Armada-Modern-Soldier-Compendium-AUGSEPT-2013
Armada-Modern-Soldier-Compendium-AUGSEPT-2013
Armada-Modern-Soldier-Compendium-AUGSEPT-2013
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<strong>Compendium</strong><br />
<strong>Modern</strong><br />
<strong>Soldier</strong><br />
Programmes<br />
by<br />
All About Power<br />
INTERNATIONAL: The trusted source for defence technology information since 1976
The Soldato Futuro sighting system<br />
is currently made of Raytheon Elcan<br />
SpecterDR 1-4x, L-3 Warrior System<br />
Insight Mini Thermal Monocular<br />
and AN/PEQ-15 Aptial laser pointer<br />
(<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
All About Power<br />
With the years the term “Future <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme” has become hardly applicable in a<br />
certain number of nations, although many, if not most of the systems announced by<br />
certain nations, yet need to enter service. Some soldier modernisation programmes, or<br />
SMPs in short, have been announced, but work is still in the starting blocks.<br />
Paolo Valpolini<br />
The advent of smartphones with<br />
powerful computing capacities is<br />
definitely influencing the evolution<br />
of many soldier modernisation<br />
programmes, to the extent that some had to<br />
be moved back to square one to exploit<br />
those suddenly available technologies.<br />
However, no system in service is yet based<br />
on that type of hardware and the related<br />
operating system that allows the installation<br />
of rapidly developed apps.<br />
Currently only France has operationally<br />
fielded an integrated suite. Britain, for its<br />
part, has fielded most of the Fist<br />
components, although they are only related<br />
to sighting and targeting, while Germany<br />
deployed its first IdZ-ES equipped infantry<br />
battalion to Afghanistan in summer <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
NETT WARRIOR<br />
One of the programmes that was heavily<br />
impacted by the advent of smartphones is<br />
definitely the Nett Warrior, the successor of<br />
the Land Warrior, which is evolving yearly<br />
through Network Integration Evaluations<br />
(NIEs). Following the decision to abandon<br />
the conventional way of acquisition, the<br />
DOT&E that saw three companies being<br />
selected for the development of competing<br />
systems to be evaluated, and that of<br />
following a cots path, the programme has<br />
now gone through various iterations, the<br />
one that started last May being NIE 13.2.<br />
One thing that is relatively stable is the<br />
communications element. The choice went<br />
to the General Dynamics C4I Systems<br />
AN/PRC-154, which is able to transmit both<br />
voice and data simultaneously utilizing the<br />
<strong>Soldier</strong> Radio Waveform (SRW). Thanks to<br />
the embedded GPS it continuously<br />
transmits the Position Location<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong><br />
03
The US Army Nett Warrior<br />
programme is sliding towards<br />
cots technologies. A typical<br />
example of this trend is the use of<br />
smartphones. (US Army)<br />
Initial Production order covered 2,052<br />
radios and had a maximum potential value<br />
of $11 million if all options are exercised.<br />
Initial deliveries started in Q1 <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Turning to the computer, the “Network<br />
Integration Evaluation 13.1” of November<br />
2012 saw the adoption of the first cots item<br />
in the form of a Motorola Atrix smartphone.<br />
At 135 grams, it featured a 4-inch display with<br />
a 960x540 pixel resolution. A <strong>Soldier</strong> Worn<br />
Integrated Power Equipment System was also<br />
adopted to extend the endurance of the<br />
system – this conformal battery package<br />
providing some 14 extra hours to be added to<br />
the radio’s 7 hours autonomy. The Atrix<br />
screen dimensions were considered too small<br />
and for NIE 13.2, which was run in May <strong>2013</strong>,<br />
a 178-gram Samsung Galaxy Note I was<br />
adopted, its 5.3-inch Super Amoled<br />
touchscreen having a 1280x800 pixel<br />
resolution. However, following the issuing of<br />
the Atrix to two of the 10th Mountain<br />
Division brigades (the next unit to receive<br />
Nett Warrior gear), part of 1st Armored<br />
Division will get the Samsung Note II that<br />
The availability of text messages, maps and<br />
pictures is one of the goals pursued by the US<br />
Army soldier digitisation programme. (US Army)<br />
General Dynamics C4I Systems’ AN/PRC-154 soldier radio is the backbone of the US Army<br />
soldier modernisation programme. (US Army)<br />
Information (PLI), enabling situational<br />
awareness and blue force tracking, and<br />
supports hands-free display and external<br />
computer interfaces. The radio operates in<br />
UHF and L bands and allows to actively<br />
participate in one voice talk call group while<br />
simultaneously monitoring other talk<br />
groups. At 417 grams without battery and<br />
771 grams with battery, its operational life<br />
is of over 10 hours.<br />
In November 2012 the US Army<br />
launched a first contract for the new<br />
AN/PRC-154A Nett Warrior Radio. The<br />
main difference is that the “Alpha” is made to<br />
allow platoon leaders and those above to<br />
connect on secure nets up to Secret, while<br />
keeping the Sensitive-but-Unclassified<br />
connection to the soldiers equipped with the<br />
standard radio, even while physical features<br />
remain nearly identical. The Low Rate<br />
features a 5.5-inch display and can host<br />
memory cards of up to 64 GB. The software<br />
has evolved considerably according to user<br />
indications, especially in terms of map<br />
handling. The Nett Warrior also includes a<br />
helmet-mounted display, while the cabling of<br />
the various elements has also been upgraded<br />
to save weight and improve reliability.<br />
Last May – a noteworthy point – the<br />
Department of Defense announced the<br />
release of the Apple iOS 6 STIG (Security<br />
Technical Implementation Guide), adding<br />
this operating system to BlackBerry’s<br />
Enterprise Service 10 software and Google’s<br />
Android OS for Samsung Knox which had<br />
already been released. This allows the<br />
Department to chose among multiple cots<br />
options for its SMPs.<br />
04 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
The commanders’ tablet of the Félin French Army soldier-worn C2 system allows to plan a<br />
mission on a digital map. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
The Félin system includes a modular<br />
protection system that allows soldiers to tailor<br />
their equipment according to the mission.<br />
(<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
FÉLIN<br />
With the delivery of the 10,000 th kit to the<br />
French Army, the Félin programme is<br />
moving at a steady pace. In the meantime<br />
the first lessons learned have started to flow<br />
back from Afghanistan: according to 1 st<br />
Infantry Regiment personnel, who first<br />
deployed downrange with the Felin system,<br />
the sights proved of invaluable importance in<br />
improving fire effectiveness and reducing<br />
ammunition consumption. Each infantry<br />
team was normally carrying three thermal<br />
imaging sights and four image<br />
intensification ones. As for C2, radio<br />
performances have to be improved<br />
according to French soldiers, who<br />
particularly appreciated the osteomicrophone<br />
fitted in the headband.<br />
The touch-screen tablet was used only at<br />
platoon/company commanders level; on the<br />
move it allowed to verify the position of the<br />
sub-units, while when static it was used to<br />
verify the firing plan, getting the info from<br />
section commanders, and to send to higher<br />
echelons a summary of the situation. Not<br />
been used by the 1 st Infantry Regiment in<br />
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Afghanistan, however, were the preformatted<br />
messages as well as the headmounted<br />
display. Battery endurance proved<br />
to be more than sufficient, given the<br />
relatively non-intensive use of the system.<br />
The spiralisation of the system will see<br />
the adoption of a new radio and of a new<br />
body armour, the latter aiming at increasing<br />
the infantryman mobility by lowering<br />
weight and increasing comfort. This should<br />
occur two-thirds into the deliveries, that is<br />
around kit number 15,000 – out of a total of<br />
some 22,000 systems.<br />
IDZ-ES / GLADIUS<br />
The Bundeswehr IdZ-ES (Infanterist der<br />
Zukunft – Erweiterte System) 1 , the future<br />
infantryman improved system, officially<br />
started its operational life on 7 March <strong>2013</strong>,<br />
when the system was officially handed over<br />
from prime contractor Rheinmetall Defence<br />
to the President of the BAAIN (formerly<br />
BWB), Mr. Harald Stein, in the presence of<br />
The German IdZ-ES was handed over by Rheinmetall to the German Bundeswehr in early<br />
March <strong>2013</strong>. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
the General Inspector of the German Army,<br />
Lt.Gen. Bruno Kasdorf.<br />
In fact one German Army unit, the 12 th<br />
Security Battalion, has been training with the<br />
system since September 2012 in order to<br />
gather as much experience as possible. The<br />
battalion is now in charge of the instruction of<br />
the operational units that will receive the IdZ-<br />
ES gear and will deploy in Afghanistan. The<br />
first unit to be equipped with the system is<br />
the 232 GebirgsjägerBatallion based in<br />
Bischofswiesen and part of the 23 Mountain<br />
Infantry Brigade, (which will have been<br />
redeployed in Afghanistan since Summer<br />
<strong>2013</strong>). The IdZ-ES familiarisation phase for<br />
each of the battalions lasts six weeks and takes<br />
place at the Infantry School in Hammelburg.<br />
A few elements have been changed,<br />
starting with a new helmet, the Ops-Core<br />
Fast Ballistic Helmet (1328 grams in the<br />
Medium/Large size including Visual<br />
Augmentation System Shroud and rails).<br />
With the improved body armour, these two<br />
new items result in a 20-25% weight<br />
reduction over the previous subsystems.<br />
Shortly before the configuration was<br />
frozen the German Army decided to adopt<br />
the Mehler carrying vest in place of that<br />
from Blücher, the latter company<br />
nevertheless remaining the main provider<br />
for the clothing and protection system.<br />
In the field of the night vision, a new<br />
thermal imager has been added to the Zeiss<br />
Optronics (now Cassidian Optronics) IRV-<br />
600, a thermal imager perfectly suited for<br />
use at longer ranges – 400 to 600 metres – by<br />
designated marksmen, snipers or machine<br />
gunners, as well as by riflemen operating at<br />
medium distances. The performance of this<br />
clip-on system, that can detect a person at<br />
1,520 metres, recognise it at 520 and identify<br />
it at 250, comes at a price, namely weight,<br />
06 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
The electronic backpack of the German IdZ-ES<br />
developed by Rheinmetall; Boxer and Puma<br />
seats have been adapted to fit that German<br />
Army system. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
since the IRV-600 weighs 1,090 grams<br />
including batteries, mount and CQB rail. To<br />
