Armada – Switzerland – Compendium2

byCompendium

Modern Soldier Programmes

2010 a key year

INTERNATIONAL: The trusted source for defence technology information since 1976

Terrain like Afghanistan’s can be tough on communication networks. You need to get connected and stay connected. Ultralife’s enhanced MRC-200 Series of Digital Tactical Repeater Systems deploy as standalone packages as well as “quick fit” installation in a variety of land, air and maritime platforms. For the operator, this means reliable communications when using the AN/PRC-148, AN/PRC-152 and AN/PRC-5800 series radios.

From the individual soldier to command and control, from manpack kits to vehicle integration, Ultralife Communications Systems is your one source for many solutions.

Digital Tactical Repeater Systems

SEE US AT:SOFEX Jordan 10 to 13 MayEurosatory 14 to 18 June

www.mcdowellresearch.com | ph: +1-315-332-7100

1armada Compendium Modern Soldier Programmes 2010

2010 will see the deployment of the first new-generation soldier modernisationsuites. Although some less comprehensive suites are already present down-range, it is the Félin, about to be deployed with a unit of the French Armée de Terre, that will undoubtedly mark the advent of a new type of infantryman.Numerous other programmes of the same type are in the pipeline and the coming years will see an increasing number of ‘future soldiers’ operating on the battlefield.

A Spanish soldier looking ‘round thecorner’ with his Comfut gear

Paolo Valpolini

M ost of these systems are beingdeveloped along the same linesto provide lethality and effects,

protection and survivability, C4I, sustain-ability, mobility, training and logistics.Deep integration, situational awarenessand net-centric ability are but a few of thetopics that came back most frequently inthe early discussions on soldier moderni-sation programmes. However, whilethose topics remained high on the listduring initial trials, other issues surfaced,particularly weight, comfort and energysupply.

Although they maintain their connec-tivity with the great battlefield network,soldier modernisation suites are becom-ing more soldier-centric. This is exempli-fied by the American Land Warrior andits presence in Iraq, which is deeplyaffecting the design of the Ground Sol-dier Ensemble.

Weight reduction has really turned outto be a thorn in the flesh; the amount ofammunition carried by the soldiers andthe heavy reserve of water required issimply not compressible. Thus gazesturned to electronics and electro-optics,although quantum leaps in miniaturisa-

tion require heavy investments resultingin higher costs, at least initially. Newtrends are emerging, with flexibility andmodularity replacing integration,because even if integrated loads can pro-vide him all-round capabilities, a soldierwill be reluctant to carry facilities that heknows will not be needed.

Optronics is one of the fields in whichsome countries are reconsidering theirplans. Back-up iron sights are again find-ing their place on modern rifles, whilelight aiming sighting systems are beingconsidered more and more. Red-dotsights have become a standard and can beused in combination with image intensi-fiers, holographic sights are becoming acommon add-on for close-range engage-ments, light-magnified sights also beingpart of the suite offered to the warfighter– most of those items weigh less than 300grams. As for round-the-corner shooting,the 135-gram Aimpoint ConcealedEngagement Unit is being adopted bysome programmes that gave up fully inte-grated optronic sights. Not only are thosesystems lighter, but they are also consid-erably less power demanding, if one bearsinto consideration that the batteries ofthe most recent Aimpoint sights can lastup to 80,000 hours – that is about eightyears of operation.

Clothing, almost historically relegatedto lesser priorities, is now getting somelimelight. The need to control the sol-dier’s body temperature has becomeparamount, and this includes protectionagainst direct exposure to flames. Closeintegration of clothing and ballistic pro-tection is required. As no body armourwill ever be breathable, cooling vests areincreasingly becoming popular. Theyhelp to maintain airflow and reducesweating. Currently the most integratedsystem is probably the one being devel-oped for the German IdZ-ES by Texplor-er, which also enables it to be used as ablunt-trauma liner.

The weight issue is definitely takenseriously by fabric producers as exempli-fied by Gore with its Gore PerformanceZone concept that allows to halve theweight of a rain jacket from 1.1 kg to 550grams and at the same time reduce its vol-ume from four to 1.8 litres, not to mentionlimit friction noise and improve breatha-bility – all this at a cost increase of around30%. How much would it cost to propor-

Even whentested andretested and

about to enterservice, the rightmix of systems, as used in thisFrench ArmyFélin suite, canonly be definedafter a prolongedperiod in the hands of ‘Joe-soldiers’ indifferent environments and climates.

On the Cover

The Weight ofIntelligence

2 armada Compendium Modern Soldier Programmes 2010

tionally reduce electronic equipment or aballistic protection weight within thoseparameters?

More and more importance is thusbeing placed on items once consideredlow-tech and of lesser significance. Thoseallow the soldier to live better on thefield, thanks to greater comfort andlighter weight. Protection is the other keyfactor. Even if it will never reach suffi-cient levels, spectacular progress in thissector is awaited.

FélinWith the order for 16,454 Félin systemssigned by the French DGA in lateNovember 2009, the Armée de Terre willbe the first western army to field an inte-grated soldier modernisation programmethat has reached industrialisation status.The final six-month field testing, which

Involved were the Régiment deMarche du Tchad company and two pla-toons, one of the 8th Régiment Para-chutiste d’Infanterie de Marine and oneof the 13th Batallion de ChasseursAlpins. No major problems were encoun-tered. Even in hot and humid climates,the optronics suites didn’t show failures

Interestingly, the French Army is nottoo concerned about the time taken bythe GPS system to provide immediatepositioning once debussed, as it believesthat if the infantry team disembarks forimmediate fighting nobody will have anytime to look at their BMS. If, on the otherhand, the team leaves for a long-termoperation, the 15 to 20 seconds necessaryto acquire the satellite constellation hasno adverse influence.

While the first Vab Félins will be deliv-ered in 2010, the all-new VBCI is ready-fitted for the system and will start to bedelivered with the Félin kit in 2011.

Lessons learned during the operationalevaluation brought some minor adjust-ments. The electronic vest was optimisedto better match the various configurations.Software was also modified mostly interms of prioritisation of the differentfunctions within the menus, following theinputs coming from some 250 to 300 per-sonnel who used it intensively in differentcombat situations. The Félin has nowentered mass production, with the last con-tract upping the total to the 22,588-unitmark – as planned. Each battalion is to

A group of Frenchsoldiers equippedwith the differentFélin configu-rations, going fromthe simplest, to the NBC, the OVDwith optronic sight,NVGs with optronicsight to fullprotection.(Armada/PV)

A sniper equippedwith the Félinthermal sightspecificallydeveloped for thisrole, mounted onan FR.F2 7.62 mmrifle. (Armada/PV)

A soldier belonging to the Régiment deMarche du Tchad checks the situationaround the corner using his visor. Thissystem was particularly lauded duringthe field trials at the Cenzub urbantraining area. (Armada/PV)

The platoon leader is equipped withthe Sit Comdé debussed commandand control system, which allows himto verify the position of all his platoonelements. (Armada/PV)

ended last July (2009), was carried out byone full company and two platoons thatoperated in various environments such ashot and dry in Djibouti, hot and humid inFrench Guyana, cold in the Alps, not tomention the operational shooting train-ing centre (Ceito) and at the urban war-fare training centre (Cenzub) at Sissonnein north-eastern France.

in spite of 20°C to 60°C thermal bounces.Soldiers enjoyed the quality of their elec-tro-optical sights and soon started toexploit them to the full, discovering themajor advantages of thermal imagingeven in daytime.

The use of optronics on most weaponsshowed, however, that the relatively nar-row field-of-view provided by the imageintensification and the thermal imagingsights (respectively 7° and 3.5° and 7.8°and 3.9°), tended to draw too much fromthe soldiers’ attention on the target; thiswill require the adaptation of tactics anddoctrine.

Doctrine rethinking may also be use-ful to fully exploit the dismounted battlemanagement system that ensured conti-nuity between mounted and dismountedoperations, something that was enhancedby the efficiency by the radio and theosteo headset. The synergy betweenmounted and dismounted soldiers wasonly partly reproducible at the Cenzubcentre since the Vabs employed were notyet equipped with the vehicle integrationkit that includes a smart power distribu-tion unit, which is designed to provideenergy to individual ports, collective bat-tery chargers and Jim medium-rangeimager carrying cases.

receive some 1000 systems, which means atotal of 70,000 single items in about 25 con-tainers. Prime contractor Sagem will deliv-er the battalion-size kits to the Direction

The load carriage supplier of choice for mission-critical personal protective equipment,

delivering customized, innovative products for any operational environment. ATK.

Eagle Modular Body Armor Vest and Eagle Brigade Combat Team kit accessories

Photo credit: Amber Henley

www.atk.com

Innovation ... Delivered.


Centrale du Matériel de l’Armée de Terre,which will then forward them to the units.Over 3000 systems should be delivered in2010 after which the flow will reach 4000systems per year.

The mass production kick-off does notmean that Félin development will stop. Inearly 2010 a contract was signed for thedevelopment of a new radio known as theRif-NG (Réseau d’Information du Fan-tassin – Nouvelle Génération). The cur-rent radio proved to be satisfactory,

change of frequency will be needed, asthe current 830 to 862 MHz band is alsoused by civilian systems. No decision hasyet been taken on new frequencies: lowerfrequencies, such as the 225 to 400 MHz

ment for the current IdZ fielded inAfghanistan.

Following the risk-reduction trials car-ried out in El Paso, Texas and Munster,Germany, and which initially involvedmechanised infantry and subsequentlyother army disciplines such as paratroop-ers, mountain troops, infantry and Navyand Air Force security forces, the systemis undergoing major alterations. Thisresults from the realisation by the Bun-deswehr that, while modularity may haveadverse effects on weight and volume

This picture showsall the attachmentpoints on thehelmet that allowall the various add-ons to be affixedsuch as the nightvision goggles, themonocular visor orthe transparentshield.(Armada/PV)

The shooting team sees the spotterequipped with the Félin Jim medium-range thermal camera and the sniperwith the sight that includes a directdaylight scope, a thermal camera anda laser rangefinder. (Sagem)

The Félin thermal sight installed on theupgraded Famas assault rifle, which isequipped with the Extrema Ratiobayonet/combat knife. (Sagem)

In an effort to maintain an around-the-corner viewing capability following thescrapping of the Video Visier, the IdZ-ES adopted the Aimpoint ConcealedEngagement Unit. (Aimpoint)

The Thales Solar 400 E UHF radioprovides communications among theinfantry team. (Thales)

Following desert trialsin El Paso, Texas, andother trials inGermany, weight andcomfort are amongthe key points takeninto consideration bythe BWB andprogramme primecontractor Rheinmetallto improve theGerman IdZ-ES suite.(Rheinmetall)

band, would give range advantages inspite of a bandwidth reduction, whileanything around 4 GHz might providetoo short a range. Sagem aims at provid-ing the new radio around the 2013-14timeframe. By that time, fuel cells mighthave matured into a weight saving optionfor power generation.

