technologies, 

is completed and over 200 submissions were 

received. Phase 1b will look for more 

complete information in order to carry out a 

first down-selection, that will then lead to 

Demo 1 with a first technologies 

demonstration in October 2013. A second 

down-selection will then lead to a fully 

integrated system to be demonstrated in May 

2014 at Demo 2. Demo 3 demonstrating the 

integrated solution working in a live exercise 

by the Army will take place in February 2015, 

while in December that year Demo 4 will see 

the system integrated into a wider Istar 

environment. 

VOSS 

The Voss programme was originally 

launched in the Netherlands in 2008 and 

consists of three autonomous projects: smart 

vest, integrated head protection and E- 

Lighter. 

The most advanced one of these three 

components is the E-Lighter. Developed by 

Fokker Aerostructures it is a lightweight 

diesel-fueled power source that can 

provide the energy needed for all the 

electronic equipment carried by the soldier. 

The company developed some technology 

demonstrators and, in September 2011, was 

awarded a three-year contract by the Dutch 

Ministry of Defence, which pushed the 

system into full-steam development. 

Through the years, Fokker Aerostructures 

considerably improved the system in terms 

of efficiency and lifetime, maintaining the 

same power while decreasing the weight. 

The prototype configuration 

weighs 1 kg dry (fuel being of the 

JP8 or car diesel type). Interest for 

a full multifuel system has been expressed 

and the company is working on adjusting 

the E-Lighter to cope with this 

requirement. The exhaust has been 

moved from the side to the bottom, 

the E-Lighter adding no extra thermal 

signature to the body according to Fokker. 

Currently the E-Lighter can provide a 

maximum output of 15 Watts, with a power 

The E-Lighter was improved and will be used together with batteries in a hybrid system that 

will provide power to the Dutch Voss. (Fokker Aerostructures) 

density of 400 Wh/kg and an endurance of 48 

hours, that is the double of any currently 

available batteries. Some 2,000 pieces should 

be needed by the Dutch Armed Forces, but 

Fokker Aerostructures hopes to increase 

this with Belgium and Luxembourg who are 

partners in the E-Vest. An interest in the 

micro-diesel power system has also been 

expressed by the US Marines and Army, as 

well as by France. Fokker Aerostructures 

had built 10 prototypes by late 2012, which 

have been thoroughly and successfully 

The E-Lighter 

diesel power 

generator is the 

first system to 

have been 

ordered as part 

of the Dutch Voss 

programme. 

(Fokker 

Aerostructures) 

tested by the Dutch Army in early 2013. The 

results are be used for the upcoming stage 

that will bring the E-Lighter to TRL7. 

As for the Smart Vest, this includes 

radios, both soldier-worn and vehiclerelated, 

near eye displays, ruggedized 

tablets, energy grids, ballistic protection, 

vests, rucksacks, etc. Its acquisition process 

is still running, the Netherlands acting as 

single contracting nation on behalf of all 

Benelux countries. After contract award, the 

pre-series will be established and units 

tested. Serial production is scheduled for 

2015 and further. According to industrial 

sources a first shortlist has been established 

although major modifications have also 

been required from the three remaining 

competitors, contract award being 

scheduled for late 2013 – early 2014. 

Contenders include Sagem (which 

leveraged work done on the Félin for the C4I 

components) and NFM of Norway for the 

vest itself and protection elements. Compared 

to the French solution, the Sagem C4I 

proposal to the Netherlands is quite different, 

as it is focused on risk management, 

introducing innovations according to the risk 

level. The software is derived from the one 

used by the French Army. 

The Voss solution is being extended to 

the other two Benelux countries, Belgium 

and Luxemburg, the Netherlands being 

the leading country. Three versions of 


13

the system are being offered, Light, Basic and 

Enhanced. The Light includes the radio, the 

push-to-talk, an energy grid system and one 

battery. The Basic adds the portable 

computer and a near-to-eye display, while the 

Enhanced adds a display for the commander. 

Integrating the soldier’s electronics into 

vehicles used by three different armies is an 

issue as some 15 different vehicle models 

have to be interfaced with the soldier. To this 

end Sagem developed a communications 

front-end that provides full interface 

between the vehicle and the soldier battle 

management systems, as well as between the 

two radios. A Q-Box allows to select the 

radio set as well as to tune the volume. The 

vehicle kit also includes an energy 

distribution grid and battery chargers. 

Interestingly, the three Benelux countries 

have already made their choice regarding 

protection by adopting an integrated system 

by NFM of Norway. In 2006 Belgium 

adopted a load carrying vest with ballistic 

protection inserts, which was open to the 

integration of electronic components. 

Luxemburg followed a similar path in 2011. 

The concept was to have a system that 

provides as much modularity as possible in 

terms of protection level and protected area, 

considering the time the protection has to 

be worn. Indeed the concept considers that a 

minimal protection has to be worn at all 

times, namely the fragment protection 

under the combat vest, which can then be 

enhanced with add-ons up to full-spectrum 

protection, modularity allowing to tailor it to 

humanitarian, riot control and classic 

combat situations. 

Ballistic plates can be inserted either in 

the soft vest under the uniform or in the 

load-bearing vest over it. The Load 

Carrying Vest (LCV) has thus been 

developed in three versions, “A” as 

operational vest, “B” in the integrated form, 

and “C” as plate carrier. A grab pack for 

short-time patrol is carried inside the 

vehicle, while an 80-liter rucksack is 

available for 48-hour missions. As for 

protection plates, NFM is improving the 

bonding between ceramic and backing 

using heat press vacuum PET instead of 

glue, and fully encasing the ballistic pack in 

order to make it apt for HAHO and 

underwater missions. Although this 

solution does not reduce thickness it yields 

marginal weight saving. 

While protection remains a constant, not 

much is known about the two remaining 

competitors in terms of C4I proposals. 

The last of the three elements in the 

Dutch Voss system will be the integrated 

head protection system. The Netherlands 

launched a first market survey in 2010, 

following a study phase carried out by the 

TNO which led to a modular approach for 

a head protection that included a mandible 

protection. The survey revealed that a 

market for modular helmets was developing 

and the acquisition was thus postponed to 

benefit from an off-the-shelf approach. A 

survey update was launched in April 2013, 

with evaluation during the Summer, in view 

of an acquisition in 2014. 

DOMINATOR-LD 

Elbit Systems’ Dominator scored a 

considerable success as some of its 

components are now part of programmes in 

Israel, Finland, Australia and in some 

undisclosed countries, including in Latin 

America. It is built around the Personal 

Digital Unit, a navigation and tracking 

system providing soldiers location when 

GPS signal is not available, an energy 

distribution box, a rechargeable powerpack 

and an eyepiece, plus a dedicated fighting 

load vest, a planning display while a 

targeting binocular is added for some 

elements in the unit. 