lighten the burden of the rifleman when<br />
operating at shorter engagement distances,<br />
under 100 metres, the Bundwswehr added<br />
a second clip-on uncooled thermal imager,<br />
the Dragon C developed and produced by<br />
Qioptiq in Britain. This unit can be<br />
integrated with optical day sights in the<br />
range of x1 – x4 magnification and thus<br />
perfectly fits the Zeiss Optics 4x30 sight<br />
chosen for the IdZ-ES. Excluding batteries<br />
the Dragon C thermal imager weighs less<br />
than 390 grams, its two AA 1.5 V batteries<br />
providing over five hours of operation at<br />
standard temperature.<br />
Each infantry squad will maintain four<br />
Cassidian IRV-600, while in mechanised<br />
squads we will also find three Qioptiq<br />
systems, allowing soldiers to choose their<br />
equipment according to the mission. Night<br />
vision goggles remain the 51° FoV Lucie II D,<br />
310 of which were ordered to Thales in late<br />
2012. Compared to the standard NVGs of<br />
that type those developed for the IdZ-ES<br />
feature an integrated OLED data and video<br />
display. With this add-on the Lucie II D can<br />
be used for night vision only, image display<br />
only, showing terrain layouts or maps, or<br />
mixed-mode operation, overlaying tactical<br />
and status information in the upper or lower<br />
display area over night vision. Moreover the<br />
contract also included 16 Lucie II DIR; these<br />
NVGs will feature the Thales Angénieux IR<br />
module that creates an image overlay with<br />
residual light and thermal image. Thales is<br />
also responsible for communications and<br />
supplies its Solar 400 EG, lithium-ion<br />
batteries as the power supply for the entire<br />
electronic backbone, charging stations,<br />
antenna kits and adapters and cables.<br />
Although currently not yet part of the<br />
IdZ-ES, the Rheinmetall man-worn shotgun<br />
detector known as AkSL (Akustisches<br />
Schützen-Lokalisationssystem) is now a<br />
reality and a proposal to the Bundeswehr<br />
was filed in late April <strong>2013</strong>. The system<br />
adopts the well-known configuration with a<br />
shoulder pad containing the sensors and the<br />
electronics and a light wrist-worn display.<br />
Currently seen as a stand-off system, the<br />
AkSL might well be integrated into the IdZ-<br />
ES, feeding its data into the main computer<br />
and exploiting the IdZ-ES man-machine<br />
interfaces.<br />
The IdZ-ES programme also has a<br />
considerable impact on the two new vehicles<br />
that are being introduced in service by the<br />
Bundeswehr, the wheeled 8x8 Boxer APC<br />
and the tracked Puma IFV. The IdZ-ES is<br />
being fully integrated in the vehicles, in<br />
order to provide a seamless transition from<br />
inside the vehicle to outside and vice versa<br />
to the dismount, the vehicle being a real<br />
member of the infantry squad. Inside the<br />
Qioptiq Dragon C thermal imager is one of the latest addition to the German Army IdZ-ES<br />
system. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong><br />
07
The German Army name for the recently delivered SMP<br />
remains IdZ-ES while Gladius is the commercial name used<br />
by the company for export. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
vehicle the soldier uses a break-off plug that<br />
would disconnect without damage when<br />
debussing the APC/IFV even if he forgets to<br />
unplug. This plug enables the soldier to use<br />
his headset to talk through the intracom, the<br />
IdZ-ES batteries to reload and the C2 system<br />
to constantly update from the vehicle C2.<br />
With the GPS position also being updated,<br />
the soldier will know immediately his<br />
position upon debussing. Via the C2 system<br />
the soldier equipped with the target<br />
acquisition system can automatically<br />
transmit the target position to the vehicle<br />
C2, the latter thus being able to immediately<br />
provide fire support.<br />
Three target acquisition systems are<br />
available, the Jenoptik Bird, the Vectronix<br />
Moskito day/night observation and locating<br />
units, and the Vectronix Vector IV BT<br />
binocular rangefinder; the systems used<br />
depend on the type of unit, i.e. a light<br />
infantry squad would carry three Moskitos<br />
and one Bird. An auto-slaving feature is<br />
being proposed by the company but is not<br />
part of the current Bundeswehr system,<br />
although this may be introduced in future<br />
batches of Boxers and in the Pumas. Seats<br />
were also redesigned to allow IdZ-ESequipped<br />
soldiers to properly fit in them to<br />
ensure maximum safety in case of mine or<br />
roadside bomb explosion.<br />
Rheinmetall Defence will soon deliver<br />
the kits to make the new infantry vehicles<br />
fully apt to operate with the IdZ-ES.<br />
Rheinmetall also received a contract and is<br />
working with Cassidian to develop a<br />
common interface that will allow to<br />
integrate the IdZ-ES in the higher level<br />
Führungs- und Informationssystems Heer,<br />
permitting automatic transmission of<br />
messages generated by soldiers. This<br />
interface will be available by late <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
Gladius is the name given to the system<br />
for the export market.<br />
NORMANS<br />
Fall 2012 marked the first deliveries of<br />
production Normans (Norwegian Modular<br />
Arctic Network <strong>Soldier</strong>) kits developed by a<br />
team led by Thales Norway. The system<br />
provides blue force tracking, navigation,<br />
The Normans Light human-machine interface;<br />
the Thales Norway system is being proposed<br />
in a series of bids that look at a simple and<br />
lightweight C2 kit. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
08 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
target hand-off and text messaging services,<br />
and comes in two different standards, the<br />
Normans Light aimed at the individual<br />
soldier member of a Dismounted Close<br />
Combat squad, and the Normans Advanced<br />
used by squad and platoon leaders.<br />
The production system is known as<br />
Version 2 and is based on a GFE radio,<br />
namely the Harris RF 7800S-TR operating<br />
in the 350-450 MHz band, though the squad<br />
commander is also equipped with a<br />
Kongsberg Handheld MH300 VHF set that<br />
operates in the 30-88 MHz band. Following<br />
a lengthy and unfruitful search for a<br />
commercial terminal for the commander<br />
version, Thales decided to develop a<br />
purpose-made system to overcome<br />
readability and ruggedisation problems.<br />
The current colour display terminal with<br />
map capability weighs 440 grams and allows<br />
the squad commander to send free text<br />
messages to the soldiers, who receive them<br />
on their wrist-worn terminal weighing only<br />
150 grams. This monochrome display is<br />
directly linked to the soldier’s radio (which<br />
also provides power, the display having a<br />
maximum consumption of only 0.3 Watts).<br />
Norway is starting to deploy its Normans soldier-worn C2 system. This unit is the Normans<br />
Advanced HMI aimed at commanders. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
COMBAT CLOTHING LOAD BEARING SYSTEMS BODY ARMOR HELMET SYSTEMS<br />
MODULARITY – ADAPTABILITY – PERFORMANCE
The soldier can send only pre-formatted<br />
messages to his commander.<br />
A spiralisation of the system is expected.<br />
The software, developed by Teleplan Globe,<br />
is constantly upgraded, but the integration<br />
of other subsystems thanks to the hub<br />
principle that allows to add additional<br />
sensors might also be implemented.<br />
The system developed by Thales Norway<br />
is being proposed by the group as the C4I<br />
element of its Dismounted Close Combat<br />
System, that integrates the Normans<br />
together with UK Fist surveillance and<br />
target acquisition assets and with the<br />
Starmille radio.<br />
The first phase of<br />
the British Army Fist<br />
programme is well<br />
underway, most<br />
aiming systems<br />
being now in use in<br />
Afghanistan.<br />
(British Army)<br />
FIST & CO<br />
The Future Integrated <strong>Soldier</strong> Technology<br />
programme is well known to our readers,<br />
the contract for the first increment – the<br />
surveillance and target acquisition system –<br />
having been assigned to prime contractor<br />
Thales UK four years ago (September 2009).<br />
It included a suite of day and night<br />
weapon sights, observation and target<br />
location equipment, to be employed by the<br />
dismounted soldier. The British Army<br />
aimed at reducing engagement times,<br />
improving detection and recognition ranges<br />
and increasing first hit probability. Details<br />
on subsystems and subcontractors are<br />
available in the table.<br />
Thales still expects further tranches.<br />
However these will come only once the<br />
Army restructuring is completed. Deliveries<br />
are on track and well underway, as over 50%<br />
of the equipment was handed over to the<br />
military. The last subsystem accepted in late<br />
2012 was the Vectronix/Wilcox grenade<br />
launcher fire control system. A good<br />
portion of the subsystems were delivered<br />
well in advance of the original schedule.<br />
Moreover, in March <strong>2013</strong> Thales completed<br />
deliveries of 8,000 Lightweight Day Sights<br />
integrated with Close Quarter Battlesights -<br />
Description Quantity Supplier<br />
Fist thermal sight 4,111 Qioptiq<br />
Lightweight day sight 10,835 Elcan<br />
Close quarter battlesight 19,122 Shield<br />
Underslung grenade launcher sight 784 Istec<br />
UGL fire control system 2,090 Vectronix<br />
Commander’s target locator 2,471 Vectronix<br />
Lightweight infantry periscope 856 Uniscope<br />
Ruggedised digital camera 856 Olympus UK<br />
Conversion of existing Maxikite 2s & 4,176 Qioptiq<br />
common weapon sights to meet<br />
Fist requirements<br />
this was under an separate contract, in<br />
addition to the main Fist contract.<br />
Another add-on contract was that filed<br />
to Vectronix by Thales UK for 1,400 more<br />
Moskito multi-function target acquisition<br />
systems to be used as Commander’s Target<br />
Locator. All the equipment is currently in<br />
service in Afghanistan, the first unit to<br />
deploy with Fist equipment being the RAF<br />
Regiment element of the Herrik 16 rotation<br />
that deployed in mid-April 2012, while the<br />
following rotations deployed the system<br />
with most combat units.<br />
The next key milestone for the British<br />
programme is the investment decision on the<br />
procurement of C4I capabilities. For this<br />
Thales is promoting its Normans system (q.v)<br />
currently under delivery in Norway, since the<br />
system is apparently appreciated by the<br />
British Ministry of Defence for its simplicity.<br />
The ministry is also sponsoring a series of<br />
research programmes with a view to<br />
10 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
substantially decreasing weights in the<br />
perspective of the acquisition of C4I systems<br />
and sensors. Within the overall Generic<br />
<strong>Soldier</strong> Architecture (GSA) development,<br />
Cosworth is leading a group of companies in<br />
the development of the Man Worn Power &<br />
Data Technology Demonstrator Programme<br />
(MWPD TDP) to simplify connectivity and<br />
reduce weight for body-worn electronic<br />