IdZ-ESAs exemplified by the Félin (q.v.) forexample, field tests do not necessarilylead to major changes in a programme,but unfortunately this was not true of theInfanterist der Zukunft - ErweitertesSystem (IdZ-ES, future infantryman -expanded system), which is the Germansecond-generation future soldier beingdeveloped by Rheinmetall as a replace-

compared to an integrated system, oneseldom needs to bring all the subsystemsin action, and that in the end the greaterflexibility afforded by modularity out-weighs integration advantages. Thischange in philosophy led the BWB toissue new requirements and, under theguidance of Rheinmetall (which acts assystem integrator and provides part ofthe hardware), some components havebeen scrapped and replaced by modularitems, others underwent an outrightredesign, while yet others were modifiedfor ergonomic considerations – includingweight saving.

As a result the core of the system, theRheinmetall Canada computer unit, isnow much lighter, provides better com-puting performance and is less powerhungry. The same applies to the portablecontrol computer, which equips only theinfantry group commander. This unit nowhas a separate display as the armyrequired to move the two batteries, pre-viously hosted in the ‘electronic back-pack’, to the side of the carrying vest toallow the soldier to replace them by him-self (it previously was a buddy-buddyoperation). This has in turn providedextra space to insert the group comman-

although some range problems wereencountered in the heavy vegetationareas of French Guyana. At any rate a

©2010 OSHKOSH CORPORATION Oshkosh and the Oshkosh logo are registered trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, WI, USA

TO DELIVER. TO PERFORM.

No matter where or when you need them, Oshkosh Defense delivers light-, medium- and heavy-duty tactical vehicles that perform – with unmatched functionality and reliability. Oshkosh manufactures vehicles that consistently meet the ever-evolving needs of the military, implementing superior technologies and advanced systems to keep personnel and supplies moving quickly and safely, even in the most demanding environments. You want constant readiness. No matter the mission. No matter the vehicle. You get it with the production capacity, proven capability and worldwide aftermarket support of Oshkosh Defense.

www.oshkoshdefense.com

M-ATV

FMTV

HETPLS

HEMTT A4

COUNT ON OSHKOSH.

COUCOUTTO DECOU

UNT ON UNT ONELIVER. TO PUNT ON

OSHKOOSHKOPERFORM.OSHK

OSH.OSH.

acnoitcudorp

noctnawuoYYomosupplies pmi,yratilim

maOshkoshtheavy-duty

wmatterNo

aytilibapacnevorp,yticapa

ettamoN.ssenidaertnatsnsafeandquickly oving

onhcetroirepusgnitnemelthatvehiclesanufactures perthat vehiclestactical

tneedyouwhenorwhere

stekramretfftaediwdlrowdn

htrettamoN.noissimehtrmost thein even,ely

tsysdecnavdadnaseigoloethe meet consistentlyt

unmatchedwith –form dDefenseOshkoshthem,

snefeDhsokhsOfotrrtoppus

thtiwtiteguoYYo.elcihevehenvironmendemanding

alennosreppeekotsmettof needs-evolving ever

reliabiland functionalityamedium-light-,delivers

.es

e htnts. nd the

.ityd na

moc.esnefedhsokhso.www

TIOOSH CORPORAAT0 OSHK120©

osh logo are registered trosh and the Oshk OshkN

WI, Uosh,ation, Oshkporosh Corks of Oshkademarr

USA


der’s computer in the electronic back-pack, which now also hosts a militaryGPS receiver (the standard GPS remain-ing part of the pack, located on top of theThales Solar 400 E UHF radio set).

The power supply has been cen-tralised, a computer-managed systemallowing for considerable energy savingsand thus greater mission endurance. Thecontrol unit/auxiliary display has beenmade more user friendly and nowincludes an electronic compass.

Turning to night vision, the choicewent to Thales France/Angenieux LucieII (Minie) goggles. These are connectedby cable to the system (a battery kit isavailable when used without the IdZ-ESkit). The Carl Zeiss Optronics Video Visi-er (VV) was the main victim of the newmodular philosophy. The VV was provid-ing a target designation capability, whichis now assigned only to the squad leaderand his deputy. The G36 will therefore beequipped with a rifle scope which mightremain the current x3 scope (a Zeiss x4scope remains an alternative), night capa-bility being provided by the Carl ZeissOptronics NVS600 clip-on image intensi-fication device, although a thermal imag-ing look-through system is also beingconsidered. The Aimpoint ConcealedEngagement Unit is adopted for around-the-corner observation and shooting.

For longer-range weapons, such as theMG4 light machine gun and the M82 12.7mm sniper rifle, the vision system remainsthe Wärmebildzielgerät developed byAim Infrarot Module; the spotter has aCarl Zeiss Optronics Spotter 60 scopewith variable magnification from x20 to

x60. Another night vision system that willdisappear from the IdZ-ES is the Jena-Optronik Wärmebildbeobachtungsgerätbinocular thermal imager and targetacquisition system, which will migrate toplatoon level.

Target acquisition capabilities atsquad level will be provided by a system

position of the Picatinny rail is optimisedfor the BR8 fire control unit.

The other part of the equipment thatwas deeply modified due to the new mod-ular approach is the clothing and protec-tion system, developed by Texplorer.Rain and chemical-biological protectionare now separate items, while modularprotection against cold conditions downto -30°C, a new battle dress in a soft andheavy versions (with long and short jack-et, respectively for light and mechanisedinfantry) are part of the system. All itemshave undergone flame retardant testsand protection against insects has alsoreceived attention.

The ballistic protection suite includesa new SK 1 protective vest and improvedcooling shirt, which is supplemented bythe SK 4 ballistic protection that comes inindividual sizes and optimised shapes andintegrates modular splinter protectionfor the neck, arms and groin. The front

The future versionof Rheinmetall IdZ-ES may be quitesimilar to thesoldiers picturedhere, their riflebeing equippedwith a lightweightdaylight sight.(Rheinmetall)

The Swout cooling vest is worn overthe first layer and contributes also toblunt trauma reduction. (Texplorer)

The new load-carrying equipmentdeveloped by Texplorer allows thedistribution of weight betweenshoulders and hips to improve comfortand reduce fatigue. (Texplorer)

The Wärmebild -zielgerät, developedby Aim InfrarotModule, proved to beefficient at long rangeand remains theaiming sight formachine guns andsniper rifles.(Rheinmetall)

and rear Twaron/ceramic plates weighone kilo less than the earlier ones. TheSwout cooling vest also proved to beeffective in wintertime (to avoid perspi-ration and the consequent chilling effectwhen cooling down) and has shown aconsiderable decrease of a soldier's ther-mal signature.

To allow better integration with thePuma and Boxer vehicles, Texplorer hasdeveloped two versions of modular carry-ing systems. The ‘Alpha’, optimised for

with lesser capabilities – either the Vector21 Nite day/night binocular or the Moski-to day/night target acquisition unit, bothfrom Vectronix. For the AG36 40-mmUnderbarrel Grenade Launcher, as wellas for the two types of anti-tank rocket,the Dynamit Nobel Defence Panzerfaust3 and RGW 60 launchers, the choice forthe fire control system went to the BR8manufactured by Aimpoint of Sweden.This unit weighs less than 1.2 kg and itslaser rangefinder has a range of 600metres and it can accommodate a x3 sightto improve target identification.

Most of the weapons will receive somedegree of modification to improveergonomics. The H&K G36 is beingequipped with back-up iron sights and anadjustable, folding butt-stock to allow abetter bedding of the weapon when wear-ing body armour. Rounding up theimprovements, a push-to-talk (PTT) but-ton is installed on both sides of the handguard, while the laser rangefinder switchesare located close to the trigger guard.

The MG4 receives the same upgrad-ing, with three more buttons located onboth sides of the butt-stock for PTT capa-bility, field-of-view changing on theWärmebildzielgerät and locking. Thesame buttons are found on the G82 sniperrifle, plus the laser button. The MP7 and40-mm UGL only get the PTT buttonwhile the PzF3 gets push buttons for bothPTT and the laser rangefinder while the

Sagem offers integrated, scalable soldier modernization solutions, allowing dismounted soldiers to carry out their missions with enhanced performance, in all conditions and environments. Totally modular, its solutions improve individual and collective capabilities, for infantry, special forces, police and public safety applications. Sagem’s experience with the French FELIN program means it can provide you with a customized solution, including full support services. www.sagem-ds.com

> OBSERVATION AND TARGETING> SCALABLE PROTECTION > AROUND-THE-CORNER SIGHTING> SITUATIONAL AWARENESS> PLATOON C4I


wearable computer and the Selex Com-munications Individual Pocket Radio(IPR), mortarmen using the Hirtenberger60-mm mortar were able to obtain theexact target range from the vehicle's laserrangefinder and also obtain rapid correc-tions. These field trials and the previoustesting at the infantry school led to a fullvalidation of the C4I component in termsof messages, voice, navigation and sharedsituational awareness.

The Beretta ARX160 and its grenadelauncher, the GLX160, have been testeddownrange in Afghanistan by parachuteunits. The feedback brought a series ofimprovements, mostly linked to ergonom-ics and handling. The rifle butt was short-ened in order to better adapt the weapon

by the Aspis as well as maps, images andmessages from the C4I system. The newlayout will see the sensor mounted infront of the helmet and the relatedcabling reduced. A first batch of 30 sys-tems was under production in late 2009and early 2010, with delivery having beenslated for February at time of writing.Involved are six kits in the commanderversion, six in the grenadier and 18 in therifleman version. They will undergo a fur-ther stress test at the infantry schoolbefore being sent to the digitisation testunit, where they will be fully tested – andthis will include checking their integra-tion with the new Freccia 8 x 8 armouredinfantry vehicle.