The Dominator system is linked to the 

soldier radio provided by the customer, 

While its Dominator is now well in use in the 

Israeli Defence Forces, Elbit Systems is now 

proposing a lighter version known as 

Dominator LD. (Elbit Systems) 

The Personal Digital Unit is the key element of 

Elbit’s Dominator Light Dismounted. (Elbit) 

while the software can also be adapted to fit 

into the bigger C4I scenario of the selected 

country. Known in Israel as Integrated 

Infantry Combat System, the Dominator 

can also include the use of drones and 

ground robots. 

Technology evolution allows further 

miniaturisation and to improve the SWaP 

equation Elbit developed the Dominator LD 

(Light Dismounted) that interfaces with the 

previous Dominator, the latter being now 

considered more for use by commanders 

while the LD is aimed at the individual 

soldier in the fire team. 

The key element of the new system is the 

Raptor, an all-in-one wearable computing 

unit specifically designed for soldier use. 

Weighing only 285 grams (versus the 450 

grams of the Dominator Personal Digital 

Unit) the Raptor features a 4.3-inch 800x480 

resolution resistive touch screen that can be 

operated with gloves and be read in sunlight 

up to 600 cd/m2. It runs on an ARM Cortex 

A8 720MHz CPU and has a 512MB DDR2 

SDRAM, storage coming in the form of a 16 

GB SD card. The Raptor supports both 

Android and Linux operating systems. It 

features a built-in GPS and a digital compass 

while two USB ports are available, radio 

interface being provided by two RS-232 

synchronous and asynchronous ports. 

The proposed radio is the Tadiran PNR- 

1000A advanced personal network radio 

working in the 225-512 MHz band with 

adjustable output power of 0.5, 1 and 2 W 

14 

Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013

A close up of the screen of Elbit’s Dominator LD 

PDU; the system is fully compatible with the 

earlier Dominator. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

and a range of 2-3 km in open space. 

Equipped with embedded GPS the PNR- 

1000A features a proprietary dynamic 

network architecture that eliminates the 

need for a central control unit and optimises 

communications in difficult areas such as 

urban canyons. It can also connect to the 

vehicle intercom system for full long-range 

connectivity via vehicle radios. In intrateam 

conferencing mode it accepts up to six 

speakers. With the currently available wave 

forms the data rate can reach 320 KBps; 

however Elbit Systems expects to increase 

the throughput of this software driven radio 

up to 1 MBps. Powered by a Li-Ion battery 

it can operate for 20 hours with one hour 

TX, two RX and 17 stand-by mission profile. 

When on the move the Dominator-LD’s 

soldier interface can include the eyepiece 

and joystick adopted for the Dominator 

IICS, which also contains a digital compass 

and camera. Overall the Dominator-LD 

weighs less than one kilogram. 

SOLDATO FUTURO 

The delivery of the first 60 production kits of 

558 ordered as a first batch of the Italian 

Soldato Futuro is planned for September 

2013, with final deliveries expected in late 

2014. Their configuration will be that of the 

so-called “precursors” seen in March 2012 

during the last tests. This includes the 

UHF/VHF Selex ES SWave handheld 

software defined radio operating in the 30- 

512 MHz band, the ITT Exelis TM-NVG 

(Tactical Mobility – Night Vision Goggle), 

the Elacan SpecterDR 1-4x coupled for night 

firing to the L-3 Warrior Systems’ Insight 

Mini Thermal Monocular, and the AN/PEQ- 

15 APTIAL laser pointer from the same latter 

company. As interim target acquisition 

system the Steiner 10x50 R LRF binocular 

with integrated laser rangefinder provided by 

Beretta Defence Technologies replaced the 

Selex ES Linx, which is currently the subject of 

further developments. 

Turning to the weapon, the original 

Beretta ARX-160 has evolved into the A1 

model. Major differences include a bigger 

magazine catch (which is also better 

protected), a shorter buttstock to cope with 

body-armour equipped soldiers and with 

sand and mud. All those modifications were 

drawn from the development of the A2 

aimed at Special Forces. The GLX-160’s 40 

mm underbarrel grenade launcher was also 

improved with a front rubber buffer to 

protect the barrel in case of shock, while the 

barrel length has been reduced to 350 mm. 

Besides the 92 rifles provided for the preproduction 

Soldato Futuro kits and the 

further 558 that are part of the first 

production batch, the ARX-160 has already 

been acquired in great numbers by the 

Italian Army. Two contracts for nearly 2,000 

rifles were issued, the first rifles having been 

deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. A further 

contract for over 11,000 weapons was 

subsequently filed, these being at a near A1 

configuration. All the further contracts for 

nearly 10,000 rifles with options for 3,000 

more were for the full A1 version. This 

allowed to deliver the new rifle to the units 

deploying downrange well ahead Soldato 

Futuro deliveries. The same applied to the 

sights, over 4,000 SpectreDR and nearly 250 

each of the L-3 thermal clip-on and laser 

pointer having been acquired as UORs. 

A split program known as SIC (Sistema 

Anticipating the Soldato Futuro programme 

the Italian Army started the acquisition not 

only of the Beretta ARX-160 rifle but also of 

sighting systems. (ISAF RC-West) 


Selex ES SDR-HH fitted to its vehicular 

attachment. This Finmeccanica company is 

also proposing other soldier radios for 

numerous SMPs. (Selex ES) 

Individuale di Combattimento, for 

Individual Combat System) has now been 

launched. This will lead to the acquisition of 

6,602 kits split between 4,257 “basic 

rifleman”, 803 “basic grenadier” and 1,542 

“basic commander” kits, in the 2013-15 

timeframe. The SIC will include rifles, sights, 

SDR HH radios, NVGs, as well as protective 

equipment. However, units equipped with 

the SIC will receive the additional equipment 

to bring them to full Soldato Futuro 

configuration. Not only does this allow all 

mature elements to be fielded in advance, 

but it also spreads equipment costs. 

The first orders were placed in 2013 and 

first deliveries are planned for 2014. Clearly 

the SDR radio capabilities will not be fully 

exploited in that stand-alone configuration, 

the radio being provided with a double pushto-talk, 

one worn on the soldier harness 

while the second will be installed on the rifle. 