systems. Part of the Cosworth team are BMT<br />
Defence Services, CQC, Martec, TE<br />
Connectivity and Ultra Electronics.<br />
Reducing wiring and integrating it in the<br />
clothing is only part of the business, a 18-<br />
gram power controller having been installed<br />
into an Osprey body armour; this draws<br />
power from a consumer grade three-cell<br />
integral Lithium battery that will change over<br />
time to improve performances. A single<br />
high-speed USB2.0 wiring system able to<br />
switch and monitor up to seven ports is also<br />
integrated into the Osprey and enables<br />
adaptive control of the power flow through<br />
the clothing. Low priority devices would be<br />
disconnected automatically when the battery<br />
reaches a predetermined percentage of its<br />
charge capacity (the controller is run by an<br />
ARM Cortex M4 processor core running at<br />
100MHz and will allow to recharge the<br />
system by plugging it into any other power<br />
source such as a solar mat, a fuel cell or a<br />
vehicle outlet).<br />
“Plug” is a word that might disappear in<br />
this context, as Martec is providing Cosworth<br />
with its Wireless Integrated Power Electronics<br />
System. This induction system supplies power<br />
and data at very short distances (millimetres or<br />
centimetres according to the model).<br />
Cosworth won a contract for the Man Worn<br />
Power & Data Technology Demonstrator<br />
from the British Ministry of Defence. The<br />
aim is to reduce the weight of the electronic<br />
vest. (Cosworth)<br />
Another area pursued<br />
by Cosworth in the<br />
development of its<br />
Man Power Data is<br />
improved connectors,<br />
ultra slim and wireless<br />
solutions having also<br />
been considered.<br />
(Cosworth)<br />
Cosworth intends to use the shorter range<br />
system to allow wireless connection between<br />
the Personal Role Radio and the webbing<br />
when the radio is put back into its standard<br />
position, while a longer range variant might<br />
be adopted to connect the soldier system to<br />
the on-board system when the military sits in<br />
the vehicle. No need thus to remember about<br />
“plugging in”.<br />
The power system provides a resilient and<br />
highly versatile connection through fully<br />
sealed and completely flush surfaces that can<br />
operate through a material barrier. When<br />
physical connectors can be adopted,<br />
Cosworth looked at TE Connectivity systems<br />
whose early prototypes were visible at a<br />
recent exhibition. These connectors are flat,<br />
do not show any cavity, don’t have any pin<br />
that may be bent, and can be used even when<br />
wet. They ensure USB2.0 data transfer and<br />
power specs. The demonstrator was<br />
completed in early <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
In mid-March <strong>2013</strong> Roke Manor Research<br />
Ltd, part of the Chemring Group, was<br />
awarded a three-year research contract under<br />
the Dismounted Close Combat Sensors<br />
(DCCS) Research Programme. Roke is<br />
leading a team that also includes SEA<br />
(Systems Engineering & Assessments) and<br />
QinetiQ to assess, mature and integrate<br />
innovative sensor technology for the
dismounted close combat infantry soldier.<br />
The goal is to develop an open systems<br />
architecture to allow for the integration of<br />
multiple sensor-based subsystems, such as<br />
acoustic, thermal imaging and RF subsystems<br />
in order to enhance situational awareness,<br />
facilitate collaborative targeting and increase<br />
optempo, while minimising size, weight and<br />
power burden. Phase 1a, which aimed at<br />
identifying new and innovative technologies,<br />
is completed and over 200 submissions were<br />
received. Phase 1b will look for more<br />
complete information in order to carry out a<br />
first down-selection, that will then lead to<br />
Demo 1 with a first technologies<br />
demonstration in October <strong>2013</strong>. A second<br />
down-selection will then lead to a fully<br />
integrated system to be demonstrated in May<br />
2014 at Demo 2. Demo 3 demonstrating the<br />
integrated solution working in a live exercise<br />
by the Army will take place in February 2015,<br />
while in December that year Demo 4 will see<br />
the system integrated into a wider Istar<br />
environment.<br />
VOSS<br />
The Voss programme was originally<br />
launched in the Netherlands in 2008 and<br />
consists of three autonomous projects: smart<br />
vest, integrated head protection and E-<br />
Lighter.<br />
The most advanced one of these three<br />
components is the E-Lighter. Developed by<br />
Fokker Aerostructures it is a lightweight<br />
diesel-fueled power source that can<br />
provide the energy needed for all the<br />
electronic equipment carried by the soldier.<br />
The company developed some technology<br />
demonstrators and, in September 2011, was<br />
awarded a three-year contract by the Dutch<br />
Ministry of Defence, which pushed the<br />
system into full-steam development.<br />
Through the years, Fokker Aerostructures<br />
considerably improved the system in terms<br />
of efficiency and lifetime, maintaining the<br />
same power while decreasing the weight.<br />
The prototype configuration<br />
weighs 1 kg dry (fuel being of the<br />
JP8 or car diesel type). Interest for<br />
a full multifuel system has been expressed<br />
and the company is working on adjusting<br />
the E-Lighter to cope with this<br />
requirement. The exhaust has been<br />
moved from the side to the bottom,<br />
the E-Lighter adding no extra thermal<br />
signature to the body according to Fokker.<br />
Currently the E-Lighter can provide a<br />
maximum output of 15 Watts, with a power<br />
The E-Lighter was improved and will be used together with batteries in a hybrid system that<br />
will provide power to the Dutch Voss. (Fokker Aerostructures)<br />
density of 400 Wh/kg and an endurance of 48<br />
hours, that is the double of any currently<br />
available batteries. Some 2,000 pieces should<br />
be needed by the Dutch Armed Forces, but<br />
Fokker Aerostructures hopes to increase<br />
this with Belgium and Luxembourg who are<br />
partners in the E-Vest. An interest in the<br />
micro-diesel power system has also been<br />
expressed by the US Marines and Army, as<br />
well as by France. Fokker Aerostructures<br />
had built 10 prototypes by late 2012, which<br />
have been thoroughly and successfully<br />
The E-Lighter<br />
diesel power<br />
generator is the<br />
first system to<br />
have been<br />
ordered as part<br />
of the Dutch Voss<br />
programme.<br />
(Fokker<br />
Aerostructures)<br />
tested by the Dutch Army in early <strong>2013</strong>. The<br />
results are be used for the upcoming stage<br />
that will bring the E-Lighter to TRL7.<br />
As for the Smart Vest, this includes<br />
radios, both soldier-worn and vehiclerelated,<br />
near eye displays, ruggedized<br />
tablets, energy grids, ballistic protection,<br />
vests, rucksacks, etc. Its acquisition process<br />
is still running, the Netherlands acting as<br />
single contracting nation on behalf of all<br />
Benelux countries. After contract award, the<br />
pre-series will be established and units<br />
tested. Serial production is scheduled for<br />
2015 and further. According to industrial<br />
sources a first shortlist has been established<br />
although major modifications have also<br />
been required from the three remaining<br />
competitors, contract award being<br />
scheduled for late <strong>2013</strong> – early 2014.<br />
Contenders include Sagem (which<br />
leveraged work done on the Félin for the C4I<br />
components) and NFM of Norway for the<br />
vest itself and protection elements. Compared<br />
to the French solution, the Sagem C4I<br />
proposal to the Netherlands is quite different,<br />
as it is focused on risk management,<br />
introducing innovations according to the risk<br />
level. The software is derived from the one<br />
used by the French Army.<br />
The Voss solution is being extended to<br />
the other two Benelux countries, Belgium<br />
and Luxemburg, the Netherlands being<br />
the leading country. Three versions of<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong><br />
13
the system are being offered, Light, Basic and<br />
Enhanced. The Light includes the radio, the<br />
push-to-talk, an energy grid system and one<br />
battery. The Basic adds the portable<br />
computer and a near-to-eye display, while the<br />
Enhanced adds a display for the commander.<br />
Integrating the soldier’s electronics into<br />
vehicles used by three different armies is an<br />
issue as some 15 different vehicle models<br />
have to be interfaced with the soldier. To this<br />
end Sagem developed a communications<br />
front-end that provides full interface<br />
between the vehicle and the soldier battle<br />
management systems, as well as between the<br />
two radios. A Q-Box allows to select the<br />
radio set as well as to tune the volume. The<br />
vehicle kit also includes an energy<br />
distribution grid and battery chargers.<br />
Interestingly, the three Benelux countries<br />
have already made their choice regarding<br />
protection by adopting an integrated system<br />
by NFM of Norway. In 2006 Belgium<br />
adopted a load carrying vest with ballistic<br />
protection inserts, which was open to the<br />
integration of electronic components.<br />
Luxemburg followed a similar path in 2011.<br />
The concept was to have a system that<br />
provides as much modularity as possible in<br />
terms of protection level and protected area,<br />
considering the time the protection has to<br />
be worn. Indeed the concept considers that a<br />
minimal protection has to be worn at all<br />
times, namely the fragment protection<br />
under the combat vest, which can then be<br />
enhanced with add-ons up to full-spectrum<br />
protection, modularity allowing to tailor it to<br />
humanitarian, riot control and classic<br />
combat situations.<br />
Ballistic plates can be inserted either in<br />
the soft vest under the uniform or in the<br />
load-bearing vest over it. The Load<br />
Carrying Vest (LCV) has thus been<br />
developed in three versions, “A” as<br />
operational vest, “B” in the integrated form,<br />
and “C” as plate carrier. A grab pack for<br />
short-time patrol is carried inside the<br />
vehicle, while an 80-liter rucksack is<br />
available for 48-hour missions. As for<br />
protection plates, NFM is improving the<br />
bonding between ceramic and backing<br />
using heat press vacuum PET instead of<br />
glue, and fully encasing the ballistic pack in<br />
order to make it apt for HAHO and<br />
underwater missions. Although this<br />
solution does not reduce thickness it yields<br />
marginal weight saving.<br />
While protection remains a constant, not<br />
much is known about the two remaining<br />
competitors in terms of C4I proposals.<br />
The last of the three elements in the<br />
Dutch Voss system will be the integrated<br />
head protection system. The Netherlands<br />
launched a first market survey in 2010,<br />
following a study phase carried out by the<br />
TNO which led to a modular approach for<br />
a head protection that included a mandible<br />
protection. The survey revealed that a<br />
market for modular helmets was developing<br />
and the acquisition was thus postponed to<br />
benefit from an off-the-shelf approach. A<br />