These tests will last some four to fivemonths, after which all feedback will be

mechanised troops, ensures that the elec-tronic backpack has minimal weight andvolume to provide good mobility insidethe vehicle, a proper seating position andimproved mounting/dismounting. Thelight infantry version, also known as‘Zulu’, is optimised for soldiers conduct-ing mostly dismounted operations and cancarry 30, 50 or 110-litre backpacks.

The new contract with Rheinmetallwas signed in December 2009 andinvolves the manufacture of ten soldierkits of one type, but kits that are flexibleenough to allow the implementation ofvariations and thus suit the requirementsof various special units in view of subse-quent field trials. This ‘pilot lot’ will bedelivered in December 2010, final testingand integrated operational testing isscheduled for the first six months of 2011.Upon completion, those tests will dictatewhich components will become part ofthe production systems. Production willthen have to be confirmed by Parliament,with a contract to be signed by the end of2011 to see deliveries start by mid-2012,with the last of the currently planned 438kits reaching their units by the end of2015.

Soldato FuturoProduction and delivery of the first 92prototypes of the Soldato Futuro suitewas expected to take place in 2009, buthas somewhat slipped to the right of thecalendar following two stress tests initial-ly conducted on three prototypes, andlater (in September 2009) on ten pre-pro-

The Selex GalileoNimos helmet nightvision system is beingtotally reconfigured torectify imbalanceissues and reducecabling. (Armada/PV)

The Italian Army will continue testing30 Soldato Futuro systems beforereceiving the full complement of 92 forcompany-level trials. (Armada/PV)

The Selex Galileo Aspis sight wassubjected to minor changes followingthe first stress test at the Italian infantryschool. The sight incorporates adaylight CCD colour camera, anuncooled thermal sight and a red dotpointer. (Armada/PV)

The Scorpio proved to be highlyeffective and greatly improved theprecision of the grenade launcher.(Armada/PV)

duction units. The trials, carried out at theArmy Infantry School of Cesano nearRome, highlighted required improve-ments related to the night vision systemknown as Nimos (Night Mobility Subsys-tem) and to the Aspis individual combatweapon system.

Feedback mainly pointed to ergonom-ic factors, minor on the Aspis, but moredramatic regarding the Nimos, leadingSelex Galileo to totally repackage the sub-system to improve its balance on the hel-met. Aimed at replacing traditional nightvision goggles, the early configuration ofthe Nimos had a low-light-level digitalsensor installed on one side of the helmetand a colour helmet-mounted display(HMD) on the opposite side. This not onlyallowed to see the low-light-sensor's pic-tures but also display the images provided

used to hone the 62 remaining kits. The first30 will also be upgraded to the same con-figuration to fulfil the current order for 92units. Final tests at company level will thentake place before launching the productionof first batch. This will include 1583 kits des-tined to the 82nd and to the 9th InfantryRegiments of the Pinerolo Brigade, whichwill thence become the first Italian Armymedium digitised brigade.

Testing at the digitisation unit will alsobe used to carry out integration activitieswith all the Esercito's digitisation sys-tems such as the Siccona C2I, Siccona C2and navigation system and so forth. Thelower echelon C2 and navigation systemwere partially tested during the firstmajor firing exercise (involving the Frec-cia) conducted at Capo Teulada in Sar-dinia in mid-December 2009. Using their

when body armour is used, while the boltcan now be disassembled. A new type ofplastic material with harder surface prop-erties will also be used for some compo-nents. The new release of the ARX160was expected for January 2010.

Another item, which is being providedbeside the Soldato Futuro programmebut which is in fact part of it, is the new

- Rugged lightweight individual combatant protection

- A full range of ceramic body armor plate solutions

- Leading state-of-the-art commercial technology

DEFENDER®

Ceramic Armor Saves Lives

Defending Warfi ghters around the World

714-384-9483 [email protected] www.ceradyne.com

DEFENDER® multi-hit body armor plates are the leading

commercial ceramic inserts developed for use by global

defense organizations. The proven performance of DEFENDER®

upgrade plate technology provides lifesaving ballistic protection

for alliance warfi ghters around the world.

NOA FAR REACHING CAPABILITIES ARE NOW CLOSER THAN EVER

NOA is the world’s only thermal weapon sight that enables pinpoint target acquisition at distances of over 1,000 meters.

Equipped with an FCS assuring automatic ballistic compensation, lightweight and low power consumption, Meprolight’s NOA gives you that"own the night" advantage.

E-mail: [email protected]

Meprolight’s NOA thermal weapon sights.No thermal night sight goes farther.

NOACompact

NOA X4

NOA X7


ground or urban areas. Based onadvanced algorithms and sensors, the sys-tem measures the soldier’s footsteps,walking speed, stride length and directionand then calculates his exact location.The S-Nav accurately measures altitudechanges, such as those occurring betweenfloors and thus provides continuousthree-dimensional location. The S-Navsensors are positioned close to the sol-dier’s body and ‘learn’ his movements.About the size of a cell phone, it weighsonly 155 grams and its low power con-sumption enables it to operate forextended periods of time.

The Torc2h mounted/dismounted sol-dier battle management system providescommanders and crew with a simplifiedoperational interface, enhanced situa-tional awareness and data communica-tion capabilities. In terms of communica-tion assets the individual soldier caneither be equipped with the TadiranPNR-500 or the PRC-710 MB. The PNR-500 Personal Net Radio, operates in theUHF 410 to 450 MHz band, provides

extending it to stand-off sensors andunmanned systems.

Elbit established an infantry integra-tion laboratory in which each system –either produced by Elbit, controlled com-panies or by subcontractors – was exam-ined and tested, from concept stagesthrough to demonstration and certifica-tion. What is commercially known as the

modular body armour. Compared to thecurrent AP/98 body armour, the newitem, known as NC-09, will increase pro-tection due to the numerous add-on ele-ments, will improve wearability and com-fort, and will decrease the weight in thebasic configuration. The NC-09 is madeof forward and backward plate carriersand flexible ballistic elements.

Dominator (Anog)In mid-September 2009 the IsraelDefense Force carried out a major fieldexercise which saw for the first time thewhole 36th Armoured Division operatingwith the Digital Army Programme equip-ment.

This first major digitisation test alsoinvolved part of the Golani brigade, thefirst to be equipped with the Dominatorequipment of the Integrated Infantry Com-bat System (IICS) – also called Anog.

Elbit was chosen to be the system inte-grator of the entire Anog programme, thegoal of which is to increase the infantrysoldier’s and the battalion's operationaleffectiveness by broadening its scope waybeyond the mere improvement of equip-ment typically carried by the soldier and

One of the latestadditions to theDominator is the ElbitLily family of thermalweapon sights. Theuncooled Lily-S isintended for standardassault while the Lily-M is dedicated tosnipers. (ElbitSystems)

Following field trials in Afghanistanwith parachute units, the ARX160 rifleunderwent minor modifications. TheArmy will buy some batches outsidethe Soldato Futuro contract to deploythe weapon downrange as soon aspossible. (Armada/PV)

The IDF Golani infantry brigade startedoperational trials with the Coral-CRmedium-range target acquisitionsystem. (Elbit Systems)

An IDF soldier equipped with theTadiran PNR-500 Personal Net Radioand with the CNR-9000 VHF radio.(Elbit Systems)

The new NC-09 body armour allowsto better distribute weight between theshoulders and the hips, considerablyincreasing comfort. Its add-ons provideincreased protection in specific areaswhen needed. (Armada/PV)

Dominator is centred on the soldier,whose Personal Digital Unit ruggedisedtactical computer with integral GPS runsboth the IICS C2 and the TacticalIntranet Geographic dissemination inReal time (Tiger) systems, which inte-grates all force levels into one dynamictactical intranet, thereby creating inter-est-based, geographic data dissemina-tion. Man-machine interface is providedby a hand-held eyepiece that can displayC4I pictures and live video from built-inline-of-sight sensors. Commanders alsohave a touch-screen hand-held displayfor mission planning and message receiptand transmission (a recent version of thelatter offers extremely low-power con-sumption and maintains a low visibilitysignature to infantrymen through itsexceptionally low-light emission).

Although not yet part of the Domina-tor, the new S-Nav (Soldier-Navigation)system developed by Elbit attracted con-siderable interest from the IsraelDefense Force, as it would still providenavigation facilities when the GPS is outof reach, as would happen in under-

three-way conferencing on a single chan-nel and supports air, sea and ground com-munications. The PNR-500, with its 0.25-W output, weighs less than 370 grams andis used for intra-squad communicationand as wireless unit in Tadiran's vehicularintercom system. The PRC-710 MBVHF/UHF works in the 30 to 512 MHzbandwidth and with its five-watt outputallows much longer-range communica-tions and is normally carried by com-manders.

Elbit Systems recently added the Lilyfamily of thermal weapon sights to the

P R O V E N I N C O M B A T

S A W F L Y B U L L E T A N T D E S E R T L O C U S T

IN JUST THE BLINK OF AN EYEYOU CAN LOSE AN EYE

April 2006. Nighttime mission outside

Fallujah. “That blast was so strong it

threw me around like no tomorrow…”

This gunner was ready with Revision

Sawfly® Eyewear. His vehicle was rocked.

Shrapnel flew. His sight was saved.

IEDs don’t come with warning signals.

You have to be ready. Ready for the

worst. Ready with the best. And that’s

Revision Eyewear. Powerful ballistic

protection. Flawless distortion-free optics.

“It’s funny how one little piece of plastic

can keep you in the fight for another

month or the rest of your life…” – J.B. USMC, 5th Marine Regiment

SAWFLY MILITARY EYEWEAR SYSTEMNSN 4240-01-527-4051OR NSN 4240-01-527-4018

© REV IS ION EYEWEAR, 7 CORPORATE DR IVE , ESSEX JUNCT ION VT 05452 USA . SAWFLY ®, BULLET ANT ®, DESERT LOCUST ®, BE REV IS ION READY.® AND REV IS ION ® ARE TRADEMARKS OF REV IS ION EYEWEAR.

®


vide higher operational flexibility andallow activity in various combat scenarios,since it will also be able to perform com-bat support missions.

FistFollowing the deployment of urgentoperational requirements such as theEnhanced Low-latency SituationalAwareness (also known as Elsa andwhich started in 2007 to include animproved version of the Selex GalileoPersonal Role Radio and Thales UK Miltrak C3I system), and the Sista surveillance and target acquisition system, which included Trijicon Acogsights, the year 2009 marked the realbeginning of the British Future Integrat-ed Soldier Technology (Fist) programme.Kick-off came with the announcement of

uncooled, hand-held, short-range systemwith target acquisition capabilities. Lowon power consumption and with anendurance of over eight hours beforerecharge, the Mars is an optimal solutionfor a wide range of applications includingsecurity and perimeter defence, infantry,scouts, special units and target acquisitionfor infantry commanders.