One of the functions that will remain is the 

Manet (Mobile Ad-hoc Network) that allows 

one to talk even when numerous obstacles 

break into the line of sight, as is the case in 

urban areas. The usefulness of this facility 

was evidenced by the Selex ES radio during 

operation “Atalanta”, the anti-piracy mission 

carried out in the Horn of Africa. Italian 

Navy boarding teams – each with up to 8 men 

– were equipped with the SWave HH, to 

forward without any relay voice and images to 

the mothership, at a range of about one 

nautical mile. The Manet allowed to do that, 

up to two streaming videos being sent back 

to the naval vessel from inside the merchant 

ship under verification. 

The order covering a further 1,024 

Soldato Futuro kits is already planned and 

financed. According to industrial sources 

The availability of Selex ES SDR Hand Held radio allowed to completely revise the architecture 

of the Italian Soldato Futuro, reducing weight as well as the number of elements. (Selex ES) 

System interface of the Soldato Futuro. 

Deliveries of the first production items to the 

Italian Army are expected to start in late 2013. 


these might have a different configuration 

especially in the C2 component. Selex ES 

has already proposed an upgraded 

computer with a better display and a lower 

power consumption than the current LRT- 

440, while Android-based solutions might 

also be taken into consideration as the 

Italian Army, like many others, is watching 

with great interest America’s decision to 

follow that path. 

Selex ES is proposing its system to the 

international market. Russia has been one of 

the main targets in 2012, while the Indian 

programme seems to proceed very slowly. 

The company answered to numerous RfQs, 

but it is still too early to see if anything will 

materialise. To improve its chances on the 

export market Selex ES is offering a lower 

cost radio in place of the Swave HH in the 

form of the Frontline Soldier Radio (FSR). 

This operates in two bands, UHF between 

350 and 450MH with wideband and 

narrowband waveforms, and 2.4 GHz with 

the Personal Role Radio waveform, which 

allows those armies that invested heavily in 

PRRs to maintain those radios in service. 

Both UHF waveforms ensure the dual-net 

function, which means that the squad 

commander can monitor both the squad and 

the platoon radio nets with a single radio. 

When the C2 module is fitted to the FSR, this 

allows the radio to host the C2 applications 

thus replacing in fact the body-worn 

computer. The FSR provides independent 

encrypted voice and data as well as automatic 

position reporting, being equipped with an 

integral GPS. In urban areas it is capable to 

form an ad hoc self-healing network and has 

intrinsic relay capability. 


17

ISSP 

Initially approved in 2008, the long awaited 

decision on the Integrated Soldier System 

Project (ISSP) did not materialise. Indeed 

Public Works and Government Services 

Canada announced on 25 January 2013 that 

all bidders were non compliant in response 

to the ISSP Request For Proposal, which was 

launched in February 2012 and closed on 

June 11 2012. On February 15 this year a 

draft RFP to acquire integrated suites of 

cutting-edge equipment under the ISSP was 

issued. An industry day was subsequently 

held on March 5, this time leading to a 

formal RFP on March 31 with 1 August as 

The Rheinmetall 

Canada proposal for 

the Canadian ISSP 

programme pictured 

during the 2012 trials. 

(Rheinmetall) 

Rheinmetall Canada is one of the contenders 

in the ISSP programme. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

the closing date. According to available 

information five or six teams are expected 

to have answered the bid, including Thales 

Canada, Rheinmetall Canada, Elbit 

Systems, DRS/Selex and Raytheon/Sagem. 

The RFP looks at the acquisition of up to 

6,624 integrated suites (the number has not 

changed) over four years, with a first batch of 

1,600 systems and further optional batches 

up to the total number. 

A second contract will include In-Service 

Support and Improvement Activities over a 

period of five years plus three two-year 

irrevocable options. If and when requested 

improvement activities will allow to update 

the system. One of the foreseen 

improvements should aim at allowing ISSP 

voice and data integration with the new Land 

Command Support System and may include 

changes to the messaging solution and 

communication protocols, integration of a 

Cross Domain Solution and of a Type 1 radio. 

The contract award for the first batch is 

expected to be announced in December 2014. 

According to Canadian sources the new 

RfP does not contain radical modifications 

to the requirements. Apparently the main 

changes involve the assessment process and 

documents, as the procedure adopted in the 

previous round appears to have been the 

source of trouble. This being said, it will be 

interesting to see to what extent the new 

proposals will differ from the previous ones. 

The DRS proposal for Canada during trials in 

2012. All bidders were declared non 

compliant and the acquisition process was 

restarted. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 


The Swiss Army assault rifle in its Imess 

configuration, with Sagem sight, laser pointer 

and forward handgrip. (Armasuisse) 

IMESS 

The Swiss Imess (Integriertes Modulares 

Einsatzsystem Schweizer Soldat) or 

Integrated and Modular Engagement System 

for the Swiss Soldier is aimed at improving the 

Swiss Army soldier C4I, lethality, mobility, 

survivability and sustainability. Principle 

trials with the IdZ-BS (Basis System) on loan 

from Germany were carried out in the mid- 

2000s. For the subsequent steps, Switzerland 

established an Integrated Project Team of 

specialists from Armasuisse, Armed Forces 

Staff, Land Forces as well as from the Armed 

Forces Command Support Organisation and 

the Armed Forces Logistics Organisation. In 

2007 Eads Defence & Security (now 

Cassidian), the producer of the IdZ-BS, was 

chosen as prime contractor and system house 

for the Imess overall integration, the Imess 

being thus based on the company’s Warrior 

21. The team also included a number of 

subcontractors among which were Sagem of 

France for the optronics, Kongsberg of 

Norway for the radio, and SSZ of Switzerland 

for textile components, while General 

Dynamics-Mowag and Ascom Security 

Solutions (now Ruag Defence) were 

responsible for the integration of the Imess 

into the Radschützenpanzer 93 (Piranha 8x8) 

armoured personnel carrier and in the Duro I. 

Combining the experience of the 

different subcontractors an ad-hoc system 

was designed for the Swiss needs and, in 

2007, the Confederation acquired 25 Imess 

prototypes and five vehicle sets from the 

prime contractor. These systems were 

thoroughly field tested by the Swiss Army. 

On the basis of the results thus obtained the 

Swiss Armed Forces Command decided to 

continue the project step by step. This led to 

a CHF20 million contract signed on 31 

January 2011 covering modifications to the 

existing systems and the acquisition of 

further systems to reach a total of 43 soldiers 

and 10 vehicles sets – in other words a 

complete Imess infantry platoon. 

The upgrade mostly aims at reducing the 

number of components, improve power 

consumption and toughen the harness and 

cabling of the system. The C2 has been 

The back of the Imess e-vest; the vest carries 

two batteries, the computer that coordinates 

all electronic components, and the radio. 

(Armasuisse) 

developed to cope with the functions 

needed from the individual soldier up to 

company level, and support both 

dismounted and mounted operations. 