survey update was launched in April <strong>2013</strong>,<br />
with evaluation during the Summer, in view<br />
of an acquisition in 2014.<br />
DOMINATOR-LD<br />
Elbit Systems’ Dominator scored a<br />
considerable success as some of its<br />
components are now part of programmes in<br />
Israel, Finland, Australia and in some<br />
undisclosed countries, including in Latin<br />
America. It is built around the Personal<br />
Digital Unit, a navigation and tracking<br />
system providing soldiers location when<br />
GPS signal is not available, an energy<br />
distribution box, a rechargeable powerpack<br />
and an eyepiece, plus a dedicated fighting<br />
load vest, a planning display while a<br />
targeting binocular is added for some<br />
elements in the unit.<br />
The Dominator system is linked to the<br />
soldier radio provided by the customer,<br />
While its Dominator is now well in use in the<br />
Israeli Defence Forces, Elbit Systems is now<br />
proposing a lighter version known as<br />
Dominator LD. (Elbit Systems)<br />
The Personal Digital Unit is the key element of<br />
Elbit’s Dominator Light Dismounted. (Elbit)<br />
while the software can also be adapted to fit<br />
into the bigger C4I scenario of the selected<br />
country. Known in Israel as Integrated<br />
Infantry Combat System, the Dominator<br />
can also include the use of drones and<br />
ground robots.<br />
Technology evolution allows further<br />
miniaturisation and to improve the SWaP<br />
equation Elbit developed the Dominator LD<br />
(Light Dismounted) that interfaces with the<br />
previous Dominator, the latter being now<br />
considered more for use by commanders<br />
while the LD is aimed at the individual<br />
soldier in the fire team.<br />
The key element of the new system is the<br />
Raptor, an all-in-one wearable computing<br />
unit specifically designed for soldier use.<br />
Weighing only 285 grams (versus the 450<br />
grams of the Dominator Personal Digital<br />
Unit) the Raptor features a 4.3-inch 800x480<br />
resolution resistive touch screen that can be<br />
operated with gloves and be read in sunlight<br />
up to 600 cd/m2. It runs on an ARM Cortex<br />
A8 720MHz CPU and has a 512MB DDR2<br />
SDRAM, storage coming in the form of a 16<br />
GB SD card. The Raptor supports both<br />
Android and Linux operating systems. It<br />
features a built-in GPS and a digital compass<br />
while two USB ports are available, radio<br />
interface being provided by two RS-232<br />
synchronous and asynchronous ports.<br />
The proposed radio is the Tadiran PNR-<br />
1000A advanced personal network radio<br />
working in the 225-512 MHz band with<br />
adjustable output power of 0.5, 1 and 2 W<br />
14<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
A close up of the screen of Elbit’s Dominator LD<br />
PDU; the system is fully compatible with the<br />
earlier Dominator. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
and a range of 2-3 km in open space.<br />
Equipped with embedded GPS the PNR-<br />
1000A features a proprietary dynamic<br />
network architecture that eliminates the<br />
need for a central control unit and optimises<br />
communications in difficult areas such as<br />
urban canyons. It can also connect to the<br />
vehicle intercom system for full long-range<br />
connectivity via vehicle radios. In intrateam<br />
conferencing mode it accepts up to six<br />
speakers. With the currently available wave<br />
forms the data rate can reach 320 KBps;<br />
however Elbit Systems expects to increase<br />
the throughput of this software driven radio<br />
up to 1 MBps. Powered by a Li-Ion battery<br />
it can operate for 20 hours with one hour<br />
TX, two RX and 17 stand-by mission profile.<br />
When on the move the Dominator-LD’s<br />
soldier interface can include the eyepiece<br />
and joystick adopted for the Dominator<br />
IICS, which also contains a digital compass<br />
and camera. Overall the Dominator-LD<br />
weighs less than one kilogram.<br />
SOLDATO FUTURO<br />
The delivery of the first 60 production kits of<br />
558 ordered as a first batch of the Italian<br />
Soldato Futuro is planned for September<br />
<strong>2013</strong>, with final deliveries expected in late<br />
2014. Their configuration will be that of the<br />
so-called “precursors” seen in March 2012<br />
during the last tests. This includes the<br />
UHF/VHF Selex ES SWave handheld<br />
software defined radio operating in the 30-<br />
512 MHz band, the ITT Exelis TM-NVG<br />
(Tactical Mobility – Night Vision Goggle),<br />
the Elacan SpecterDR 1-4x coupled for night<br />
firing to the L-3 Warrior Systems’ Insight<br />
Mini Thermal Monocular, and the AN/PEQ-<br />
15 APTIAL laser pointer from the same latter<br />
company. As interim target acquisition<br />
system the Steiner 10x50 R LRF binocular<br />
with integrated laser rangefinder provided by<br />
Beretta Defence Technologies replaced the<br />
Selex ES Linx, which is currently the subject of<br />
further developments.<br />
Turning to the weapon, the original<br />
Beretta ARX-160 has evolved into the A1<br />
model. Major differences include a bigger<br />
magazine catch (which is also better<br />
protected), a shorter buttstock to cope with<br />
body-armour equipped soldiers and with<br />
sand and mud. All those modifications were<br />
drawn from the development of the A2<br />
aimed at Special Forces. The GLX-160’s 40<br />
mm underbarrel grenade launcher was also<br />
improved with a front rubber buffer to<br />
protect the barrel in case of shock, while the<br />
barrel length has been reduced to 350 mm.<br />
Besides the 92 rifles provided for the preproduction<br />
Soldato Futuro kits and the<br />
further 558 that are part of the first<br />
production batch, the ARX-160 has already<br />
been acquired in great numbers by the<br />
Italian Army. Two contracts for nearly 2,000<br />
rifles were issued, the first rifles having been<br />
deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. A further<br />
contract for over 11,000 weapons was<br />
subsequently filed, these being at a near A1<br />
configuration. All the further contracts for<br />
nearly 10,000 rifles with options for 3,000<br />
more were for the full A1 version. This<br />
allowed to deliver the new rifle to the units<br />
deploying downrange well ahead Soldato<br />
Futuro deliveries. The same applied to the<br />
sights, over 4,000 SpectreDR and nearly 250<br />
each of the L-3 thermal clip-on and laser<br />
pointer having been acquired as UORs.<br />
A split program known as SIC (Sistema<br />
Anticipating the Soldato Futuro programme<br />
the Italian Army started the acquisition not<br />
only of the Beretta ARX-160 rifle but also of<br />
sighting systems. (ISAF RC-West)<br />
16 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
Selex ES SDR-HH fitted to its vehicular<br />
attachment. This Finmeccanica company is<br />
also proposing other soldier radios for<br />
numerous SMPs. (Selex ES)<br />
Individuale di Combattimento, for<br />
Individual Combat System) has now been<br />
launched. This will lead to the acquisition of<br />
6,602 kits split between 4,257 “basic<br />
rifleman”, 803 “basic grenadier” and 1,542<br />
“basic commander” kits, in the <strong>2013</strong>-15<br />
timeframe. The SIC will include rifles, sights,<br />
SDR HH radios, NVGs, as well as protective<br />
equipment. However, units equipped with<br />
the SIC will receive the additional equipment<br />
to bring them to full Soldato Futuro<br />
configuration. Not only does this allow all<br />
mature elements to be fielded in advance,<br />
but it also spreads equipment costs.<br />
The first orders were placed in <strong>2013</strong> and<br />
first deliveries are planned for 2014. Clearly<br />
the SDR radio capabilities will not be fully<br />
exploited in that stand-alone configuration,<br />
the radio being provided with a double pushto-talk,<br />
one worn on the soldier harness<br />
while the second will be installed on the rifle.<br />
One of the functions that will remain is the<br />
Manet (Mobile Ad-hoc Network) that allows<br />
one to talk even when numerous obstacles<br />
break into the line of sight, as is the case in<br />
urban areas. The usefulness of this facility<br />
was evidenced by the Selex ES radio during<br />
operation “Atalanta”, the anti-piracy mission<br />
carried out in the Horn of Africa. Italian<br />
Navy boarding teams – each with up to 8 men<br />
– were equipped with the SWave HH, to<br />
forward without any relay voice and images to<br />
the mothership, at a range of about one<br />
nautical mile. The Manet allowed to do that,<br />
up to two streaming videos being sent back<br />
to the naval vessel from inside the merchant<br />
ship under verification.<br />
The order covering a further 1,024<br />
Soldato Futuro kits is already planned and<br />
financed. According to industrial sources<br />
The availability of Selex ES SDR Hand Held radio allowed to completely revise the architecture<br />
of the Italian Soldato Futuro, reducing weight as well as the number of elements. (Selex ES)<br />
System interface of the Soldato Futuro.<br />
Deliveries of the first production items to the<br />
Italian Army are expected to start in late <strong>2013</strong>.<br />
(<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
these might have a different configuration<br />
especially in the C2 component. Selex ES<br />
has already proposed an upgraded<br />
computer with a better display and a lower<br />
power consumption than the current LRT-<br />
440, while Android-based solutions might<br />
also be taken into consideration as the<br />
Italian Army, like many others, is watching<br />
with great interest America’s decision to<br />
follow that path.<br />
Selex ES is proposing its system to the<br />
international market. Russia has been one of<br />
the main targets in 2012, while the Indian<br />
programme seems to proceed very slowly.<br />
The company answered to numerous RfQs,<br />
but it is still too early to see if anything will<br />
materialise. To improve its chances on the<br />
export market Selex ES is offering a lower<br />
cost radio in place of the Swave HH in the<br />
form of the Frontline <strong>Soldier</strong> Radio (FSR).<br />
This operates in two bands, UHF between<br />
350 and 450MH with wideband and<br />
narrowband waveforms, and 2.4 GHz with<br />
the Personal Role Radio waveform, which<br />
allows those armies that invested heavily in<br />
PRRs to maintain those radios in service.<br />
Both UHF waveforms ensure the dual-net<br />
function, which means that the squad<br />
commander can monitor both the squad and<br />
the platoon radio nets with a single radio.<br />
When the C2 module is fitted to the FSR, this<br />
allows the radio to host the C2 applications<br />
thus replacing in fact the body-worn<br />
computer. The FSR provides independent<br />
encrypted voice and data as well as automatic<br />
position reporting, being equipped with an<br />
integral GPS. In urban areas it is capable to<br />
form an ad hoc self-healing network and has<br />
intrinsic relay capability.<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong><br />
17
ISSP<br />
Initially approved in 2008, the long awaited<br />
decision on the Integrated <strong>Soldier</strong> System<br />
Project (ISSP) did not materialise. Indeed<br />
Public Works and Government Services<br />
Canada announced on 25 January <strong>2013</strong> that<br />