The medium-range target acquisitionsystem is the Coral-CR, which startedoperational trials with the Golaniinfantry brigade and is known as ‘AmitAcquisition’ in Israeli service. It has acooled sensor operating in the 3 to 5-µmbandwidth. Designed for medium-rangeobservation it includes a daylight CCDcamera, a digital magnetic compass and aGPS receiver. With a weight of 3.4 kg withbatteries, it can be used effectively up tofive kilometres.Dominator system. The Lily-S, developed

for standard assault weapons, is based ona thermal uncooled Vox microbolometersensor operating in the 8 to 12-µm band-width. It and can be provided in two dif-ferent versions, with a 640 x 480-pixelsensor providing a x3 magnification and a13.3º x 10.9º field-of-view, or a 384 x 288-pixel sensor with a x4 magnification andan 8.0º x 6.0º field-of-view. Weighing onekilo including batteries it detects vehiclesat 2.5 km and identifies them at one,while a man can be detected at 1.5 kmand identified at 500 metres.

The Lily-M is dedicated to sniper riflesand operates in the 3-5 µm band with a480 x 384-pixel InSb (Intium Anti-monide) sensor; much heavier, at 3.1 kgwith batteries, it operates on two differ-ent focals, wide 8° x 10° and narrow 2° x2.5°. It also features a CCD daylight cam-era with a 7.5° x 10° field-of-view and fea-tures a CCIR or an RS-170 A video out-put as well as an Ethernet or an EIA-422communication port. Optional equip-ment includes a remote control unit, aclip-on laser pointer and an external bat-tery pack. The Lily-M allows to detect avehicle at eight km and to recognize it atfour, while a man can be detected at fivekm and recognized at two.

The other thermal imaging systemdeveloped by Elbit’s El-Op and availableto the Dominator is the Mars, a 1.7 kg

This soldier uses the Mars uncooledhand-held short-range thermal system,which features target acquisitioncapabilities. (Elbit Systems)

The Guardium robotic scout vehicledeveloped by G-Nius (a 50:50 IsraelAerospace Industries and Elbit Systemsjoint venture) is able to carry outautonomous surveillance operations.(Elbit Systems)

Part of the Dominatorsuite is the Viper stair-climbing remote-control robot whichprovides the soldierwith a recon -naissance capability.(Elbit Systems)

Earmarked for theFist, the Thales Miltrakis a full C3I systemwith navigationcapabilities andwhich has alreadybeen fielded as partof an urgentoperationalrequirement. (Thales)

As mentioned earlier, the Dominatorextends its capabilities to the use of robot-ics, the images of which can be receivedby the soldier. Among those the Skylarkdrone, the Viper stair-climbing robot andthe Guardium. Developed by G-Nius (a50:50 Israel Aerospace Industries andElbit joint venture), the Guardium is anadvanced third-generation vehicle basedon the off-road Tomcar and featuresautonomous operation allowing precisesteering across pre-defined routes pro-

the contract for Increment 1A, whichitself represents the Increment 1 Surveil-lance and Target Acquisition segmentthat has been assigned to Thales UK. It will treat the Fire Team as a platform,with a view to improving mobility andengagement capabilities throughout a 24-hour period resulting from precise target location and improved CQB capa-bilities. Its adoption is expected to lead to a 35% reduction in blue-on-blue casualties.

grammed in its mission profile. Deployedby the IDF as force protection asset, it willsoon be followed by the Nahshon. G-Niuswas awarded a development contract forthe new car in early September 2009 tooffer improved autonomous movementand operational performance. It will alsohave a greater payload capacity to pro-

As prime contractor, Thales UK is incharge of programme management, withhardware being provided by numeroussubcontractors. A new thermal sightknown as the FTS (Fist Thermal Sight)was developed by Qioptiq as a derivativeof its Vipir-2, but with a 640 x 480-pixeluncooled microbolometer. The FTS is

MOSKITO

Vectronix AG . CH-9435 Heerbrugg . Switzerland

Telephone +41 71 726 72 00 . Fax +41 71 726 72 01 . www.vectronix.ch

Why carry binoculars, rangefinder, compass, GPS, night vision

device and plenty of batteries when MOSKITO does it all? One

such purpose-built, fully integrated unit enables you to observe,

measure and locate threats day and night. MOSKITO, a powerful

1.2 kg piece of kit from the makers of the VECTOR Rangefinder

Binoculars.

Observe and LocateDay and Night

MOSKITOThe new Commander‘s

Target Locator for FIST

www.swissphone.ch

Safety on the job. SWSSPHONE TRIO – the personal safety system on your belt. SWSSPHONE

TRIO sends a manual or automatic call for help, as well as information on your location in an

emergency within seconds to the emergency services center. Interested?

We’d be happy to provide you with further information. Please call 0848 88 99 99.

Alone but

still connected

with


the 10,835 systems in 95 company packsdue to be completed in June 2014. Thefirst systems are to go to the 3rd Battalionthe Royal Regiment of Scotland of 20Armoured Brigade.

Fist Increment 1B will provide the sol-dier with his own situation display. It willalso give commanders the situation of allnetworked members and allow targethand-off. The equipment will include animproved secure tactical radio with inte-grated GPS (providing improved tacticalcommunications as well as situation andposition reporting) a commander's dis-

ranged reticule allows precise engage-ments from 400 to 800 metres (the reti-cule being tweaked for 5.56 mm Natoammunition). A total of 10,835 such sightswill be acquired. The grenadier will alsocarry the Underslung Grenade Launcher(UGL) sight provided by Istec in Britain,which will be supplemented by the UGLfire control system provided by Vectronixof Switzerland. The selected sight is theRapid Acquisition Aiming Module(Raam) developed together with Wilcoxin the United States, of which 2090 sys-tems will be provided.

also equipped an Infra Red Laser Aimer(IRLA) for enhanced target identifica-tion and with an integrated CQB red dotsight – both supplied by Shield in Britain.The original Shield CQB sight has beenmodified in order to protect it from sand,dust and adverse weather. A total of 4111FTS will be acquired.

Qioptiq will also upgrade existingCommon Weapon Sights (CWS) and theMaxikite 2 to meet the Fist requirements.Some 4176 systems will thus receive theCQB sight for close-range rapid targetengagement. The FTS sight will be pro-vided to the fire team commander and thegunner, the marksman will receive the

The Fist Thermal Sight (FTS) developedby Qioptiq is a derivative of the Vipir-2 and is equipped with a laserdesignator, visible on the right of thesight, and a CQB sight on top.(Armada/PV)

For daylight engagements Britishsoldiers will be equipped with theElcan Specter OS4X; 10,853 sightswere acquired from the Canadiancompany, which is part of theRaytheon group. (Armada/PV)

The Qioptiq Maxikite 2 will beupgraded with the addition of the CQBsight; the same will happen to theCommon Weapon Sight. They will beissued respectively to marksmen and togrenadiers. (Armada/PV)

Grenadiers will be equipped with theRapid Acquisition Aiming Module(Raam) developed by Wilcox Industriesin America and Vectronix ofSwitzerland. (Armada/PV)

The original ShieldCQB sight and theprototype of themodified version; thelatter has beenmodified in order toprotect it from sand,dust and weather.(Armada/PV)

Vectronix is also providing the Com-mander’s Target Locator system in theform of its Moskito observation and loca-tion unit. The less-than-1.2-kg Moskitopacks a x5 day channel, a x3 image inten-sification night channel, a class 1 laserrangefinder (up to four km) and a GPSreceiver with a digital magnetic compassand elevation measurement. Detection,recognition and identification ranges arerespectively 2.7 km, 1.7 km and 1.1 kmduring the day and 1.8 km, 0.6 km and 0.3km at night. Some 2471 such systems arepart of the contract. The team command-er will also carry an Olympus ruggedised

play unit and a vehicle integration kit. Itwill also provide the ability to networkCommanders Target Locators. Connec-tivity to fighting platforms will remainlimited. However, this step will providesignificantly enhanced local situationalawareness and will ensure synchronisa-tion with company assets. Increment 1B iscurrently submitted to the approvalprocess at Ministry of Defence level and acontract should be issued by the end of2010 with full operational capability ofIncrement 1 expected by 2017.

Increment 2 will begin fielding in late2015 and should be completed 2020.Again, this will be split into two compo-nents; C4I aiming at enhanced connectiv-ity allowing synchronisation with fightingplatforms and with battlegroup organicassets, while the fused STA componentwill enhance capabilities and allow the

Maxikite 2 plus CQB while the grenadierwill have the CWS plus CQB. In otherwords, half of the team will be equippedwith a thermal imaging sight while theremaining half will have an image intensi-fication sight.

All four team members will beequipped with the lightweight day sight,provided by Elcan of Canada, (part of theRaytheon group). The choice went to theSpecter OS4X, which weighs 528 grams,has a battery life of over 300 hours, a x4magnification with a 6.5° nominal field-of-view, and a bright red spot with led illu-mination for close quarter battle, while a

camera and a hand-held periscope fromUniscope Optical Systems of Israel, whichis largely based on the LH-2000M model.A total of 856 will be purchased.

Following the demonstration phasethat is now underway, the first deliveriesof what is known as Fist Increment 1A toequip a brigade are planned for Novem-ber 2010, with full contract deliveries of

DOMINATOR®. Equipped to Detect,Deliver, Decide, Disseminate.

LAND SYSTEMS & C4I

NEW TOOLS FOR NEW RULES

Elbit Systems' Dominator® is an Integrated Infantry Combat System (IICS) that equips warfighters with advanced, miniaturized hi-tech tools empowering them with capabilities to send, receive, view, transmit, all in real time. Outfitted with soldier-friendly gear including Central Terminal, Display, Eyepiece, NAV and Fire Control Systems, Target Acquisition Sensor, Broadband Communication, the Dominator® is ready for the challenges of the future.

Every soldier is a sensor. Every soldier is a platform.N E X T I S N O W ™

Tadiran PRC-710MBMulti-Band, Multi-Mission Radio

CORAL-CR TargetAcquisition Sensor

Central Terminal

Fire Control System

Display


to seeing the first systems being issued tothe forces in 2012. Some 5500 kits shouldbe issued to army mechanised and air-mobile infantry units, to navy amphibiousforces and to air force security forces.