The C4I suite communications asset is 

the Kongsberg SR600 inter-squad UHF 

software defined radio. It can provide 

different network capabilities based on 

selected waveforms and bandwidths. This 

radio can handle a number of parallel voice 

networks and IP multi-hop data network in 

one network. The SR600 operates in the 

225-400 MHz frequency range with an 

output power of between 10 mW and 1 W. 

The bandwidth is up to 5 MHz and provides 

a data rate of up to 2500 kbps, allowing 

video and image transmission. The SR600 

weighs 0.7 kg and can be powered by a 9 

to18-Volt source. 

The Imess adopts the Esterline – Racal 

Acoustics RA6000 Talon push-to-talk 

system. This is a four-channel system that 

can operate up to two soldier radios, one 

platform intercom and one platform radio, 

and features an Integral Active Noise 

Reduction (ANR) hearing, supporting 

circumaural, in-the-ear, low noise and 

covert headsets types. It operates on one 1.5- 

Volt AA battery, from radio/intercom 

power, as well as without power (fai-safe 

mode). The RA600 Talon has a weight of 

242 grams with battery and is linked to an 

RA5500 Frontier In-The-Ear headset. 

Attached to the vest is the portable PC, 

the choice having favoured the Roda Mildef 

Panther DB6, a 690-gram device with a 

magnesium alloy case that includes most 


functions of a full-size PC into a PDA-sized 

format. Connectivity includes USB 2.0, 

SDHC and Bluetooth 2.1. The DB6 runs on a 

1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z530 CPU with 512 KB 

L2 cache and a 2 GB DDR2 RAM. An SSD 

1.8” PATA card allows to store up to 32 GB of 

data. A 5-inch touch-screen sunlight 

viewable display is the main interface while 

seven buttons are available as function keys. 

A SIM card can also be installed. The 

Panther DB06 is directly powered from 

Imess system batteries or alternatively by a 

7.4 V / 3900 mAH Lithium-Ion battery, and 

its dimensions are 200 x 94 x 36 mm. 

The new Imess carrying vest contains the 

radio, a weight- and energy-optimised body 

computer for the coordination and control of 

all electronic system components, two highcapacity 

system batteries and sensors for 

GPS and inertial navigation. 

As visual man-machine interface when 

on the move the Imess uses the Sagem OVD 

Mk2 monocular display mounted on the 

protective helmet, which is a version of the 

one adopted for the French Félin. 

To increase lethality a suite of optronic 

components mount on the assault rifle. The 

main sighting aid is provided by Sagem and 

derives directly from the sight of the French 

Félin system. The Sword T&D couples an 

uncooled thermal imager with a wide field of 

view of 9.4° and a magnification of x2, 

which can be doubled thanks to a digital 

zoom, to a day CCD channel with a wide 

field of view of 7.3° and a x3 magnification 

and a narrow angle of 2.4° and a x10 

magnification, the image being shown on a 

monocular oled colour display with a 25° 

field of view. To allow the soldier to operate 

the sight while keeping his hands on the 

weapon the Imess also includes the Sagem 

control handle. Weighing less than 1.6-kg, 

the Sword T&D is powered by a special 

battery that provides 4.5 hours of autonomy. 

In clear weather the sighting system 

provides a man detection at over 6 km, 

recognition at over 2 km and identification at 

Roda Mildef DB06 portable computer is the interface between the Swiss soldier 

and its Imess equipment. (Armasuisse) 

The Sword Light night aiming sight mounted on a rifle; this item is much smaller than its 

equivalent in the French system. (Sagem) 

1 km, although these ranges are cut to 

around one third at night. 

On top of the Sword the Swiss Army will 

install an L-3 EoTech holographic sight for 

close combat situations, the choice having 

fallen upon the 551 model. One of the side 

Picatinny rails will host the cFL-02 Mk2 from 

Ilee of Switzerland. The system features a 635 

nm visible laser beam (with two output 

powers), less than 1 mW (Class 2) or 3.5 mW 

(Class 3R), and a visible diode light in the 

400-700 nm band providing 250 Lumen 

using only 3 watts of power. The cFL-02 Mk2 

has five operating modes: laser only, light 

only or strobe only, laser and light, laser and 

strobe light. At around 180 grams with two 

C123 battery, the cFL-02 Mk2 can operate for 

60 hours with red laser beam only and for 

over 1.6 hours with light and laser on. 

Beside the systems mounted on the rifle, 

the infantry team will also enhance its 

lethality thanks to the adoption of a not yet 

selected fire control unit for the 40mm 

grenade launcher. 

To increase survivability the Imess kit 

includes a new protective helmet system with 

a mounting for optronic equipment, 

protective goggles, and a modular body 


21

The Imess programme will also have an 

impact on existing vehicles as exemplified by 

this Piranha 8x8 fitted with Imess connecting 

points in the ceiling. (Armasuisse) 

armour capable of protecting the soldier both 

from stabs and high-velocity ammo. The 

protected surface is adapted to the mission’s 

requirements, the body armour being 

composed of a jacket, a collar and a groin 

protector. A portable hydration pack from 

Source in Israel completes the Imess kit. 

The first five new standard-compliant 

prototypes will be delivered in Q2 2013. Five 

more are expected in Q3. The delivery of the 

remaining systems covered by the contract is 

planned for the first quarter of 2014. The 

platoon-level system will then undergo a 

second field trial, followed in 2015 by an 

extended technical/operational test phase. 

Late 2015 will see the beginning of a 300-day 

long-term test in daily operation by infantry 

conscripts that will end in 2016. In parallel all 

required basic documents, such as 

deployment concept, training concept, 

system logistics management concept etc., 

will be finalised, to be prepared for a possible 

series procurement from late 2016 on. 

So far and until end 2016 the Imess 

project funding is granted by the credit for 

military “Project Planning, Evaluation and 

Procurement Preparations”. Until now 

funds worth CHF 37 million were approved 

for the project. To this day a little over CHF 

36 million were turned into contracts. At the 

moment the Swiss Armed Forces have no 

definite plans, with respect to budget year 

and procurement size, for a major 

procurement of Imess production systems. 

TYTAN 

A team of 14 companies headed by Bumar is 

still awaiting a decision by the Polish 

authorities about the future of the Tytan 

programme, as currently the requirements 

drafted in 2009 have not yet been 

confirmed, nor under the technical neither 

under the operational point of view. In Fall 

2012 the new small arms family, developed 

by Fabryka Broni “Łucznik”, part of Bumar 

Soldier; pre-production samples of the 

MSBS 5,56 mm (da Modułowy System 

Broni Strzeleckiej for light modular weapon 

The bullpup version of the MSBS, the 

assault rifle proposed by Fabryka Broni 

“Lucznik” for the Polish Tytan programme. 