all bidders were non compliant in response<br />
to the ISSP Request For Proposal, which was<br />
launched in February 2012 and closed on<br />
June 11 2012. On February 15 this year a<br />
draft RFP to acquire integrated suites of<br />
cutting-edge equipment under the ISSP was<br />
issued. An industry day was subsequently<br />
held on March 5, this time leading to a<br />
formal RFP on March 31 with 1 August as<br />
The Rheinmetall<br />
Canada proposal for<br />
the Canadian ISSP<br />
programme pictured<br />
during the 2012 trials.<br />
(Rheinmetall)<br />
Rheinmetall Canada is one of the contenders<br />
in the ISSP programme. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
the closing date. According to available<br />
information five or six teams are expected<br />
to have answered the bid, including Thales<br />
Canada, Rheinmetall Canada, Elbit<br />
Systems, DRS/Selex and Raytheon/Sagem.<br />
The RFP looks at the acquisition of up to<br />
6,624 integrated suites (the number has not<br />
changed) over four years, with a first batch of<br />
1,600 systems and further optional batches<br />
up to the total number.<br />
A second contract will include In-Service<br />
Support and Improvement Activities over a<br />
period of five years plus three two-year<br />
irrevocable options. If and when requested<br />
improvement activities will allow to update<br />
the system. One of the foreseen<br />
improvements should aim at allowing ISSP<br />
voice and data integration with the new Land<br />
Command Support System and may include<br />
changes to the messaging solution and<br />
communication protocols, integration of a<br />
Cross Domain Solution and of a Type 1 radio.<br />
The contract award for the first batch is<br />
expected to be announced in December 2014.<br />
According to Canadian sources the new<br />
RfP does not contain radical modifications<br />
to the requirements. Apparently the main<br />
changes involve the assessment process and<br />
documents, as the procedure adopted in the<br />
previous round appears to have been the<br />
source of trouble. This being said, it will be<br />
interesting to see to what extent the new<br />
proposals will differ from the previous ones.<br />
The DRS proposal for Canada during trials in<br />
2012. All bidders were declared non<br />
compliant and the acquisition process was<br />
restarted. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
18 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
The Swiss Army assault rifle in its Imess<br />
configuration, with Sagem sight, laser pointer<br />
and forward handgrip. (Armasuisse)<br />
IMESS<br />
The Swiss Imess (Integriertes Modulares<br />
Einsatzsystem Schweizer Soldat) or<br />
Integrated and Modular Engagement System<br />
for the Swiss <strong>Soldier</strong> is aimed at improving the<br />
Swiss Army soldier C4I, lethality, mobility,<br />
survivability and sustainability. Principle<br />
trials with the IdZ-BS (Basis System) on loan<br />
from Germany were carried out in the mid-<br />
2000s. For the subsequent steps, Switzerland<br />
established an Integrated Project Team of<br />
specialists from Armasuisse, Armed Forces<br />
Staff, Land Forces as well as from the Armed<br />
Forces Command Support Organisation and<br />
the Armed Forces Logistics Organisation. In<br />
2007 Eads Defence & Security (now<br />
Cassidian), the producer of the IdZ-BS, was<br />
chosen as prime contractor and system house<br />
for the Imess overall integration, the Imess<br />
being thus based on the company’s Warrior<br />
21. The team also included a number of<br />
subcontractors among which were Sagem of<br />
France for the optronics, Kongsberg of<br />
Norway for the radio, and SSZ of Switzerland<br />
for textile components, while General<br />
Dynamics-Mowag and Ascom Security<br />
Solutions (now Ruag Defence) were<br />
responsible for the integration of the Imess<br />
into the Radschützenpanzer 93 (Piranha 8x8)<br />
armoured personnel carrier and in the Duro I.<br />
Combining the experience of the<br />
different subcontractors an ad-hoc system<br />
was designed for the Swiss needs and, in<br />
2007, the Confederation acquired 25 Imess<br />
prototypes and five vehicle sets from the<br />
prime contractor. These systems were<br />
thoroughly field tested by the Swiss Army.<br />
On the basis of the results thus obtained the<br />
Swiss Armed Forces Command decided to<br />
continue the project step by step. This led to<br />
a CHF20 million contract signed on 31<br />
January 2011 covering modifications to the<br />
existing systems and the acquisition of<br />
further systems to reach a total of 43 soldiers<br />
and 10 vehicles sets – in other words a<br />
complete Imess infantry platoon.<br />
The upgrade mostly aims at reducing the<br />
number of components, improve power<br />
consumption and toughen the harness and<br />
cabling of the system. The C2 has been<br />
The back of the Imess e-vest; the vest carries<br />
two batteries, the computer that coordinates<br />
all electronic components, and the radio.<br />
(Armasuisse)<br />
developed to cope with the functions<br />
needed from the individual soldier up to<br />
company level, and support both<br />
dismounted and mounted operations.<br />
The C4I suite communications asset is<br />
the Kongsberg SR600 inter-squad UHF<br />
software defined radio. It can provide<br />
different network capabilities based on<br />
selected waveforms and bandwidths. This<br />
radio can handle a number of parallel voice<br />
networks and IP multi-hop data network in<br />
one network. The SR600 operates in the<br />
225-400 MHz frequency range with an<br />
output power of between 10 mW and 1 W.<br />
The bandwidth is up to 5 MHz and provides<br />
a data rate of up to 2500 kbps, allowing<br />
video and image transmission. The SR600<br />
weighs 0.7 kg and can be powered by a 9<br />
to18-Volt source.<br />
The Imess adopts the Esterline – Racal<br />
Acoustics RA6000 Talon push-to-talk<br />
system. This is a four-channel system that<br />
can operate up to two soldier radios, one<br />
platform intercom and one platform radio,<br />
and features an Integral Active Noise<br />
Reduction (ANR) hearing, supporting<br />
circumaural, in-the-ear, low noise and<br />
covert headsets types. It operates on one 1.5-<br />
Volt AA battery, from radio/intercom<br />
power, as well as without power (fai-safe<br />
mode). The RA600 Talon has a weight of<br />
242 grams with battery and is linked to an<br />
RA5500 Frontier In-The-Ear headset.<br />
Attached to the vest is the portable PC,<br />
the choice having favoured the Roda Mildef<br />
Panther DB6, a 690-gram device with a<br />
magnesium alloy case that includes most<br />
20 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
functions of a full-size PC into a PDA-sized<br />
format. Connectivity includes USB 2.0,<br />
SDHC and Bluetooth 2.1. The DB6 runs on a<br />
1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z530 CPU with 512 KB<br />
L2 cache and a 2 GB DDR2 RAM. An SSD<br />
1.8” PATA card allows to store up to 32 GB of<br />
data. A 5-inch touch-screen sunlight<br />
viewable display is the main interface while<br />
seven buttons are available as function keys.<br />
A SIM card can also be installed. The<br />
Panther DB06 is directly powered from<br />
Imess system batteries or alternatively by a<br />
7.4 V / 3900 mAH Lithium-Ion battery, and<br />
its dimensions are 200 x 94 x 36 mm.<br />
The new Imess carrying vest contains the<br />
radio, a weight- and energy-optimised body<br />
computer for the coordination and control of<br />
all electronic system components, two highcapacity<br />
system batteries and sensors for<br />
GPS and inertial navigation.<br />
As visual man-machine interface when<br />
on the move the Imess uses the Sagem OVD<br />
Mk2 monocular display mounted on the<br />
protective helmet, which is a version of the<br />
one adopted for the French Félin.<br />
To increase lethality a suite of optronic<br />
components mount on the assault rifle. The<br />
main sighting aid is provided by Sagem and<br />
derives directly from the sight of the French<br />
Félin system. The Sword T&D couples an<br />
uncooled thermal imager with a wide field of<br />
view of 9.4° and a magnification of x2,<br />
which can be doubled thanks to a digital<br />
zoom, to a day CCD channel with a wide<br />
field of view of 7.3° and a x3 magnification<br />
and a narrow angle of 2.4° and a x10<br />
magnification, the image being shown on a<br />
monocular oled colour display with a 25°<br />
field of view. To allow the soldier to operate<br />
the sight while keeping his hands on the<br />
weapon the Imess also includes the Sagem<br />
control handle. Weighing less than 1.6-kg,<br />
the Sword T&D is powered by a special<br />
battery that provides 4.5 hours of autonomy.<br />
In clear weather the sighting system<br />
provides a man detection at over 6 km,<br />
recognition at over 2 km and identification at<br />
Roda Mildef DB06 portable computer is the interface between the Swiss soldier<br />
and its Imess equipment. (Armasuisse)<br />
The Sword Light night aiming sight mounted on a rifle; this item is much smaller than its<br />
equivalent in the French system. (Sagem)<br />
1 km, although these ranges are cut to<br />
around one third at night.<br />
On top of the Sword the Swiss Army will<br />
install an L-3 EoTech holographic sight for<br />
close combat situations, the choice having<br />
fallen upon the 551 model. One of the side<br />
Picatinny rails will host the cFL-02 Mk2 from<br />
Ilee of Switzerland. The system features a 635<br />
nm visible laser beam (with two output<br />
powers), less than 1 mW (Class 2) or 3.5 mW<br />
(Class 3R), and a visible diode light in the<br />
400-700 nm band providing 250 Lumen<br />
using only 3 watts of power. The cFL-02 Mk2<br />
has five operating modes: laser only, light<br />
only or strobe only, laser and light, laser and<br />
strobe light. At around 180 grams with two<br />
C123 battery, the cFL-02 Mk2 can operate for<br />
60 hours with red laser beam only and for<br />
over 1.6 hours with light and laser on.<br />
Beside the systems mounted on the rifle,<br />
the infantry team will also enhance its<br />
lethality thanks to the adoption of a not yet<br />
selected fire control unit for the 40mm<br />
grenade launcher.<br />
To increase survivability the Imess kit<br />
includes a new protective helmet system with<br />
a mounting for optronic equipment,<br />
protective goggles, and a modular body<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong><br />
21
The Imess programme will also have an<br />
impact on existing vehicles as exemplified by<br />
this Piranha 8x8 fitted with Imess connecting<br />
points in the ceiling. (Armasuisse)<br />
armour capable of protecting the soldier both<br />
from stabs and high-velocity ammo. The<br />
protected surface is adapted to the mission’s<br />
requirements, the body armour being<br />
composed of a jacket, a collar and a groin<br />
protector. A portable hydration pack from<br />
Source in Israel completes the Imess kit.<br />
The first five new standard-compliant<br />
prototypes will be delivered in Q2 <strong>2013</strong>. Five<br />
more are expected in Q3. The delivery of the<br />
remaining systems covered by the contract is<br />
planned for the first quarter of 2014. The<br />
platoon-level system will then undergo a<br />
second field trial, followed in 2015 by an<br />