Five project managers, dedicated tofive specific sectors, work under an over-all project leader. The five sectors are:smart vest, C4I, energy supply system,load carriage and protection system andintegrated head protection. The feasibili-ty study for the smart vest, which will bethe core of the system, gave favourableresults, as did tests carried out in the pastyears with the Computer InformationModule provided by Thales and inter-faced with the Selex CommunicationsPRR. The energy supply system is still atouchy issue, various solutions are fore-seen, with the Stork E-lighter diesel gen-erator being one of the possible solutionsthat are currently under development.

The study of ballistic protections inte-gration in the e-vest is ongoing, as is thatof the head protection system, being car-ried out by TNO. A request for quotationfor the smart vest and one for the headprotection were expected in early 2010.Numerous industrial groups are lookingforward to the Dutch request for propos-als, which should be issued by the end of2010, although as the Voss approach isquite different from that of most Euro-pean programmes it will be difficult toprovide off-the-shelf solutions.

ImessThe Swiss Imess (Integriertes ModularesEinsatzsystem Schweizer Soldat – inte-grated and modular engagement system

years (during the systems integrationphase), with a further ten-kilo shed in thefully networked phase from 2021 on.

ComfutIn October 2009 the Spanish Armyannounced that the Combatiente Futuro(Comfut) programme had entered itsfinal definition phase, in other words, thelast step of the design and developmentcontract that was assigned to EADS in2006 that included the production of 36prototypes.

These underwent field trials in 2008and 2009 at the Infantry Academy basedin Toledo and in the nearby Los Alijarestraining and firing range. The end of the

direct injection of C4I graphics. STA 2 willbe aligned with the Soldier SystemLethality programme intended to replacethe current range of small arms within therifle platoon.

Increment 3, the final Fist phase, willprovide a common upgrade elementincluding C4I and STA capacities with anintegrated network, with the individualsoldier enjoying a broader situationalawareness envelope.

At 1.2 kg, the Vectronix Moskito packsall what is necessary for targetacquisition, a day/night capability, alaser rangefinder, a digital magneticcompass and elevation measurement.(Armada/PV)

The E-lighter, developed by StorkAerospace, is a solution underdevelopment for the Dutch Voss system.A request for proposals for the wholesystem should be issued within 2010.(Stork Aerospace)

The image provided by the optronicsystem can also be seen by the Comfutsoldier on his Liteye LE 750Aruggedised head-mounted display viaa wireless system. (EADS)

The Comfut configuration is beingoptimised as a result of the field testingcarried out by the Infantry Academy inToledo. (EADS)

The hand-held periscope is largelybased on the LH-2000M by UniscopeOptical Systems of Israel; each teamcommander will have one forobserving without exposing himself tounnecessary risks. (Armada/PV)

The Fist programme is only one ofmany that are not simply aimed atimproving systems performance or sol-dier and unit effectiveness, but also atreducing the weight carried by the indi-vidual soldier. The current target is toachieve a ten-kilo cut, followed by a fur-ther reduction of 20 kilos in the next five

Indra Sistemasprovides the Comfut’soptronic sight, whichincludes an eyedisplay, a thin-filmdisplay, a laserrangefinder on theright, a magneticcompass and a tiltindicator and a whitelight illuminator.(EADS)

trials gives way to the optimisation phasewhich should lead to a pre-series produc-tion, although no date was announced forthis phase which should see the signatureof a new contract with EADS España.The latter company is to head a team thatincludes Amopack, Indra, GMV, Iturriand Fedur, respectively responsible forpower generation, optronics, C4I, cloth-ing, NBC and ballistic protection. TheArmy did not confirm the original sched-uling which called for a first batch of 3000systems in 2011 and a second batch of6000 Comfut at a later date.

VossNot much in terms of news has transpiredon the evolution of the Dutch Voss (Ver-beterd Operationeel Soldaat Systeem)programme. The Parliament approvedthe project on 1 October 2008 with a view

SpecterDR by ELCAN. Selected by USSOCOM for elite SpecOps missions, SpecterDR is reliable, amazingly bright anddeadly accurate. Whether the mission calls for clearing a building or open-terrain patrol, SpecterDR does it all. You get thefast acquisition of a red dot and the long-range target precision of a magnified optic with just one sight.Both magnifications have identical eye relief and cheek weld. The unique,* locking magnification change lever mechanismprovides pinpoint bullet placement. The remarkably bright, clear ELCAN optics extend operations into the night. Why riskyourself and the mission with red dot or fixed telescopic sights that only perform half the mission? Carry the one and onlycombat sight that switches between CQB and precision ranged fire mode, in the blink of an eye. Battle tested, proven andavailable in 1x-4x and 1.5x-6x models. *patent pending world-wide

www.Armada.ELCAN.comELCAN Optical Technologies is a Raytheon Company

VViissiitt EELLCCAANN aatt DDSSAA,, SSttaanndd ## 11PP2200,, AApprriill 1199--2222,, KKLL,, MMaallaayyssiiaa


four regular types of batteries for thehand grip, the holographic sight, the laserpointer and the digital camera.

Yet another problem arose during thetrials, namely integration with existingvehicles; clearly, legacy armoured person-nel carriers were not designed for soldiersoutfitted with the equipment intended bysoldier modernisation programmes, andthis led to payload and volume issues. Thevehicle being the primary electrical ener-gy provider enabling the soldier torecharge his batteries, legacy vehicles arelimited in terms of power supply.

ty good, command and control and mobil-ity were the critical topics. The C2 suite wasjudged, “not mature at time of field trial”,though all the limitations and problemsare said to have been ironed out since.

As for mobility, precision and reliabil-ity problems surfaced in the navigationsystem, and the weight was found toreduce the dismounted infantryman’smobility. The Imess equipment tested in2008 weighs around 60 kilos: some 17.6 kgfor legacy equipment, including uniform,rifle, ammunition, etc. Some obsoleteequipment has been replaced, andalthough more webbing has been addedthe higher modularity and the integratedassault rifle and helmet allowed a savingsof 3.1 kg over 21.7 kg, with improvedweight distribution and better ergonom-ics enhancing soldier comfort.

The C4I suite of the Imess adds 7.7 kgand has to be worn by all the infantryteam members, while other loads are task-or mission-specific, among them protec-tion (5.1 kg), optronics (four kg) and sus-tainability (3.6 kg, mainly water).

Energy was also an issue: the proposedsystem used four types of rechargeablebatteries: for the system, the video sight,the night vision goggles and the PDA, and

for the Swiss soldier) programme beganin 2005 and led in November 2007 to acontract with EADS for the prototypephase. This included the supply of 25 sys-tems as well as the integration of Imessequipment into both a Piranha 8 x 8 and aDuro materiel transport vehicle. The con-tract also included an option for the mat-uration phase and for the acquisition ofup to 5000 systems.

EADS is teamed with Sagem, meaningthat experience from the earlier GermanIdZ and the French Félin (q.v.) are beingcombined, with Sagem being mostlyinvolved in the electro-optical sector. Fieldtrials were carried out in September and

The Swiss Army plans to acquire up to5000 systems; a further test phase withpre-production systems should takeplace in 2012-13, first deliveries beingexpected in 2017. (armasuisse)

The Imess helmet mounted display isdifferent from the one used in theFrench Félin and provides a colourimage to the soldier. (armasuisse)

Weight is one of the principal points ofconcern with the Imess: the equipmenttested in 2008, which included somelegacy systems, weighed some 60 kg.(armasuisse)

The Swiss Imessoptronic suite isprovided by Sagemand is developed fromthe system adopted bythe French Army Félinsystem. (armasuisse)

October 2008. From September to Decem-ber 2008 further developments were car-ried out with the Kongsberg SR600 UHFradio in co-operation with armasuisse (theSwiss procurement agency). The prepara-tion for the maturation phase began inNovember 2008 and established newrequirements aimed at improving the sys-tem in the areas where the 2008 field trialshighlighted some deficiencies.

Test results varied quite extensivelyaccording to the area involved. While sur-vivability was rated very good and lethali-

Further integration challenges sur-faced, as the Sotas intercom system is ana-logue but the Imess digital. Moreover, thesoldier navigation system must be updat-ed when the infantry team is inside thevehicle in order to allow a smooth mount-ed-dismounted transition – this needs afix, like re-radiation of the GPS signalinside the vehicle or an update throughthe vehicle network.

According to the armasuisse roadmap,the maturation phase should be complet-ed in fall 2011 following a second fieldtrial. In 2012 further systems should beproduced for an in-depth test phase run-ning from 2013 to 2014. The Imess systemshould be declared fit for acquisition inlate 2015, with delivery of the first pro-duction items taking place in early 2017.

NormansThe Norwegian soldier modernisationprogramme known as Normans (Norwe-gian Modular Arctic Network Soldier) ismoving a further step forward, althoughthe ’Coy Programme‘ that should haveseen the system being put through itspaces in a test involving a full companyequipped has somewhat slipped by a fewmonths on the calendar. Indeed, the con-tract negotiation and award to Thales

E L E C T R O N I C S Y S T E M S • G E O S P A T I A L S Y S T E M S • I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M SITT, the Engineered Blocks logo, and ENGINEERED FOR LIFE are registered trademarks of ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc., and are used under license. ©2010, ITT Corporation.

SpearNet offers soldiers simultaneous voice, data and situational awareness in a low-cost multi-mission, multi-role radio. Light weight, rugged and reliable, it provides enhanced capability to the individual soldier and greater command and control options to commanders. The ability to transmit data from soldiers as well as a vast array of sensors makes SpearNet an important element of any communications solution. Learn more at cs.itt.com/spearnet.

Flexibility at the core of your communications solution.


place in 2010, the rifle accessories orderwill be completed in 2011.

The current year will also see the finaldelivery of the light machine gun and non-lethal weapons, while by the end of 2010the new body armour system will start toreach the units. This will provide a higherlevel of protection that is more accuratelyfocused according to the mission, and willbe based on protection modules that canbe combined in different ways.

Sweden intends to replace the existingcommunication system, which is based onthe Selex Communications PRR, the Pel-tor Comtac XP headset and Motorola GP328/RA 1183 platoon radio, by late 2010in order to increase modularity and flexi-bility.

Warrior 2020Finland does not plan to have an opera-tional future soldier ensemble as suchbefore 2020, hence the Warrior 2020 des-ignation. In order to be able to deploy itsnew system according to schedule, theFinnish Ministry of Defence has alreadystarted a long-term study that should leadto a first prototype system around 2013-14 in order to allow the acquisitionprocess to be launched in 2017.