The conventional version of the MSBS assault rifle family together 

with the 40 mm grenade launcher; the Polish Tytan programme is 

awaiting a political decision. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

system) available in both normal and bullpup versions together 

with a new dedicated 40 mm underbarrel grenade launcher and 

a 9 mm pistol. PCO is to provide the aiming sights and night 

vision systems; an II-TI fusion system prototype shown in 2010 

was not exhibited in 2012, which might indicate that it is not 

yet technologically mature. 

The C4I suite is provided by a trio of companies, Bumar 

Electronic, Radmar and WB Electronic. 

Protection is the responsibility of Maskpol, which exhibited the 

new NBC protection mask purposely developed for the Tytan 

programme. An initial batch of kits to equip a reinforced platoon 

might be acquired, but not earlier than 2016, while the first 

battalion-size unit should not receive the Tytan before 2018. 

A noteworthy point is that beside the Tytan equipment, WB 

Electronic has developed the PSI, a portable system working 

in the 200-600 MHz frequency band and weighing 950 grams 

that concentrates the capacities of a GSM telephone, of a UHF 

radio and of a touch-screen terminal, the range in UHF being of 

about 1 km. 

The starting point of the Czech Army soldier modernisation 

programme is the acquisition of some 8,000 new weapons from 

CZ. These include the CZ805 Bren assault rifle in 5.56 mm 

calibre (the 7.62 mm version was not part of the deal) with the 360 

mm barrel, the Scorpion EVO3A1sub-machine gun and the CZ 

75 SP-01 Phantom pistol, both in 9x19 mm calibre. This will 

considerably reduce the number of types of small arms in use, 

facilitating training and logistics. 

These weapons, equipped with Meopta day and night sights, 

are already in use in Afghanistan by the Czech contingent and 

deliveries should be completed by year end. A new purchase of 

several thousand weapons is planned from 2014 on, in batches

The first step in the Czech Army soldier 

modernisation is linked to the weapons, the CZ 

805 assault rifle in 5.56x45 mm calibre being 

the new assault rifle. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

that depend on funds availability. 

Currently C4I and Istar equipment has 

been acquired only for specialised elements, 

such as TACPs (Tactical Air Control Parties) 

and FACs (Forward Air Controllers). 

However 2014 should see the launch of the 

next step of the modernisation plan, which 

will include a C4I system for the individual 

soldier. Currently the Army General Staff is 

writing the requirements. Numerous 

companies are looking with interest at a 

possible RFP, notably Rheinmetall that had 

intense talks with Czech officials and is 

proposing the core C4I system of its Gladius. 

Later on the Czech Army will start working on 

the protection issue, which will include 

uniforms, body armour and helmets, and 

which will have to be compatible with the 

current Pandur wheeled armoured vehicle as 

well as with a new tracked vehicle. 

COMFUT 

Not much is known about the future of the 

Spanish ComFut programme, which was hit 

like many other initiatives by the country’s 

harsh economical situation. Following the 

delivery of the 36 sets in December 2009 

field trials led to a €900.000 contract for 

system improvement in December 2011 

with deliveries of 18 upgraded sets expected 

for the current year. No details about the 

upgrades are currently available. 

F0-INSAS 

The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and 

Robotics (CAIR) and the Defence 

Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL) 

are working on the development of the 

Integrated Computer, Communication and 

Software System (ICCS) and on the 

Software Defined Radio (SDR) that are 

intended for the Indian “Futuristic Infantry 

Soldier as a System” (F-Insas). 

In June 2012 some of the functionalities 

The grenade launcher of the CZ 805; after 

modernising the weapons the Czech Army is 

now looking to a C2 system, and is 

considering various off-the-shelf options. 


were demonstrated to high-ranking officers. 

Hardware was provided by Bharat 

Electronics. The C2 software included 

functions to be used from company 

commander down to the single soldier, 

providing common operational picture, 

situational awareness, blue force tracking, 

mission planning and execution, preformatted 

and free text management, 

biometric authentication, physiological 

monitoring display and dissemination. 

In addition to the computer, the 

hardware included a wrist display, a 

navigation aid based on GPS and DRM 

(Dead Reckoning Module), the prototype of 

a hand-held IP radio with voice, data and 

video transmission, centralised power pack 

and power management, target acquisition 

assets, and power chargers in various forms, 

conventional, solar and crank. 

Tata Advanced Systems is also focusing 

on the F-Insas suite programme, and is 

currently developing a UHF Soldier Radio 

with multiple channel bandwidths (25 KHz, 

500 KHz, 1.2 MHz) and power levels (0.25W, 

1W, 2W). The programme is obviously 

attracting foreign competitors, and the RFP 

for new weapons has already been issued. 

ACMS 

With its Advanced Combat Man Systems 

(ACMS) now in service in numbers with the 

national army, Singapore Technologies 

Kinetics has developed a light version of its 

system, appropriately called ACMS-Lite. 

The development was financed by the 

Singapore Armed Forces, which may well 

reveal an interest for a lighter and simpler 

system compared to the current suite that 

weighs nearly five kilos. The new ACMS- 

Lite chest-mounted control and display unit 

is smartphone-like and runs on an Android 

operational system that supports a simpler 

C2 software derived from that used by the 

national armed forces. The smartphone-like 

terminal ensures network communications 

and is based on the latest ARM processor. 

The system load bearing vest has also been 

improved with the adoption of fabric cables 

that connect the various subsystems, the 

add-on weight of the ACMS-Lite being now 

less than two kilos. 


On, or Soon on, the 

Modern Soldier Market 

As said earlier in this Compendium, numerous companies 

are proposing systems that might well fit into new soldier 

modernisation programmes or into the spiralisation of 

existing programmes. Reviewing all those systems in this 

Compendium is clearly impossible without turning it into 

something akin to a telephone directory. We shall thus 

restrict coverage to some of the latest products seen in the 

most recent exhibitions. 

I QINETIQ 

In late January 2013 QinetiQ North 

America launched its Integrated Warrior 

System (IWS). Far from proposing a 

proprietary integrated solution, QinetiQ 

followed the latest trends by proposing an 

open architecture solution based on a 

peripheral-agnostic hub known as Q-Hub 

with an optimised wiring system. The Q- 

Hub is available in various configurations in 

terms of available ports (four, seven, nine), is 

smaller than an iPhone and weighs less than 

This Physical Optics flexible display 

exemplifies the hi-tech systems that are in 

the making. (Armada/P. Valpoini)

200 grams. Software-controlled functions 

allow the Q-Hub to manage power sources 

and data communications. The interface per 

se can be a smartphone, a tablet or another 

tactical computer. 

