Armada-Modern-Soldier-Compendium-AUGSEPT-2013

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substantially decreasing weights in the perspective of the acquisition of C4I systems and sensors. Within the overall Generic Soldier Architecture (GSA) development, Cosworth is leading a group of companies in the development of the Man Worn Power & Data Technology Demonstrator Programme (MWPD TDP) to simplify connectivity and reduce weight for body-worn electronic systems. Part of the Cosworth team are BMT Defence Services, CQC, Martec, TE Connectivity and Ultra Electronics. Reducing wiring and integrating it in the clothing is only part of the business, a 18- gram power controller having been installed into an Osprey body armour; this draws power from a consumer grade three-cell integral Lithium battery that will change over time to improve performances. A single high-speed USB2.0 wiring system able to switch and monitor up to seven ports is also integrated into the Osprey and enables adaptive control of the power flow through the clothing. Low priority devices would be disconnected automatically when the battery reaches a predetermined percentage of its charge capacity (the controller is run by an ARM Cortex M4 processor core running at 100MHz and will allow to recharge the system by plugging it into any other power source such as a solar mat, a fuel cell or a vehicle outlet). “Plug” is a word that might disappear in this context, as Martec is providing Cosworth with its Wireless Integrated Power Electronics System. This induction system supplies power and data at very short distances (millimetres or centimetres according to the model). Cosworth won a contract for the Man Worn Power & Data Technology Demonstrator from the British Ministry of Defence. The aim is to reduce the weight of the electronic vest. (Cosworth) Another area pursued by Cosworth in the development of its Man Power Data is improved connectors, ultra slim and wireless solutions having also been considered. (Cosworth) Cosworth intends to use the shorter range system to allow wireless connection between the Personal Role Radio and the webbing when the radio is put back into its standard position, while a longer range variant might be adopted to connect the soldier system to the on-board system when the military sits in the vehicle. No need thus to remember about “plugging in”. The power system provides a resilient and highly versatile connection through fully sealed and completely flush surfaces that can operate through a material barrier. When physical connectors can be adopted, Cosworth looked at TE Connectivity systems whose early prototypes were visible at a recent exhibition. These connectors are flat, do not show any cavity, don’t have any pin that may be bent, and can be used even when wet. They ensure USB2.0 data transfer and power specs. The demonstrator was completed in early 2013. In mid-March 2013 Roke Manor Research Ltd, part of the Chemring Group, was awarded a three-year research contract under the Dismounted Close Combat Sensors (DCCS) Research Programme. Roke is leading a team that also includes SEA (Systems Engineering & Assessments) and QinetiQ to assess, mature and integrate innovative sensor technology for the
dismounted close combat infantry soldier. The goal is to develop an open systems architecture to allow for the integration of multiple sensor-based subsystems, such as acoustic, thermal imaging and RF subsystems in order to enhance situational awareness, facilitate collaborative targeting and increase optempo, while minimising size, weight and power burden. Phase 1a, which aimed at identifying new and innovative technologies, is completed and over 200 submissions were received. Phase 1b will look for more complete information in order to carry out a first down-selection, that will then lead to Demo 1 with a first technologies demonstration in October 2013. A second down-selection will then lead to a fully integrated system to be demonstrated in May 2014 at Demo 2. Demo 3 demonstrating the integrated solution working in a live exercise by the Army will take place in February 2015, while in December that year Demo 4 will see the system integrated into a wider Istar environment. VOSS The Voss programme was originally launched in the Netherlands in 2008 and consists of three autonomous projects: smart vest, integrated head protection and E- Lighter. The most advanced one of these three components is the E-Lighter. Developed by Fokker Aerostructures it is a lightweight diesel-fueled power source that can provide the energy needed for all the electronic equipment carried by the soldier. The company developed some technology demonstrators and, in September 2011, was awarded a three-year contract by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, which pushed the system into full-steam development. Through the years, Fokker Aerostructures considerably improved the system in terms of efficiency and lifetime, maintaining the same power while decreasing the weight. The prototype configuration weighs 1 kg dry (fuel being of the JP8 or car diesel type). Interest for a full multifuel system has been expressed and the company is working on adjusting the E-Lighter to cope with this requirement. The exhaust has been moved from the side to the bottom, the E-Lighter adding no extra thermal signature to the body according to Fokker. Currently the E-Lighter can provide a maximum output of 15 Watts, with a power The E-Lighter was improved and will be used together with batteries in a hybrid system that will provide power to the Dutch Voss. (Fokker Aerostructures) density of 400 Wh/kg and an endurance of 48 hours, that is the double of any currently available batteries. Some 2,000 pieces should be needed by the Dutch Armed Forces, but Fokker Aerostructures hopes to increase this with Belgium and Luxembourg who are partners in the E-Vest. An interest in the micro-diesel power system has also been expressed by the US Marines and Army, as well as by France. Fokker Aerostructures had built 10 prototypes by late 2012, which have been thoroughly and successfully The E-Lighter diesel power generator is the first system to have been ordered as part of the Dutch Voss programme. (Fokker Aerostructures) tested by the Dutch Army in early 2013. The results are be used for the upcoming stage that will bring the E-Lighter to TRL7. As for the Smart Vest, this includes radios, both soldier-worn and vehiclerelated, near eye displays, ruggedized tablets, energy grids, ballistic protection, vests, rucksacks, etc. Its acquisition process is still running, the Netherlands acting as single contracting nation on behalf of all Benelux countries. After contract award, the pre-series will be established and units tested. Serial production is scheduled for 2015 and further. According to industrial sources a first shortlist has been established although major modifications have also been required from the three remaining competitors, contract award being scheduled for late 2013 – early 2014. Contenders include Sagem (which leveraged work done on the Félin for the C4I components) and NFM of Norway for the vest itself and protection elements. Compared to the French solution, the Sagem C4I proposal to the Netherlands is quite different, as it is focused on risk management, introducing innovations according to the risk level. The software is derived from the one used by the French Army. The Voss solution is being extended to the other two Benelux countries, Belgium and Luxemburg, the Netherlands being the leading country. Three versions of Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013 13
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Page 8 and 9: The German Army name for the recent
Page 10: The soldier can send only pre-forma
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Page 21 and 22: functions of a full-size PC into a
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Armada-Modern-Soldier-Compendium-AUGSEPT-2013

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