The actual study started in 2006, fol-lowing the deployment of the M/2005material for infantry units. The M/2005programme included new combat uni-forms introducing a digital camouflagepattern together with improvements onthe older equipment, such as the adoptionof pockets to integrate knee and elbowpads. New load-carrying equipment in theform of a combat vest and rucksack, aswell as the RK95TP (Sako m/92) rifle in7.62 x 39-mm calibre, equipped with Aim-point and Trijicon Acog sights, have beenacquired in relatively small quantities.They were essentially issued to the PoriBrigade; the unit specialized for interna-tional operations.

Phase 1 of the Warrior 2020 pro-gramme was aimed at establishingrequirements and assessing technologiesand feasibility. As a member of the Part-nership for Peace framework, Finland istaking part in Nato’s Land CapabilityGroup 1, while as a European DefenceAgency member state it is involved in theCombat Equipment Dismounted Soldierproject. The requirements definitionphase was concluded in 2008, but remainsopen to further inputs. The Warrior 2020programme benefits from a series ofongoing tests and experiments, such as thestudy on soldiers in Arctic conditions car-ried out between 2003 and 2008, thenational soldier modernisation study fieldtests conducted from 2007 to 2009 andother studies on night firing capabilities,protection, fighting in urban terrain andtarget acquisition.

Some studies, however, were specifi-cally aimed at the Warrior 2020 pro-gramme. One of the most important wasthe Sawi (supporting Situational Aware-ness in demanding operating environ-ments through Wearable user Interfaces)

Logic Instruments Tetrapad military-grade PDA and the Trimble Nomad. ThePDA with its advanced software allowsblue force tracking, to draw, send andreceive map overlays, to create, send andreceive text messages, alarms and way-points, to zoom, pan and dim the map toimprove situational awareness and toaggregate symbols in order to avoid clut-ter on the map. All functions are accessi-ble through the touch screen.

MarkusThe 2009-2010 timeframe is seeing thematerialisation of many of the soldierequipment modernisation programmeslaunched by Sweden and co-ordinatedunder the Markus (Markstridsutrustadsoldat) project. The last Harris RF-7800Ssecond-generation group radios as well asthe latest NVGs were delivered in Octo-

Norway was delayed from early to mid-2008, meaning that trials had to be post-poned from July 2009 to October of thatyear.

The Normans was provided in twoconfigurations, Soldier and Commander,also known as the Normans Light andNormans Advanced.

The Normans Light features a Thaleslightweight micro-controller-based C4I

The Logic InstrumentsTetrapad is one of thePDA options retainedfor the Normanssystem. Fullyruggedised, it has afour-inch display andweighs only 450grams. (LogicInstruments)

The Thales lightweight C4I unit used inthe ‘Normans Light’ configurationfeatures a built-in 3D compass andGPS and allows the soldier to see hisposition relative to other teammembers.(Thales)

Sweden’s Markus programme receivedthe Harris RF-7800S wide-/narrow-band, secure, priority-based voiceconferencing radios in October 2009.The variants include an intra-squadradio, a team-leader unit and avehicular radio set that connects theteam to broader battlefield networks.(Harris)

unit with a built-in 3D compass and GPS;it shows soldiers positions relative to eachother, can be used for navigation, to sendpredefined messages, send and receivealarm messages and waypoints, create andsend target reference points for targethand-off and connect to external sensors.The Harris RF-7800 SPR radio, with theNacre Quietpro headset, acts as a USBhost, and the controller can be poweredby its own battery or can draw from theradio. The controller is mounted on awristband, while the load-carrying vest isequipped with cable guides to preventfree cables from getting entangled inobstacles, the vest also integrates theradio and hearing protection cables. Italso hosts the single battery used to powerall the Normans C4I equipment.

The Normans Advanced software runson a Windows mobile PDA connected tothe Harris RF-7800 SPR radio for datacommunication towards the squad sol-diers, but for data communications withthe vehicle Battle Management System itis linked to the Kongsberg HandheldMH300 VHF voice-data radio. The twoPDAs currently being considered are the

ber 2009. The modified AK5 assault riflesare also under delivery together with theirAimpoint red-dot sights, the AimpointBR8 fire control system being deliveredfor the Carl Gustaf shoulder-fired rocket.While final deliveries of the AK5 will take


thorough review of all the work carriedout thus far.

This is, in turn, leading to a two-stepapproach similar to that adopted yearsago by Germany, whose IdZ (q.v) wasmostly based on existing items, with a sys-tem evolution pattern planned for thecoming years. Thus a mini-Tytan is beingfielded, which includes the assault rifleand carbine produced by Fabryka Broni

project was initiated, the Finnish testsshowed that improving soldiers situation-al awareness, decision-making ability, per-formance efficiency and accuracy is notan easy task without overloading his cog-nition capacities. Moreover, small wear-able displays have shown some limita-tions in terms of short viewing distances,detrimental interaction between the per-ception of displayed and external infor-mation and light adaptation in dazzlingsunlight, low ambient light and changinglight conditions. This was also underlinedby the fact that soldiers preferred tactileuser interfaces.

A Technology Program 2010 is alsobeing launched, which will last three yearsand will focus on three main areas: situa-tional awareness, survivability and forceprotection and Warrior 2020. The latterarea will be subdivided in four main areas:system integration and new energysources, situational awareness and C4I,integrated sight and target acquisitionsystem and communications for territori-al troops by using cots components.

Not to be overlooked is the fact thatthe 350,000-strong Finnish Army struc-ture is mostly based on a reserve systemand that the number one priority remainshomeland defence – peacetime unitsbeing mostly training centres. All invest-ments must thus be made within this con-text, with a focus on the acquisition ofcost-effective solutions for the territorial

which aims at establishing the level andtype of information needed by the soldierand the squad leader – in other words, toprovide them with the required criticalinformation whilst avoiding points thatmight generate information overload.

Finland adopted a multi-disciplinaryapproach in this study by involving notonly the Finnish National TechnologyAgency (on behalf of the Finnish DefenceForces), but also Finnish industry – main-ly communications and C4I companiessuch as Savox, Insta Defsec, Nokia, Suun-to – and the Finnish research and aca-demic world, with entities such as theTechnical Research Centre of Finland, theHelsinki School of Economics/Centre for

A Polish soldierequipped with a wz.96Beryl with the L-3 EotechHWS 552.A65/1holographic sight; thisequipment is part of the’mini-Tytan‘ system,which includes the MU-3 NVGs. (PolishMinistry of Defence)

The personal role radio used in the‘mini Tytan’ is the Radmor 35010,which operates in the 2.4 GHzbandwidth and weighs 270 grams.Some have already been acquired aspart of an urgent operationalrequirement programme. (Radmor)

Polish soldiers operating in Afghanistanhave already received some of the‘mini Tytan’ equipment. (Polish Ministryof Defence)

“Łucznic”, the wz.96 Beryl and mini-Beryl, both in 5.56 mm Nato calibre andequipped with L-3 Eotech HWS552.A65/1 holographic sights that can becoupled to an image intensifier, theBumar UKM-2000 machine gun, in 7.62mm Nato calibre and the MU-3 nightvision goggles produced by PCO (Prze-mysłowe Centrum Optyki) in Warsaw andinitially developed for special forces.

A new combat uniform is also beingissued. Command, control and navigationcapabilities will be addressed with theissue of GPS and personal radios to everysoldier. The nationally produced Radmor35010 personal role radio, operating inthe 2.4 GHz band with 16 channels and aweight of 270 grams without batteries waschosen for this urgent operationalrequirement programme.

As for the Tytan programme per se,Poland aims at an open architecture sys-tem with spiralling capabilities and willincorporate the results of the studies car-ried out in four main areas, namely lethal-ity, survivability, sustainability and C4I,and will include some basic elements(weapons, uniforms, protection systems,recognition and observation devices andC4I), supplementing elements (medical,NBC and survival packages) as well asadd-on packages for special climates,tasks and conditions (highly intensive

Knowledge and Innovation Research, theFinnish Institute of Occupational Healthand the Department of Psychology of theHelsinki University. The Sawi project isbased on five working packages:� WP 1 encompassing work domainanalysis, task analysis and user require-ments� WP 2 considering multi-sensory pres-entation of information, multi-modal userinterfaces and their ergonomics� WP 3 examining psycho-physiologicalstresses and human capability to utilisemulti-modal information� WP 4 looking at situational awarenessuser interfaces and finalising the develop-ment of demonstrators� WP 5 evaluating the demonstratorswith usability and field tests. This will leadto the final report by June 2010.

According to the first impressions col-lected since June 2008 when the Sawi

soldier. The presence of Finland in thevarious multinational panels involved infuture soldier studies clearly reveals anintention to avoid a purely national solu-tion. Sharing the programme or part of itwith international partners is certainlyamong the intentions of the Finnish Min-istry of Defence.

TytanAlthough the Advanced Individual Com-bat System Tytan, known in Polish as ISWTytan (Indywidualny System WalkiTztan), remains in the 14 top-priority pro-grammes announced in October 2009 bythe Ministry of Defence, its in-servicedate is still unknown following the adop-tion of a plan for the reorganisation of theArmy structure at the lower levels. To thishave to be added the numerous lessonslearned downrange which would lead to a

presents a training conference:

Advancing the Integrated Roadmap

for Robotic Combat Tasks

• Advanced spectrum management for improved ISR

• Unique operational needs of the Army SpecialOperations forces

• Fielding systems of multiple UGVs/UAVs withlevels of varying autonomy

• Developing mission-centric plug-and-play payloadsand software interoperability

Join leaders from across the ArmedServices and DHS to determine the mostup-to-date demands, current initiatives,and shared operational challenges forunmanned systems including:

28 – 30 June 2010Washington, DC Metro Area, USA

Covering ground, air, and underwater

systems!

Register atwww.UnmannedSystemsSummit.com

Fischer UltiMateTM Military Connectors Line

Secure Connections for UltiMate Protection

LandForceTM SeriesCompact, Rugged, Lightweight

Excellent sealing IP68/69K even unmated

Rugged design for harsh environment

Extremely robust mechanical keying

Miniature and ultralight design

Push-pull locking or emergency release system

EMC 360° high performance shielding

High shock and vibration resistance

10,000 mating cycles

Wide range of configurations

Easy Fischer cable assembly solutions

New

www.fischerconnectors.comHeadquarters

Fischer Connectors SASaint-Prex - SwitzerlandPhone +41 21 800 95 [email protected]


radio that operates in VHF/UHF bands,from 30 MHz to 2 GHz. The radio pro-vides a high capacity datalink in UHF andlonger-range voice, situational awarenessand datalinks in VHF. It can also be usedas a manpack unit, whenever the platooncommander operates dismounted.