QinetiQ has so far worked with Androidbased 

systems, although the system proved 

that it is able to work with Windows-based or 

Linux-based systems if the appropriate 

software is loaded. The company has already 

developed software versions for nearly 30 

different Android systems. Settings that will 

then manage power and data priorities can be 

changed via the interface. It is also possible to 

monitor power sources’ status. The single 

battery solution is the preferred option, but 

although many peripherals have their own 

batteries, some organisations (the US Army) 

still retain these as back-ups. The Q-Hub 

allows to ensure that the main battery 

maintains peripheral batteries at 100% 

charge, but can be programmed to prioritise 

peripherals, with the radio as the last item to be 

shut down. The same applies to the data flow, 

priorities being given to the data sent to, or 

received from, the various peripherals. 

Besides the end-user device, the Q-Hub can 

be plug-and-play linked to a variety of systems 

such as standard issue radios, positioning 

devices, laser rangefinders, shotgun detection 

sensors, environmental sensors. 

QinetiQ NA worked hard on ergonomics 

with retired and in-service military 

personnel, and developed a flat wiring system 

that eliminates cable management issues and 

reduces weight. Being more flexible, the 

QinetiQ NA solution does not require loops, 

and thus tends to require shorter connection 

wires for the same number of peripherals. 

The company provides those cables with 

standard issue connectors; however some 

programmes underway require specific 

connectors that can be easily provided. 

According to QinetiQ NA the wiring spider is 

almost invisible to the warfighter and does 

not hamper his mission. Wireless data 

connection solutions have already been 

demonstrated, although no requests have yet 

A detail of a fastener-like connector developed by Physical Optics Corporation for its 

Wearnet system. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

come for such systems. 

Less than three months after its unveiling 

the IWS was already in service in numbers: 

by late April over 1,000 systems were 

deployed with US forces, various units having 

acquired the system under the Urgent 

Operational Needs scheme. It is however 

quite sure that Nett Warrior officials will take 

a close look at the performances yielded by 

such a system. It was developed with a focus 

on cost and versatility, which are two key 

elements in the US Army soldier 

modernisation programme. 

I PHYSICAL OPTICS 

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) is a 

California-based systems integrator of 

advanced technology whose portfolio 

includes integrated wearable networks and 

other soldier-related equipment. 

The backbone of those systems is the 

Wearnet, a system providing a body-worn 

common network to the warfighter that 

allows power and data connectivity. The 

Wearnet can be easily integrated into the 

warfighter combat vest, for instance the 

Improved Outer Tactical Vest, and features 

26 


With The Widest Range 

Of Radio Platforms & 

Waveform Support, 

The Sky’s The Limit 

Physical Optics Corporation Wearnet includes a connectivity 

spider that can be integrated into fabrics as well as ultra-slim 

connectors similar to fasteners. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

flat cables with EMI/RFI shielding and riveted low-profile 

Snapnet connectors. Similar to snap fasteners, the latter are less 

than 8 mm thick and thus considerably reduce interferences with 

soldier-worn loads compared to standard connectors. Mission 

equipment packages are all Snapnet compliant and therefore the 

whole connectivity spider can be integrated into fabrics. 

The Wearnet heart is the USB Hub which is connected to 

the soldier PDA. Physical Optics has also developed the 

Hierarchical Intelligent Energy Resource Controller, which 

through Snapnet connectivity, intelligently senses the voltage 

requirement of each device to supply the proper voltage to each 

system and monitor power consumption. Because the 

controller allows the use of a single source to provide 

appropriate power in a range of 3 to 40 Volts, real plug-andplay 

modes are possible. Another item that enhances the 

Wearnet capabilities is the Flexible Lightweight Intelligent 

Power Distribution (FLIPD); this ensures power distribution 

but also senses the real-time power draw that is sent to a 

microcomputer for presentation of the power situation to the 

soldier. The FLIPD can take the power either from a body-worn 

source, such as a central battery, or from a vehicle source, in the 

latter case allowing to reload body-worn batteries. 

Amongst other soldier-dedicated systems, Physical Optics 

also has developed a Tactical Flex Display (TFD), an arm-worn 

display based on E-ink and polymer substrate technology that 

allows the screen to be rolled into a radius of less than two inches. 

The TFD is available in different sizes, from 3.8 to 6 inch in 

diagonal, and can be provided in grey scale or full colour, with a 

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Saab’s 9Land Soldier sPAD is a lightweight 

C2 system based on a handheld device 

and a connection hub. (Saab) 

resolution of 320x240. The lack of 

backlighting allows a low power 

consumption, a battery ensuring over eight 

hours of operation. The TFD is sunlight 

readable and is compatible with night 

lighting and NVGs. Its touch screen can be 

operated with a pen as well as with capacitive 

gloves. The display is compatible with 

Windows CE or Android operating systems 

and can be connected to the body-worn 

computer either by cable, with a USB 2.0 480 

Mbps speed, or via WiFi 802.11. It features a 

64 GB embedded memory and can be used 

to display text, maps, images and videos. 

Another human machine interface is the 

company’s full-colour Head Mounted 

Display which provides a 39.5° diagonal 

field of view on a 800x600 SVGA oled 

display. At 35 grams, the system is very light 

and low on power consumption at 250 mW. 

However, more is in the making. Known as 

the Philip-NVG, its peculiarity is its field of 

view, as it provides the user with a 

panoramic view of 95° horizontally and 40° 

vertically with a 3000x1000 pixel resolution. 

I SAAB 

Saab, for its part, unveiled a new soldier C2 

system at Eurosatory 2012. Known as 9Land 

Soldier sPAD, this ultra-low weight system 

comes in two components, a handheld 

device and a connection hub. The 185-gram 

handheld device features a glove compatible 

3.7 inch full-colour touch screen hosted in 

a 131.5 x 78.5 x 17.5 mm case. An ambient 

light sensor allows to automatically adapt 

the backlight, the system also featuring 

built-in magnetic compass and 

accelerometer, while a microSD card slot 

hosts a 16 GB card provided as standard. 

The sPAD is based on an ARM Cortex A8 

processor with a Power SGX graphic 

accelerator, and has 512 MB RAM and 512 

Flash memories. It can run on Linux 2.6 or 

Android 2.2 operating systems. 