extended technical/operational test phase.<br />
Late 2015 will see the beginning of a 300-day<br />
long-term test in daily operation by infantry<br />
conscripts that will end in 2016. In parallel all<br />
required basic documents, such as<br />
deployment concept, training concept,<br />
system logistics management concept etc.,<br />
will be finalised, to be prepared for a possible<br />
series procurement from late 2016 on.<br />
So far and until end 2016 the Imess<br />
project funding is granted by the credit for<br />
military “Project Planning, Evaluation and<br />
Procurement Preparations”. Until now<br />
funds worth CHF 37 million were approved<br />
for the project. To this day a little over CHF<br />
36 million were turned into contracts. At the<br />
moment the Swiss Armed Forces have no<br />
definite plans, with respect to budget year<br />
and procurement size, for a major<br />
procurement of Imess production systems.<br />
TYTAN<br />
A team of 14 companies headed by Bumar is<br />
still awaiting a decision by the Polish<br />
authorities about the future of the Tytan<br />
programme, as currently the requirements<br />
drafted in 2009 have not yet been<br />
confirmed, nor under the technical neither<br />
under the operational point of view. In Fall<br />
2012 the new small arms family, developed<br />
by Fabryka Broni “Łucznik”, part of Bumar<br />
<strong>Soldier</strong>; pre-production samples of the<br />
MSBS 5,56 mm (da Modułowy System<br />
Broni Strzeleckiej for light modular weapon<br />
The bullpup version of the MSBS, the<br />
assault rifle proposed by Fabryka Broni<br />
“Lucznik” for the Polish Tytan programme.<br />
(<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
22 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
The conventional version of the MSBS assault rifle family together<br />
with the 40 mm grenade launcher; the Polish Tytan programme is<br />
awaiting a political decision. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
system) available in both normal and bullpup versions together<br />
with a new dedicated 40 mm underbarrel grenade launcher and<br />
a 9 mm pistol. PCO is to provide the aiming sights and night<br />
vision systems; an II-TI fusion system prototype shown in 2010<br />
was not exhibited in 2012, which might indicate that it is not<br />
yet technologically mature.<br />
The C4I suite is provided by a trio of companies, Bumar<br />
Electronic, Radmar and WB Electronic.<br />
Protection is the responsibility of Maskpol, which exhibited the<br />
new NBC protection mask purposely developed for the Tytan<br />
programme. An initial batch of kits to equip a reinforced platoon<br />
might be acquired, but not earlier than 2016, while the first<br />
battalion-size unit should not receive the Tytan before 2018.<br />
A noteworthy point is that beside the Tytan equipment, WB<br />
Electronic has developed the PSI, a portable system working<br />
in the 200-600 MHz frequency band and weighing 950 grams<br />
that concentrates the capacities of a GSM telephone, of a UHF<br />
radio and of a touch-screen terminal, the range in UHF being of<br />
about 1 km.<br />
The starting point of the Czech Army soldier modernisation<br />
programme is the acquisition of some 8,000 new weapons from<br />
CZ. These include the CZ805 Bren assault rifle in 5.56 mm<br />
calibre (the 7.62 mm version was not part of the deal) with the 360<br />
mm barrel, the Scorpion EVO3A1sub-machine gun and the CZ<br />
75 SP-01 Phantom pistol, both in 9x19 mm calibre. This will<br />
considerably reduce the number of types of small arms in use,<br />
facilitating training and logistics.<br />
These weapons, equipped with Meopta day and night sights,<br />
are already in use in Afghanistan by the Czech contingent and<br />
deliveries should be completed by year end. A new purchase of<br />
several thousand weapons is planned from 2014 on, in batches
The first step in the Czech Army soldier<br />
modernisation is linked to the weapons, the CZ<br />
805 assault rifle in 5.56x45 mm calibre being<br />
the new assault rifle. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
that depend on funds availability.<br />
Currently C4I and Istar equipment has<br />
been acquired only for specialised elements,<br />
such as TACPs (Tactical Air Control Parties)<br />
and FACs (Forward Air Controllers).<br />
However 2014 should see the launch of the<br />
next step of the modernisation plan, which<br />
will include a C4I system for the individual<br />
soldier. Currently the Army General Staff is<br />
writing the requirements. Numerous<br />
companies are looking with interest at a<br />
possible RFP, notably Rheinmetall that had<br />
intense talks with Czech officials and is<br />
proposing the core C4I system of its Gladius.<br />
Later on the Czech Army will start working on<br />
the protection issue, which will include<br />
uniforms, body armour and helmets, and<br />
which will have to be compatible with the<br />
current Pandur wheeled armoured vehicle as<br />
well as with a new tracked vehicle.<br />
COMFUT<br />
Not much is known about the future of the<br />
Spanish ComFut programme, which was hit<br />
like many other initiatives by the country’s<br />
harsh economical situation. Following the<br />
delivery of the 36 sets in December 2009<br />
field trials led to a €900.000 contract for<br />
system improvement in December 2011<br />
with deliveries of 18 upgraded sets expected<br />
for the current year. No details about the<br />
upgrades are currently available.<br />
F0-INSAS<br />
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and<br />
Robotics (CAIR) and the Defence<br />
Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL)<br />
are working on the development of the<br />
Integrated Computer, Communication and<br />
Software System (ICCS) and on the<br />
Software Defined Radio (SDR) that are<br />
intended for the Indian “Futuristic Infantry<br />
<strong>Soldier</strong> as a System” (F-Insas).<br />
In June 2012 some of the functionalities<br />
The grenade launcher of the CZ 805; after<br />
modernising the weapons the Czech Army is<br />
now looking to a C2 system, and is<br />
considering various off-the-shelf options.<br />
(<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
were demonstrated to high-ranking officers.<br />
Hardware was provided by Bharat<br />
Electronics. The C2 software included<br />
functions to be used from company<br />
commander down to the single soldier,<br />
providing common operational picture,<br />
situational awareness, blue force tracking,<br />
mission planning and execution, preformatted<br />
and free text management,<br />
biometric authentication, physiological<br />
monitoring display and dissemination.<br />
In addition to the computer, the<br />
hardware included a wrist display, a<br />
navigation aid based on GPS and DRM<br />
(Dead Reckoning Module), the prototype of<br />
a hand-held IP radio with voice, data and<br />
video transmission, centralised power pack<br />
and power management, target acquisition<br />
assets, and power chargers in various forms,<br />
conventional, solar and crank.<br />
Tata Advanced Systems is also focusing<br />
on the F-Insas suite programme, and is<br />
currently developing a UHF <strong>Soldier</strong> Radio<br />
with multiple channel bandwidths (25 KHz,<br />
500 KHz, 1.2 MHz) and power levels (0.25W,<br />
1W, 2W). The programme is obviously<br />
attracting foreign competitors, and the RFP<br />
for new weapons has already been issued.<br />
ACMS<br />
With its Advanced Combat Man Systems<br />
(ACMS) now in service in numbers with the<br />
national army, Singapore Technologies<br />
Kinetics has developed a light version of its<br />
system, appropriately called ACMS-Lite.<br />
The development was financed by the<br />
Singapore Armed Forces, which may well<br />
reveal an interest for a lighter and simpler<br />
system compared to the current suite that<br />
weighs nearly five kilos. The new ACMS-<br />
Lite chest-mounted control and display unit<br />
is smartphone-like and runs on an Android<br />
operational system that supports a simpler<br />
C2 software derived from that used by the<br />
national armed forces. The smartphone-like<br />
terminal ensures network communications<br />
and is based on the latest ARM processor.<br />
The system load bearing vest has also been<br />
improved with the adoption of fabric cables<br />
that connect the various subsystems, the<br />
add-on weight of the ACMS-Lite being now<br />
less than two kilos.<br />
24 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
On, or Soon on, the<br />
<strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Market<br />
As said earlier in this <strong>Compendium</strong>, numerous companies<br />
are proposing systems that might well fit into new soldier<br />
modernisation programmes or into the spiralisation of<br />
existing programmes. Reviewing all those systems in this<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> is clearly impossible without turning it into<br />
something akin to a telephone directory. We shall thus<br />
restrict coverage to some of the latest products seen in the<br />
most recent exhibitions.<br />
I QINETIQ<br />
In late January <strong>2013</strong> QinetiQ North<br />
America launched its Integrated Warrior<br />
System (IWS). Far from proposing a<br />
proprietary integrated solution, QinetiQ<br />
followed the latest trends by proposing an<br />
open architecture solution based on a<br />
peripheral-agnostic hub known as Q-Hub<br />
with an optimised wiring system. The Q-<br />
Hub is available in various configurations in<br />
terms of available ports (four, seven, nine), is<br />
smaller than an iPhone and weighs less than<br />
This Physical Optics flexible display<br />
exemplifies the hi-tech systems that are in<br />
the making. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpoini)
200 grams. Software-controlled functions<br />
allow the Q-Hub to manage power sources<br />
and data communications. The interface per<br />
se can be a smartphone, a tablet or another<br />
tactical computer.<br />
QinetiQ has so far worked with Androidbased<br />
systems, although the system proved<br />
that it is able to work with Windows-based or<br />
Linux-based systems if the appropriate<br />
software is loaded. The company has already<br />
developed software versions for nearly 30<br />
different Android systems. Settings that will<br />
then manage power and data priorities can be<br />
changed via the interface. It is also possible to<br />
monitor power sources’ status. The single<br />
battery solution is the preferred option, but<br />
although many peripherals have their own<br />
batteries, some organisations (the US Army)<br />
still retain these as back-ups. The Q-Hub<br />
allows to ensure that the main battery<br />
maintains peripheral batteries at 100%<br />
charge, but can be programmed to prioritise<br />
peripherals, with the radio as the last item to be<br />
shut down. The same applies to the data flow,<br />
priorities being given to the data sent to, or<br />
received from, the various peripherals.<br />
Besides the end-user device, the Q-Hub can<br />
be plug-and-play linked to a variety of systems<br />
such as standard issue radios, positioning<br />
devices, laser rangefinders, shotgun detection<br />
sensors, environmental sensors.<br />
QinetiQ NA worked hard on ergonomics<br />
with retired and in-service military<br />
personnel, and developed a flat wiring system<br />