Also found onboard vehicles is the RF-5800V, for VHF voice and data communi-cation, while only company commandervehicles are equipped with the RF-5800HHF/VHF radio for long-range comms.These radios should become the networkthat will support the Romanian IndividualFighting System (Rifs) and will thereforehave to be integrated with the commandand control subsystem, the computer ofwhich will be based on a Transmeta Cru-soe 1 GHz processor running on WindowsXP Pro and will provide the typical servic-es required by the soldier such as posi-tioning, navigation, map display, tacticaldisplay and messaging.

What will also certainly be part of theRifs is a new individual weapon in Natocalibre, which will nevertheless retain AK

RifsRomania started its modernisation pro-gramme from the communications end,acquiring a series of Harris radios toequip battalion level units. Currentlythree battalions (two mountain infantryand one infantry) have been equipped,although a higher-level command post isnow also receiving the radios.

activities, high temperature, low tempera-ture, very low temperature, weather falls,engineering, food, climbing, urban war-fare and training).

Poland seeks close co-operation withindustry and military institutions. In 2008Radwar, part of the Bumar Group, teamedup with Sagem of France and proposed afuture soldier system based on Sagem'sexperience with the French Félin (q.v.).However, the Bumar group recently setup a consortium made of most of its relat-ed companies with a view to providing anall-national solution for the Tytan pro-gramme. Among those companies is Fabryka Broni “Łucznic”, which lastDecember showed the technologicaldemonstrator of its new family of smallarms known as MSPS 5.56. This modularfamily of weapons was developed by theFaculty of Special Construction at the Mil-itary University of Technology in Warsaw,and the research was financed by the Min-istry of Science and Higher Education tothe tune of € 1.5 million. The family willuse 5.56 mm Nato ammunition and itsmodularity will use core building blocks toproduce numerous versions such as stan-dard and short-barrel assault rifles, a lightmachine gun, sniper rifle and even abullpup assault rifle. The MSM 5.56 makesextensive use of composite materials and,according to the developing teams, fea-tures improved ergonomics compared tothe Beryl family. Prototypes are being pro-duced for field testing, mass productionbeing forecast for late 2012.

The other companies forming the con-sortium are PCO (optronics), PSOMaskpol (protection equipment), CNPEPRadwar (C4I), OBRSM Tarnow (Bor 7.62x 51 mm sniper rifle) and ZN Tarnow(WKW 12.7 x 99 mm sniper rifle).

The Harris RF-7800Mmulti-band radiooperates in the 30MHz to 2 GHzwaveband and willprovide the RomanianRifs vehicle-mountedsoldiers with a high-capacity datalink andimproved situationalawareness. (Harris)

The Land Warriorequipment used in Iraqin June 2009. The LandWarrior suite deployedwith the 5/2 StrykerBCT will be less heavyand cumbersome. (USArmy)

A replication of whatthe Land Warrior cansee in his monocular; inthe GSE the C2component will remainat team leader level.(US Army)

The Mounted Soldier suite includes aRockwell Collins SO35-A colour microdisplay and a switch that allows imagesource selection. (US Army)

At section level Romanian infantry-men are equipped with the RF-7800Ssecure personal radio, operating in the350 to 450 MHz band, which provides 14different talk-groups and can operatefull-duplex with up to six simultaneoustalkers. This two-Watt radio (output canbe selected also at one or one-quarterWatt) has a built-in GPS with automaticposition reporting. Open terrain its rangeis of two to three km, dropping to 800metres in an urban environment. The RF-7800S links up the team individuals, andthem with the vehicle, which has onboardan RF-7800M multi-band networking

looks. The assault rifles currently beingconsidered are Rom Arm Model 2000(the empty 3.6-kg magazine weightremains within the 3.7-kg limit imposedby the requirement) and a further mod-ernised version of the AK-108 manufac-tured by Izhmash in Russia.

A thermal sight, weight-limited at 1.5kg, will also be acquired to allow soldiersto detect targets at night at ranges of 750

The job of the infantry combat soldier is to respond wherever there are urgent threats, at home or abroad.

That job doesn’t end when the sun goes down, it only heats up. Now there is a new weapon that defeats the

darkness. PhantomIRxr by ELCAN is a lightweight hand-held infrared biocular that easily identifies targets out

to 2,000 meters using the latest in low-power uncooled thermal technology. Unlike image intensification night

vision devices that only magnify existing light, thermal imaging cuts through darkness, through smoke,

dust and most fogs. It cannot be defeated by artificial light or adverse visible conditions. PhantomIRxr is ideal

for military combat operations, border security and surveillance applications.

Visit ELCAN at DSA, Stand # 1P20, April 19-22, KL, Malaysia

www.IRHeat.ELCAN.com

Product use is simulated without endorsement expressed or implied.ELCAN Optical Technologies is a Raytheon Company


Delivery System) for over 10,000 feetflights and more importantly the Elec-tronic Data Manager. This providesenhanced situational awareness as it canbe linked to the Blue Force Tracking (Avi-ation) system, but can also be used as aninterface with aviation mission planningsystems, checklists and manuals, and dou-bles as a moving map display. Over 13,000Air Warrior ensembles were fielded byFY10 and the Air Warrior programmeshould be completed by 2011.

The effort towards an improvement inthe Army Aviation equipment is howevernot concluded, as a further programme,known as the Air Soldier, is currently inthe technological development phase,with production and fielding slated forFY12. The new system will aim at increas-ing system integration and performance

Aviation personnel are also being issuedwith an ensemble known as the Air War-rior, which has now reached the Incre-ment III level. The Block I Air Warriorincludes the 1.36-kg AIHS (Aircrew Inte-grated Helmet System) HGU-56/P withlaser eye protection and a maxillofacialshield for better face protection againstfragmentation, the helmet being obvious-ly fully interfaced with night vision gog-gles and compatible with the M45/M48NBC protective masks, both equippedwith blowers to reduce breathing fatigue.Also part of the Block I is the SurvivalEquipment Subsystem which included thefire resistant aircrew combat uniform, theprimary survival gear carrier, the survivalgear, the flexible body armour with ballis-tic upgrade plates, the current M9 pistolwith holster, the PRC-90 or PRC-112 or

metres, recognise them at 250 and identi-fy them at 100.

New body armour with improved loaddistribution and a combat uniform with anew camouflage are also being studied.

What remains to be seen is whether theRifs will limit itself to the described items,or encompass other capabilities such asintegrated helmet subsystem and 'round-the-corner shooting; this would requirethe adoption of an 802.11 (2.4 GHz Wifi)internal communication system to avoidtoo much cabling. Such a decision mightbe taken not only based upon cost andtechnical considerations, but also on theaverage type of soldier, as many of themstill originate from rural Romania.

The first prototype subsystems will beavailable in 2010, but a number of itemswill have to be commercial off-the-shelfbecause test and evaluation of the Rifsare expected to be completed in 2013, fol-lowed by a short risk-reduction phaseleading to the acquisition of the first 500kits by the end of 2013. Initially aimed atthe troops operating downrange and atspecial forces, the Rifs is intended toeventually become the standard equip-ment of the Romanian soldier.

Land WarriorThe infantryman is not the only USArmy's point of attention in terms of indi-vidual equipment upgrades. Indeed, Army

Infantrymen equippedwith General DynamicsC4 Systems AN/PRC-154 Rifleman radiosduring training. The radio will be themain C2 element forbasic soldiers in theGround SoldierEnsemble. (US Army)

BBN TechnologiesBoomerang WearableShooter DetectionSystem is part of theLand Warriorequipment that is beingfielded with 5/2Stryker BCT. (US Army)

A view of the Land Warriorprogramme’s Mounted Soldier DisplaySystem; this suite will be installed in the heavy brigade vehicles while itsadoption by Stryker Brigades is not yet financed. (Rockwell Collins)

while decreasing its weight and volume.Other elements will be added such ashead-up displays, three-dimensional cue-ing, combat identification, physiologicalmonitoring, thermal regulation and wasteelimination.

The other ongoing programme is theMounted Soldier Ensemble, which willprovide combat vehicle crews with ahead-up display, cordless communica-tions, a cooling system and protection.The overall contract was assigned to Gen-eral Dynamics, which will act as systemintegrator since the vehicles involved arethe M1-A2 Sep V2 Abrams, the M2-A3Bradleys, the M3-A3 Bradleys and theMedical Evacuation variants of the M113.The contract for the Mounted SoldierDisplay System was assigned in late May2009 to Rockwell Collins, the companycurrently working on the engineering andmanufacturing development phase. Thisincludes the Rockwell Collins SO35-Afull-colour resolution micro display and avideo distribution switch to select theimage source. Crewmembers will thus beable to receive imagery from either theDriver View Enhanced, the FBCB2 com-mand and control system or the remoteweapon station. The Mounted SoldierCordless Communications System con-tract was assigned to Thales in July 2009.The system will allow the crew to com-municate either mounted or dismounted,thanks to a Thales Type 1 secure cordlesssystem, extending the use of the intercomand of embedded combat radios whendismounted and thus no longer physically

the Csel (Combat Survivor/Evader Loca-tor) survival radios and the Aircrew Sur-vival Egress Knife.

The survival equipment was comple-mented by the Over Water MissionEquipment which includes an anti-expo-sure suit, a low-profile flotation collar, asurvival egress air system and an over-water gear carrier with integrated raft andcanopy. The Block I's last element is theMicroclimate Cooling System; made of agarment which is worn under the uniformand a cooling unit that is plugged into thehelicopter power system, and increaseseffective mission duration in heat stress-ing environment by 350%.

Increment III adds communicationearplugs in addition to their primary earprotection function, an Aircraft WirelessIntercom (for CH-47 Chinook andHH/UH-60 Blackhawk crews only), aPhods (Portable Helicopter Oxygen

www.harris.com

RF Communications • Government Communications Systems • Broadcast Communications

For more information, visit: www.rfcomm.harris.com/SPR

• Secure voice, data, and position reporting for every team member

• Completely automatic and hands-free operation

• Seamless voice/data integration with upper-echelon ne works

Warfighters today need to stay in constant communication with their team members and commanders while keeping focused on the mission. The RF-7800S provides full duplex voice, GPS, and high speed data, all in a compact encrypted system.