The current software provides functions 

like Blue Force Tracking as well as 

navigation, mapping and overlay of friendly 

and opposing forces. Only pre-formatted 

messages can be sent, under the 

consideration that this reduces errors when 

the soldier is under the combat-induced 

stress. Seven command buttons, two on 

both sides and three on the top, allow singlehand 

left- and right-hand operation. The 

handheld device can be placed in different 

positions, such as chest or arm, and is linked 

by cable to the connection hub. This comes 

in the form of a 61 x 118 x 27 mm box with 

five rugged connectors, and weighs 119 

grams. Two connectors link the system to a 

6-16 Volt power source, a built-in voltmeter 

ensuring proper voltage output to the sPAD, 

while the three remaining ports can be used 

to support a combination of different 

features thanks to the cabling system 

provided within the package. Among the 

features that can be linked are audio in and 

out line, RS-232 and RS-422 ports, host 

controllers, USB 2.0 ports, the use of a 

second USB Hub allowing to further 

increase the number of USB 2.0 ports. 

The standard battery provided by Saab 

has a weight of 289 grams and ensures up to 

12 hours of activity, the total weight of the 

sPAD system reaching thus 825 grams. The 

system can integrate inertial navigation 

systems, laser rangefinders, military GPS, 

cameras, and of course radios. The sPAD 

can easily accept any type of modern 

voice/data radio. Saab has already integrated 

the Polish Radmore 35010 PSR as well as the 

Harris RF-7800S-TR personal radio and is 

currently expanding the number of radios it 

can work with. The 9Land sPAD is being 

proposed both in Sweden for the Markus 

and in Canada for the ISSP. 

An evolution of the system is already 

underway. In terms of software, 

considerations are being made on providing 

the infantry squad leader with additional 

capabilities, while the 9Land sPAD might in 

the future be equipped with software 

28 


Lighter, yet more capable 

than its predecessor, The new 

Invisio V60 push-to-talk system 

might fit into future modern soldier 

kits. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

applications dedicated to specific functions 

such as JTAC, FOO, etc. Those are already 

part of the higher echelon 9Land BMS, used 

in platoon and above elements and loaded 

onto the company Rugged Soldier System 

ensemble. Its key element is a Rugged 

Portable Computer (RPC) based on a PC 

platform with Intel CoreDuo, an Intel 

Graphics Controller, and 2 GB SDRAM, and 

can run on Windows or Linux operating 

systems. The RPC, which can be equipped 

with an internal GPS, is designed for 

demanding 2D/3D graphics processing and 

presentation. With dimensions of 37 x 126 

x 174 mm the RPC weighs 900 grams and is 

linked to a 5-inch Rugged Portable Display, is 

equipped with a low reflection touch screen 

and a TFT display with LED-backlighting 

for best daylight viewing, while power is 

provided by a 10.8 V 5.2 Ah Lithium Ion 

Rugged Portable Battery. These two 

elements weigh respectively 350 and 550 

grams, for a grand total of less than 2 kg 

including cables. 

The 9Land BMS software comes in three 

different versions, Tracker, Integrator and 

Net Commander. The Tracker version is the 

one that fits the basic needs of light vehicles, 

its key functionalities being navigation and 

route management, blue force tracking, 

reports, and alarms and alerts. Integrator is 

dedicated to heavy combat vehicles, while 

Net Commander is the commanders’ tool at 

brigade and beyond levels. 

I RAPID MOBILE 

Turning to terminals, Rapid Mobile of South 

Africa launched its RT5 tactical terminal at 

DSEI 2011 in its Version 2 configuration, the 

company being currently in the preproduction 

of its Version 3 while Version 4 is 

already being developed at full steam. The 

aim of the company is to provide a small 

ultra-rugged Nato standard communication 

PDA running on Linux for secure military 

tactical messaging, chat, email, situational 

awareness and digital voice that can be used 

over any existing HF/VHF/UHF radio link, 

Rapid Mobile focusing its marketing on 

second or third tier nations. 

At 490 grams including the two AA 

batteries ensuring over 12 hours of 

operation, the RT5 features a 2.4-inch 

colour display with light sensor for autobrightness 

and a VHF/UHF 2400-9600 bps 

modem that ensures communications even 

when voice comms are impossible. It can 

even operate with old analog radios, de facto 

providing an immediate upgrade to those 

assets. Messages, either free text or preformatted, 

can easily be typed through the 

keyboard. The RT5 has a built-in GPS 

receiver and antenna, which means that 

position information can readily be relayed 

on the network. It also features an interface to 

Ethernet LAN, USB storage devices, rugged 

printers or cameras. Version 4 will feature 

built-in speakers and will handle a 

proprietary waveform ensuring secure 

digital voice communication. 

I INVISIO 

A most widely used man-machine interface 

is definitely push-to-talk, or PTT in 

military jargon. Two such systems were 

recently introduced. Invisio developed its 

Source of Sound Mini Black Box is one of the 

latest addition to the numerous hearing and 

ear protection systems that might become part 

of SMPs. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

new V60 with a view to improving 

performance and lowering weight. At 145 

grams, more than 100 grams less than the 

previous models, it features three 

communications ports to which any type of 

system can be linked, radios, intercom 

systems, mobile phones, computers, metal 

detectors, etc. 

The four PTTs, two primary and two 

secondary, can handle up to two nets. Fully 

plug and play, the V60 does not need any 

battery, power being taken from the radio. 

Submersible up to 20 metres, it can be 

equipped with Invisio in-ear protecting 

headsets and bone microphones. 

I SOURCE OF SOUND 

Established 20 years ago Source Of Sound 

(SOS) of Israel has sold over 25,000 noise 

reduction sets. Fully trusting the in-ear 

solution, SOS is currently marketing its 

Mini Black Box, a miniaturized in-ear 

headset powered from the radio that 

features passive and active noise control in 

both noisy and normal environments and 

ensures clear communications, ambience 

noise being also increasable to obtain better 

hearing in ambush situations. The SOS 

product supports full duplex radio and 

works on the noise compression principle, 

which provides a noise reduction rate of 22, 

and ensures optimal protection against 

30 


gunshot and bomb explosion. A remote 

PTT can be used, either by cable or wireless, 

to allow hands-on weapon operations. A 

microphone is used in the headset because 

SOS customers still prefer such a solution, 

mostly for psychological reasons. 

The Mini Black Box draws power from 

the radio to which it is linked, its subsystems 

weighing respectively 115 grams (control 

box), 52 grams (headset) and 70 grams 

(wireless PTT, powered by a 3 V battery 

ensuring one year of operation). 

The Mini Black Box + is a version of the 

previous product that is powered by a single 

AAA battery, the control box weight 

increasing to 140 grams with battery. This 

can be used also as a hearing protection / 

hearing enhancement system without any 

radio connectivity. 