that eliminates cable management issues and<br />
reduces weight. Being more flexible, the<br />
QinetiQ NA solution does not require loops,<br />
and thus tends to require shorter connection<br />
wires for the same number of peripherals.<br />
The company provides those cables with<br />
standard issue connectors; however some<br />
programmes underway require specific<br />
connectors that can be easily provided.<br />
According to QinetiQ NA the wiring spider is<br />
almost invisible to the warfighter and does<br />
not hamper his mission. Wireless data<br />
connection solutions have already been<br />
demonstrated, although no requests have yet<br />
A detail of a fastener-like connector developed by Physical Optics Corporation for its<br />
Wearnet system. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
come for such systems.<br />
Less than three months after its unveiling<br />
the IWS was already in service in numbers:<br />
by late April over 1,000 systems were<br />
deployed with US forces, various units having<br />
acquired the system under the Urgent<br />
Operational Needs scheme. It is however<br />
quite sure that Nett Warrior officials will take<br />
a close look at the performances yielded by<br />
such a system. It was developed with a focus<br />
on cost and versatility, which are two key<br />
elements in the US Army soldier<br />
modernisation programme.<br />
I PHYSICAL OPTICS<br />
Physical Optics Corporation (POC) is a<br />
California-based systems integrator of<br />
advanced technology whose portfolio<br />
includes integrated wearable networks and<br />
other soldier-related equipment.<br />
The backbone of those systems is the<br />
Wearnet, a system providing a body-worn<br />
common network to the warfighter that<br />
allows power and data connectivity. The<br />
Wearnet can be easily integrated into the<br />
warfighter combat vest, for instance the<br />
Improved Outer Tactical Vest, and features<br />
26<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
With The Widest Range<br />
Of Radio Platforms &<br />
Waveform Support,<br />
The Sky’s The Limit<br />
Physical Optics Corporation Wearnet includes a connectivity<br />
spider that can be integrated into fabrics as well as ultra-slim<br />
connectors similar to fasteners. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
flat cables with EMI/RFI shielding and riveted low-profile<br />
Snapnet connectors. Similar to snap fasteners, the latter are less<br />
than 8 mm thick and thus considerably reduce interferences with<br />
soldier-worn loads compared to standard connectors. Mission<br />
equipment packages are all Snapnet compliant and therefore the<br />
whole connectivity spider can be integrated into fabrics.<br />
The Wearnet heart is the USB Hub which is connected to<br />
the soldier PDA. Physical Optics has also developed the<br />
Hierarchical Intelligent Energy Resource Controller, which<br />
through Snapnet connectivity, intelligently senses the voltage<br />
requirement of each device to supply the proper voltage to each<br />
system and monitor power consumption. Because the<br />
controller allows the use of a single source to provide<br />
appropriate power in a range of 3 to 40 Volts, real plug-andplay<br />
modes are possible. Another item that enhances the<br />
Wearnet capabilities is the Flexible Lightweight Intelligent<br />
Power Distribution (FLIPD); this ensures power distribution<br />
but also senses the real-time power draw that is sent to a<br />
microcomputer for presentation of the power situation to the<br />
soldier. The FLIPD can take the power either from a body-worn<br />
source, such as a central battery, or from a vehicle source, in the<br />
latter case allowing to reload body-worn batteries.<br />
Amongst other soldier-dedicated systems, Physical Optics<br />
also has developed a Tactical Flex Display (TFD), an arm-worn<br />
display based on E-ink and polymer substrate technology that<br />
allows the screen to be rolled into a radius of less than two inches.<br />
The TFD is available in different sizes, from 3.8 to 6 inch in<br />
diagonal, and can be provided in grey scale or full colour, with a<br />
The AR-50 is a JITC-certified* booster amplifier<br />
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Saab’s 9Land <strong>Soldier</strong> sPAD is a lightweight<br />
C2 system based on a handheld device<br />
and a connection hub. (Saab)<br />
resolution of 320x240. The lack of<br />
backlighting allows a low power<br />
consumption, a battery ensuring over eight<br />
hours of operation. The TFD is sunlight<br />
readable and is compatible with night<br />
lighting and NVGs. Its touch screen can be<br />
operated with a pen as well as with capacitive<br />
gloves. The display is compatible with<br />
Windows CE or Android operating systems<br />
and can be connected to the body-worn<br />
computer either by cable, with a USB 2.0 480<br />
Mbps speed, or via WiFi 802.11. It features a<br />
64 GB embedded memory and can be used<br />
to display text, maps, images and videos.<br />
Another human machine interface is the<br />
company’s full-colour Head Mounted<br />
Display which provides a 39.5° diagonal<br />
field of view on a 800x600 SVGA oled<br />
display. At 35 grams, the system is very light<br />
and low on power consumption at 250 mW.<br />
However, more is in the making. Known as<br />
the Philip-NVG, its peculiarity is its field of<br />
view, as it provides the user with a<br />
panoramic view of 95° horizontally and 40°<br />
vertically with a 3000x1000 pixel resolution.<br />
I SAAB<br />
Saab, for its part, unveiled a new soldier C2<br />
system at Eurosatory 2012. Known as 9Land<br />
<strong>Soldier</strong> sPAD, this ultra-low weight system<br />
comes in two components, a handheld<br />
device and a connection hub. The 185-gram<br />
handheld device features a glove compatible<br />
3.7 inch full-colour touch screen hosted in<br />
a 131.5 x 78.5 x 17.5 mm case. An ambient<br />
light sensor allows to automatically adapt<br />
the backlight, the system also featuring<br />
built-in magnetic compass and<br />
accelerometer, while a microSD card slot<br />
hosts a 16 GB card provided as standard.<br />
The sPAD is based on an ARM Cortex A8<br />
processor with a Power SGX graphic<br />
accelerator, and has 512 MB RAM and 512<br />
Flash memories. It can run on Linux 2.6 or<br />
Android 2.2 operating systems.<br />
The current software provides functions<br />
like Blue Force Tracking as well as<br />
navigation, mapping and overlay of friendly<br />
and opposing forces. Only pre-formatted<br />
messages can be sent, under the<br />
consideration that this reduces errors when<br />
the soldier is under the combat-induced<br />
stress. Seven command buttons, two on<br />
both sides and three on the top, allow singlehand<br />
left- and right-hand operation. The<br />
handheld device can be placed in different<br />
positions, such as chest or arm, and is linked<br />
by cable to the connection hub. This comes<br />
in the form of a 61 x 118 x 27 mm box with<br />
five rugged connectors, and weighs 119<br />
grams. Two connectors link the system to a<br />
6-16 Volt power source, a built-in voltmeter<br />
ensuring proper voltage output to the sPAD,<br />
while the three remaining ports can be used<br />
to support a combination of different<br />
features thanks to the cabling system<br />
provided within the package. Among the<br />
features that can be linked are audio in and<br />
out line, RS-232 and RS-422 ports, host<br />
controllers, USB 2.0 ports, the use of a<br />
second USB Hub allowing to further<br />
increase the number of USB 2.0 ports.<br />
The standard battery provided by Saab<br />
has a weight of 289 grams and ensures up to<br />
12 hours of activity, the total weight of the<br />
sPAD system reaching thus 825 grams. The<br />
system can integrate inertial navigation<br />
systems, laser rangefinders, military GPS,<br />
cameras, and of course radios. The sPAD<br />
can easily accept any type of modern<br />
voice/data radio. Saab has already integrated<br />
the Polish Radmore 35010 PSR as well as the<br />
Harris RF-7800S-TR personal radio and is<br />
currently expanding the number of radios it<br />
can work with. The 9Land sPAD is being<br />
proposed both in Sweden for the Markus<br />
and in Canada for the ISSP.<br />
An evolution of the system is already<br />
underway. In terms of software,<br />
considerations are being made on providing<br />
the infantry squad leader with additional<br />
capabilities, while the 9Land sPAD might in<br />
the future be equipped with software<br />
28<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
Lighter, yet more capable<br />
than its predecessor, The new<br />
Invisio V60 push-to-talk system<br />
might fit into future modern soldier<br />
kits. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
applications dedicated to specific functions<br />
such as JTAC, FOO, etc. Those are already<br />
part of the higher echelon 9Land BMS, used<br />
in platoon and above elements and loaded<br />
onto the company Rugged <strong>Soldier</strong> System<br />
ensemble. Its key element is a Rugged<br />
Portable Computer (RPC) based on a PC<br />
platform with Intel CoreDuo, an Intel<br />
Graphics Controller, and 2 GB SDRAM, and<br />
can run on Windows or Linux operating<br />
systems. The RPC, which can be equipped<br />
with an internal GPS, is designed for<br />
demanding 2D/3D graphics processing and<br />
presentation. With dimensions of 37 x 126<br />
x 174 mm the RPC weighs 900 grams and is<br />
linked to a 5-inch Rugged Portable Display, is<br />
equipped with a low reflection touch screen<br />
and a TFT display with LED-backlighting<br />
for best daylight viewing, while power is<br />
provided by a 10.8 V 5.2 Ah Lithium Ion<br />
Rugged Portable Battery. These two<br />
elements weigh respectively 350 and 550<br />
grams, for a grand total of less than 2 kg<br />
including cables.<br />
The 9Land BMS software comes in three<br />
different versions, Tracker, Integrator and<br />
Net Commander. The Tracker version is the<br />
one that fits the basic needs of light vehicles,<br />
its key functionalities being navigation and<br />
route management, blue force tracking,<br />
reports, and alarms and alerts. Integrator is<br />
dedicated to heavy combat vehicles, while<br />
Net Commander is the commanders’ tool at<br />
brigade and beyond levels.<br />
I RAPID MOBILE<br />
Turning to terminals, Rapid Mobile of South<br />
Africa launched its RT5 tactical terminal at<br />
DSEI 2011 in its Version 2 configuration, the<br />
company being currently in the preproduction<br />
of its Version 3 while Version 4 is<br />
already being developed at full steam. The<br />
aim of the company is to provide a small<br />
ultra-rugged Nato standard communication<br />
PDA running on Linux for secure military<br />
tactical messaging, chat, email, situational<br />
awareness and digital voice that can be used<br />
over any existing HF/VHF/UHF radio link,<br />
Rapid Mobile focusing its marketing on<br />
second or third tier nations.<br />
At 490 grams including the two AA<br />
batteries ensuring over 12 hours of<br />
operation, the RT5 features a 2.4-inch<br />
colour display with light sensor for autobrightness<br />
and a VHF/UHF 2400-9600 bps<br />
modem that ensures communications even<br />
when voice comms are impossible. It can<br />
even operate with old analog radios, de facto<br />
providing an immediate upgrade to those<br />