I REVISION 

As mentioned in the Voss programme entry, 

head protection is becoming something 

more complex than a mere helmet, and since 

eye, aural and mandible protection has 

become a sine qua non, integration of all 

these parameters have taken a new 

dimension. To answer those requirements 

Revision has developed the Batlskin modular 

head protection system, which has already 

been adopted by the Danish Army. Its 

soldiers have in fact deployed to Afghanistan 

More and more armies are 

looking for a better head protection 

that includes head, eyes and mandible; 

with its Batlskin Cobra Revision answers 

those requirements. (Revision) 

in early 2013 with the new head protection. 

The new Revision product was generated 

by the requirements of the British Pecoc 

programme now known as Virtus. It comes 

in the form of a series of add-on items: a 

front mount allows the attachment of 

protection enhancing devices such as visor 

and mandible guard (also doubles as a 

universal NVG mount). The add-on 

protective elements are: a visor providing 

optimum high-impact protection, high 

threat mandible guard providing blunt force 

and fragmentation protection for the lower 

jaw, and a lightweight mesh-wire mandible 

guard protecting only against blunt force. 

Those items are compatible with the current 

Advanced Combat Helmet, Revision 

proposing its Batlskin in various versions. 

Revision developed a technology 

that allows to produce helmet 

shells at lower weight or higher 

performances. (Revision) 

The Viper A1 features an Aramid 

shell while the Viper P2 exploits 

advanced composite shell technology 

to achieve weight reduction. Thanks 

to its investments in new highpressure 

moulding machines able to 

produce lightweight polyethylene 

elements at an acceptable cost, Revision 

developed a light shell weighing 1.15 kg 

versus 1.4 kg of the ACH, and whose V 50 

against light splinters is well over 750 m/s 

compared to the 650-680 m/s of the ACH, the 

whole Batlskin P2 system reaching thus a 

weight of 1.395 kg, which ends up being 

lighter than the sole ACH shell. The Batlskin 

is being promoted in numerous countries like 

Switzerland, Austria and Sweden, where 

acquisition programmes should start in the 

2014-15 period. 

I CERADYNE 

Ceradyne Diaphorm, a division of 

Ceradyne, has developed the Seamless 

Ballistic Helmet (SBH) forming which, in 

conjunction with Thermoplastic Composite 

Helmet (TCH) moulding technologies, 

ensures the production of head protection 

with considerably increased performances 

over conventional helmets and able, 

according to the company, to stop rifle 

bullets. The SBH technology allows to form 

the helmet without having to cut any of the 

layers, in other words devoid of folds in the 

laminate, providing maximum uniformity. 

The new system allows also to obtain a 

helmet that does not degrade with 

seawater, temperature shock, high 

altitude, salt-fog and field agents. 

The Ceradyne Defender SBH is 

the product currently proposed. 

However, the California-based 

company has gone a step further 

by looking into the integration of 

optronics and other electronic 

accessories. The Mohawk boltless 

combat helmet developed with 

communications specialist Threat4 that 

provides its In-ear Tactical Headset with 

Boom Mic, Hearing Protection, is intended 

for the integration of other electronic 

devices. It integrates a modular data and 

power bus bar system, linked to the battery 

pack mounted on the rear. Other accessories 

that can be fixed on the helmet include 

NVGs, an IFF transponder, a camera, etc. 

I BREN-TRONICS 

All those additional accessories require 

power, batteries being one of the soft spots of 

endurance. Having the US Army as its 

principal customers, Bren-Tronics is one of 

the major battery supplier. Using over 

100,000 pieces per year, the service has 

rationalised its battery stocks by reducing 

the types of batteries from 95 to eight. 

Li-Ion cells have improved with time, 

stepping from 2.4 to 3.4 Ah at 3.6 V in 10 

years, and are predicted to reach the 4 Ah 

mark by late 2015 or early 2016 (the first 

prototypes are already being tested). 

Interestingly, Bren-Tronics batteries display 

their status in absolute state of charge values, 

which is important since even fully charged 


Compendium 

Modern 

Soldier 

Programmes 

by 


INTERNATIONAL: The trusted source for defence technology information since 1976 

ON THE COVER: While certain nations 

developed comprehensive suites for their armies 

right from the outset, others work more on a 

step-by-step pattern, by either creating their 

modules themselves or picking various items from 

the more advanced programmes (like this 

Gladius, photo P. Valpolini) to create their own 

package (Armada/Eric H. Biass) 

Modern Soldier Programmes 

Supplement to Issue 4/2013 

Volume 37, Issue No. 4, August/September 2013 

BrenTronics is constantly improving Li-Ion cells capacity, although the quest for energy 

density is reaching its limits. (Armada/P. Valpolini) 

an old battery will discharge charge a lot 

faster than a new one. 

The company is now proposing its 

Soldier Power Manager. This comes as a 

soldier-worn 200-gram unit or in smart 

vest-integrated form weighing 130 grams. It 

features several power ports with voltage 

from 8 to 34 VDC and ensures optimised 

battery charge, hot swapping and switching, 

as well as energy harvesting from primary 

batteries, solar MPPT or fuel cells. 

Importantly, in 2011 Bren-Tronics acquired 

Ultracell, a major American fuel cell player, 

and is since offering integrated systems. The 

company is currently proposing two types 

of batteries for soldier systems, the SMP and 

the LW (Land Warrior); the SMP comes in 

one-third, two-thirds and regular sizes 

weighing 290, 370 and 525 grams and 

respectively yielding 31, 62 and 92 Wh+ at 

10.8 V. An AA SMP holder is also available. 

As for the LW, two models are on offer, 

namely the 517-gram Li-80 and and 1.02- 

kilo Li-145, with respective capacities of 82 

Wh+ and 145 Wh. 

With currently available Li-Ion cells the 

power density of those batteries will soon be 

improved; SMPs will leap from 170 to 240 

I INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 

AIMPOINT 23 

AR - MODULAR RF 27 

BERETTA 15 

BRIDEX 33 

DSEI 35 

ELBIT SYSTEMS 2 

INDO DEFENCE 29 

34 


Following the acquisition of Ultracell, a major 

player in the fuel cell field, Bren-Tronics is able 

to offer integrated solutions to its customers. 


Wh/kg, and the LW from 140 to 190 Wh/kg. 

Better still according to the company, their 

price will also be reduced by nearly 25%. 

Further improvements will come at a later 

date when the above-mentioned 4 Ah cell 

will be available. Bren-Tronics is also 

demonstrating a hybrid solution including 

a fuel cell and a battery, fuel cell capacity 

being much higher than that of diesel 

solutions, although the latter use an easily 

available fuel. 

INVISIO 19 

NAMEXPO 31 

NFM 9 

SAAB SECURITY & DEFENCE SYSTEMS 11 

SAGEM 36 

TRIJICON 25 

VECTRONIX 5 

INTERNATIONAL 

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