assets. Messages, either free text or preformatted,<br />
can easily be typed through the<br />
keyboard. The RT5 has a built-in GPS<br />
receiver and antenna, which means that<br />
position information can readily be relayed<br />
on the network. It also features an interface to<br />
Ethernet LAN, USB storage devices, rugged<br />
printers or cameras. Version 4 will feature<br />
built-in speakers and will handle a<br />
proprietary waveform ensuring secure<br />
digital voice communication.<br />
I INVISIO<br />
A most widely used man-machine interface<br />
is definitely push-to-talk, or PTT in<br />
military jargon. Two such systems were<br />
recently introduced. Invisio developed its<br />
Source of Sound Mini Black Box is one of the<br />
latest addition to the numerous hearing and<br />
ear protection systems that might become part<br />
of SMPs. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
new V60 with a view to improving<br />
performance and lowering weight. At 145<br />
grams, more than 100 grams less than the<br />
previous models, it features three<br />
communications ports to which any type of<br />
system can be linked, radios, intercom<br />
systems, mobile phones, computers, metal<br />
detectors, etc.<br />
The four PTTs, two primary and two<br />
secondary, can handle up to two nets. Fully<br />
plug and play, the V60 does not need any<br />
battery, power being taken from the radio.<br />
Submersible up to 20 metres, it can be<br />
equipped with Invisio in-ear protecting<br />
headsets and bone microphones.<br />
I SOURCE OF SOUND<br />
Established 20 years ago Source Of Sound<br />
(SOS) of Israel has sold over 25,000 noise<br />
reduction sets. Fully trusting the in-ear<br />
solution, SOS is currently marketing its<br />
Mini Black Box, a miniaturized in-ear<br />
headset powered from the radio that<br />
features passive and active noise control in<br />
both noisy and normal environments and<br />
ensures clear communications, ambience<br />
noise being also increasable to obtain better<br />
hearing in ambush situations. The SOS<br />
product supports full duplex radio and<br />
works on the noise compression principle,<br />
which provides a noise reduction rate of 22,<br />
and ensures optimal protection against<br />
30<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
gunshot and bomb explosion. A remote<br />
PTT can be used, either by cable or wireless,<br />
to allow hands-on weapon operations. A<br />
microphone is used in the headset because<br />
SOS customers still prefer such a solution,<br />
mostly for psychological reasons.<br />
The Mini Black Box draws power from<br />
the radio to which it is linked, its subsystems<br />
weighing respectively 115 grams (control<br />
box), 52 grams (headset) and 70 grams<br />
(wireless PTT, powered by a 3 V battery<br />
ensuring one year of operation).<br />
The Mini Black Box + is a version of the<br />
previous product that is powered by a single<br />
AAA battery, the control box weight<br />
increasing to 140 grams with battery. This<br />
can be used also as a hearing protection /<br />
hearing enhancement system without any<br />
radio connectivity.<br />
I REVISION<br />
As mentioned in the Voss programme entry,<br />
head protection is becoming something<br />
more complex than a mere helmet, and since<br />
eye, aural and mandible protection has<br />
become a sine qua non, integration of all<br />
these parameters have taken a new<br />
dimension. To answer those requirements<br />
Revision has developed the Batlskin modular<br />
head protection system, which has already<br />
been adopted by the Danish Army. Its<br />
soldiers have in fact deployed to Afghanistan<br />
More and more armies are<br />
looking for a better head protection<br />
that includes head, eyes and mandible;<br />
with its Batlskin Cobra Revision answers<br />
those requirements. (Revision)<br />
in early <strong>2013</strong> with the new head protection.<br />
The new Revision product was generated<br />
by the requirements of the British Pecoc<br />
programme now known as Virtus. It comes<br />
in the form of a series of add-on items: a<br />
front mount allows the attachment of<br />
protection enhancing devices such as visor<br />
and mandible guard (also doubles as a<br />
universal NVG mount). The add-on<br />
protective elements are: a visor providing<br />
optimum high-impact protection, high<br />
threat mandible guard providing blunt force<br />
and fragmentation protection for the lower<br />
jaw, and a lightweight mesh-wire mandible<br />
guard protecting only against blunt force.<br />
Those items are compatible with the current<br />
Advanced Combat Helmet, Revision<br />
proposing its Batlskin in various versions.<br />
Revision developed a technology<br />
that allows to produce helmet<br />
shells at lower weight or higher<br />
performances. (Revision)<br />
The Viper A1 features an Aramid<br />
shell while the Viper P2 exploits<br />
advanced composite shell technology<br />
to achieve weight reduction. Thanks<br />
to its investments in new highpressure<br />
moulding machines able to<br />
produce lightweight polyethylene<br />
elements at an acceptable cost, Revision<br />
developed a light shell weighing 1.15 kg<br />
versus 1.4 kg of the ACH, and whose V 50<br />
against light splinters is well over 750 m/s<br />
compared to the 650-680 m/s of the ACH, the<br />
whole Batlskin P2 system reaching thus a<br />
weight of 1.395 kg, which ends up being<br />
lighter than the sole ACH shell. The Batlskin<br />
is being promoted in numerous countries like<br />
Switzerland, Austria and Sweden, where<br />
acquisition programmes should start in the<br />
2014-15 period.<br />
I CERADYNE<br />
Ceradyne Diaphorm, a division of<br />
Ceradyne, has developed the Seamless<br />
Ballistic Helmet (SBH) forming which, in<br />
conjunction with Thermoplastic Composite<br />
Helmet (TCH) moulding technologies,<br />
ensures the production of head protection<br />
with considerably increased performances<br />
over conventional helmets and able,<br />
according to the company, to stop rifle<br />
bullets. The SBH technology allows to form<br />
the helmet without having to cut any of the<br />
layers, in other words devoid of folds in the<br />
laminate, providing maximum uniformity.<br />
The new system allows also to obtain a<br />
helmet that does not degrade with<br />
seawater, temperature shock, high<br />
altitude, salt-fog and field agents.<br />
The Ceradyne Defender SBH is<br />
the product currently proposed.<br />
However, the California-based<br />
company has gone a step further<br />
by looking into the integration of<br />
optronics and other electronic<br />
accessories. The Mohawk boltless<br />
combat helmet developed with<br />
communications specialist Threat4 that<br />
provides its In-ear Tactical Headset with<br />
Boom Mic, Hearing Protection, is intended<br />
for the integration of other electronic<br />
devices. It integrates a modular data and<br />
power bus bar system, linked to the battery<br />
pack mounted on the rear. Other accessories<br />
that can be fixed on the helmet include<br />
NVGs, an IFF transponder, a camera, etc.<br />
I BREN-TRONICS<br />
All those additional accessories require<br />
power, batteries being one of the soft spots of<br />
endurance. Having the US Army as its<br />
principal customers, Bren-Tronics is one of<br />
the major battery supplier. Using over<br />
100,000 pieces per year, the service has<br />
rationalised its battery stocks by reducing<br />
the types of batteries from 95 to eight.<br />
Li-Ion cells have improved with time,<br />
stepping from 2.4 to 3.4 Ah at 3.6 V in 10<br />
years, and are predicted to reach the 4 Ah<br />
mark by late 2015 or early 2016 (the first<br />
prototypes are already being tested).<br />
Interestingly, Bren-Tronics batteries display<br />
their status in absolute state of charge values,<br />
which is important since even fully charged<br />
32 <strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong>
<strong>Compendium</strong><br />
<strong>Modern</strong><br />
<strong>Soldier</strong><br />
Programmes<br />
by<br />
All About Power<br />
INTERNATIONAL: The trusted source for defence technology information since 1976<br />
ON THE COVER: While certain nations<br />
developed comprehensive suites for their armies<br />
right from the outset, others work more on a<br />
step-by-step pattern, by either creating their<br />
modules themselves or picking various items from<br />
the more advanced programmes (like this<br />
Gladius, photo P. Valpolini) to create their own<br />
package (<strong>Armada</strong>/Eric H. Biass)<br />
<strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programmes<br />
Supplement to Issue 4/<strong>2013</strong><br />
Volume 37, Issue No. 4, August/September <strong>2013</strong><br />
BrenTronics is constantly improving Li-Ion cells capacity, although the quest for energy<br />
density is reaching its limits. (<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
an old battery will discharge charge a lot<br />
faster than a new one.<br />
The company is now proposing its<br />
<strong>Soldier</strong> Power Manager. This comes as a<br />
soldier-worn 200-gram unit or in smart<br />
vest-integrated form weighing 130 grams. It<br />
features several power ports with voltage<br />
from 8 to 34 VDC and ensures optimised<br />
battery charge, hot swapping and switching,<br />
as well as energy harvesting from primary<br />
batteries, solar MPPT or fuel cells.<br />
Importantly, in 2011 Bren-Tronics acquired<br />
Ultracell, a major American fuel cell player,<br />
and is since offering integrated systems. The<br />
company is currently proposing two types<br />
of batteries for soldier systems, the SMP and<br />
the LW (Land Warrior); the SMP comes in<br />
one-third, two-thirds and regular sizes<br />
weighing 290, 370 and 525 grams and<br />
respectively yielding 31, 62 and 92 Wh+ at<br />
10.8 V. An AA SMP holder is also available.<br />
As for the LW, two models are on offer,<br />
namely the 517-gram Li-80 and and 1.02-<br />
kilo Li-145, with respective capacities of 82<br />
Wh+ and 145 Wh.<br />
With currently available Li-Ion cells the<br />
power density of those batteries will soon be<br />
improved; SMPs will leap from 170 to 240<br />
I INDEX TO ADVERTISERS<br />
AIMPOINT 23<br />
AR - MODULAR RF 27<br />
BERETTA 15<br />
BRIDEX 33<br />
DSEI 35<br />
ELBIT SYSTEMS 2<br />
INDO DEFENCE 29<br />
34<br />
<strong>Compendium</strong> <strong>Modern</strong> <strong>Soldier</strong> Programme <strong>2013</strong><br />
Following the acquisition of Ultracell, a major<br />
player in the fuel cell field, Bren-Tronics is able<br />
to offer integrated solutions to its customers.<br />
(<strong>Armada</strong>/P. Valpolini)<br />
Wh/kg, and the LW from 140 to 190 Wh/kg.<br />
Better still according to the company, their<br />
price will also be reduced by nearly 25%.<br />
Further improvements will come at a later<br />
date when the above-mentioned 4 Ah cell<br />
will be available. Bren-Tronics is also<br />
demonstrating a hybrid solution including<br />
a fuel cell and a battery, fuel cell capacity<br />
being much higher than that of diesel<br />
solutions, although the latter use an easily<br />
available fuel.<br />
INVISIO 19<br />
NAMEXPO 31<br />
NFM 9<br />
SAAB SECURITY & DEFENCE SYSTEMS 11<br />
SAGEM 36<br />
TRIJICON 25<br />
VECTRONIX 5<br />
INTERNATIONAL<br />
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