RF-7800S Secure Personal Radio

Lightweight, Secure, Connected.

mrofnieromroF

mmocfr.www:tisiv,noita

RPS/moc.sirrah.m

oitacinummoCFR

nummoCtnemnrevoG•sno

sacdaorB•smetsySsnoitaci

moc.sirrirah.ww.ww

snoitacinummoCts


increased weight reduced the soldier’sability to move under direct fire.

In the so-called ’Team Spartan‘, Rock-well Collins has teamed up with Elbit Sys-tems of America, the US branch of theIsraeli company. Rockwell will leverageits experience and will provide amongother components its SO35-A helmetmounted display, while Elbit will providethe rugged computer and will use experi-ence garnered during the development ofIsrael Defense Force Dominator pro-gramme.

A six-month honing phase will lead tolimited user trials, the selection of the pro-posal being awaited for late 2010 with aninitial operational capability in mid-2012,

rounds and, while a wrist-worn displayprovides the range, azimuth and elevationof the enemy shooter, a headsetannounces the information in aural for-mat such as «shot, three o’clock, high».

The Land Warrior Strike is able toreceive the feeds from AerovironmentRaven drones as well as from robots. Twomore sensors can also be used, both devel-oped by Octatron; one is the Dragon Egg,a rugged wireless camera system whichcan be thrown into a building or over awall and the signals of which can bereceived at a range of 300 metres; theother is the Polecam, again a wirelesscamera, but this time adding an infraredilluminator mounted on top of a telescop-ic pole (two lengths available).

While the first Land Warrior Strikesystems were being delivered to the 5/2SBCT in May 2009, mid-April saw theGround Soldier System Increment 1(GSS, formerly Ground Soldier Ensem-ble or GSE) being launched. Three com-panies, Raytheon, General Dynamics C4Systems and Rockwell Collins, wereselected for the 21-month developmentphase. The first major difference is thatthe GSS will not be provided to the singlewarfighter but will be deployed only fromteam leader level up. This because theLand Warrior Gap Mitigation assessmentshowed that the system had a very limitedpositive impact on the basic soldier capa-bilities and that on the contrary, its

linked to the vehicle. The cooling vest anda series of improved protection systems,including new flame-resistant undergar-ments, an improved combat vehicle crew-man coverall and ballistic protection, arealso part of the kit.

The Mounted Soldier System will ini-tially be fielded with Heavy Brigade Com-bat Teams; systems for four HBCTs havealready been funded, while none has yetbeen funded for the Stryker BCTs,although the Mounted Warrior kit, thepredecessor of the Mounted Soldier, wasassessed by a Stryker unit (4/9th Infantry, 4SBCT, 2nd ID). Development and limiteduser testing is scheduled for late 2010 orearly 2011, while full-rate productionshould begin in the second half of 2012.

Finally turning to the infantryman: fol-lowing the Land Warrior test carried outby the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regi-ment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Teamin Iraq, the whole 5/2 Stryker BrigadeCombat Team is being equipped with theLand Warrior Strike, a revised versionwhich was made lighter (about 3.7 kg ver-sus the 4.5 kg of the original Land War-rior), less cumbersome and more user-friendly. The 5/2 SBCT should alsoreceive some add-ons, mostly sensors.Among these is the BBN TechnologiesBoomerang Wearable Shooter DetectionSystem, which is now in full production.Its sensors are inserted in two shoulderpads and detect incoming supersonic

Programme Legacy Ground Soldier System (GSS)Land Warrior Increment I

Status • Terminated • 4QFY10 limited user test• 4QFY11-1QFY12 operational test• 4QFY12 Infantry Brigade Combat

Team first unit equippedTechnical • Closed architecture • Open architecture

• No power management • Faster processor and more memory• Power management nested in design

Future Relevance • Legacy system specific Battle Command • Able to handle future Battle Command• Limited expandability for JTRS compatibility • Compatible with JTRS when ready

Competition and Cost • Sole source product, high cost due to • Multiple vendors for competition lack of competition resulting in reduced lifecycle cost

Characteristics • LW system is tailored to the SBCT formation • GSS Increment I is tailored to the IBCT • Provides an interim capability to the current formation

force while informing GSS Increment I • Funded programme for connecting the soldier to the network

From Land Warrior to Ground Soldier System

The GSE Raytheonteam is working withBlack DiamondAdvanced Technologyin offering adevelopment of theultra-ruggedSwitchback computer.(Black Diamond)

The AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radiodeveloped by General Dynamics C4Systems provides intra-squadcommunication and position reporting.(GDC4S)

which will mark the launch of the fullscale production of 11,538 systems.

Mers«Ounces equal pounds and pounds equalpain,» this is the US Marines creed guid-ing the efforts of the programme managerfor the Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad

BATTLEHARDENEDTHERE ARE MORE LONG-RANGE LEUPOLD TACTICAL OPTICS CURRENTLY IN SERVICE WITH THE U.S. MILITARY THAN ANY OTHER. OVER 600 OREGON-BASED LEUPOLD EMPLOYEES STAND READY TO DESIGN, ENGINEER, AND MANUFACTURE RUGGED, PRECISE OPTICS TO YOUR DEMANDING SPECIFICATIONS.

CALL 1-800-LEUPOLD OR VISIT US AT WWW.LEUPOLD.COM –portland, oregon, u.s.a.–


machine-guns and anti armour weaponscould be carried in a more ergonomicposition, with load carriage systemsspecifically tailored to each weapon.While this will not reduce the actual loadweight, the perceived weight will be lessand the marine will be more 'human-energy efficient'.

A Design Light Workshop was con-ducted in November 2009. This effortfocused on putting every item a squadcarries and could carry in all environmen-tal conditions into one large area at theGruntworks Squad Integration facility.Twenty-five material scientists, manufac-turing engineers, system engineers andother specialty personnel gathered forone week looking at every item and theitems in system configurations in order toprovide recommendations for weightreduction and improvements to bebrought to each item. The resulting rec-ommendations can be used for designchanges by the procuring program man-ager or for improvements in require-ments and performance specifications.Following a data analysis phase, final rec-ommendations of the Design Light Proj-ect were expected in February 2010.

Moreover, the Marine Corps LoadEffects Assessment Program (MC-Leap)was delivered in December 2009. Thisportable tool will be used to establishmetrics for mobility for different equip-ment and configurations of equipment. Itconsists of a variety of obstacles thatmarines have said from operational expe-rience are the physically demanding tasksthey have to execute. It includes shootingaccuracy and engagements, automateddata collection and captures metabolicwork rates. Determining a metric formobility has been a historical problemand the marines think they may have asolution. Programme Manager Mers iscurrently validating the protocol and willstart running marines through the systemin the March 2010 timeframe.

A variety of improvements in infantryequipment will soon lead to weight reduc-tions and increased ergonomics TheInfantry Automatic Rifle will reduce theweight of the heaviest weapon, the M249Squad Automatic Weapon, in the infantryrifle squad. The Improved Modular Tacti-

Programme managers developingmobility platforms now have a resource ofsquad equipment to build the vehicle oraircraft around the marine squad and theirequipment. The facility has several distinctareas, the main one being the human fac-tors lab with all the squad equipmentavailable; anthropometric, anatomical andspecialised mannequins provide person-nel with the ability to conduct human fac-tor assessments without the presence ofany marines. The secure modelling andsimulation area, the C4I integration room,the mobility platform integration roomand the virtual reality room are the otherkey elements of the Gruntworks, whichverify the compatibility between thesquad equipment and other systems suchas vehicles and helicopters, when new sys-tems are being adopted.

In 2008 the Mers programme deter-mined how 'hot' marines on combatpatrols got on with all their equipment inthe Iraqi summer. The Hidalgo Physiolog-ical Status monitor and core temperaturepill (in fact an ingestible sensor) wereused to collect data, the US ArmyResearch Institute of EnvironmentalMedicine providing the technical expert-ise, hardware/software, training, trial pro-tocol and institutional review board.

Two units were involved, the 1/9Marines and 3/4 Marines with a regimen-tal combat team each. Some marinesshowed levels of heat exhaustion duringpatrols, with skin temperature and thencore temperature reducing following afive- to ten-minute rest, body armourremoved. Plans are in hand to conductanother thermal load data collection tourin 2010 with improved Hidalgo pills togather actual individual temperature con-ditions and metabolic work rates duringtheir deployment in the marine’s actualloads. The aim is also to work out a Phys-iological Status Monitoring system inte-grated and simplified that would allow asquad leader to know when his marinesare reaching heat exhaustion.

In the mean time, methods to reducethe weight loads carried by marines in avariety of areas continue to be explored.During infantry battalion exercises andpost deployment survey, methods areexplored to discover how mortars,

(Mers) – a project that significantly differsfrom the various versions of America’smodern soldier programmes.

The Mers programme’s aim is to inves-tigate the integration of various equip-ment, but without looking into futuristicsolutions. To do so the US Marine Corpsis trying to establish some metrics in orderto understand and evaluate physiologicaland effectiveness parameters. To carry outthis programme the corps set up theGruntworks in 2007 – a state-of-the-artSquad Integration facility at Stafford, Virginia, operated by PM Mers and sup-ported by Raytheon and its team part-ners. At nearly 1000 m2, Gruntworks pro-vides the facility, equipment and datacollection tools to conduct human factorassessments, training, mobility platformintegration, modelling and simulation,virtual reality simulation, equipment pro-totyping and equipment modifications.Trials and testing can be done with per-sonnel from the nearby Marine CorpsBase Quantico using the local trainingareas and live-fire ranges to evaluate thesquad equipment suite. The Gruntworkssupports the science and technology com-munity by allowing prototype equipmentto be integrated and trialled early in thedevelopment process and provide an inte-grated transition path to a programme-of-record while maturing the technology.

The weight of the M249 SquadAutomatic Weapon (Saw), seen at left,is to be reduced under the Mersprogramme. (US Marine Corps)

For its weapon replace-ment programme,Canada is consideringthese rifles (clockwisefrom top left) theBeretta ARX160, theFN Herstal P90, the FN Herstal Scar andthe Heckler & KochMP7. (Armada/PV)

THE MASK IS BRAND NEW. THE TECHNOLOGY IS CUTTING EDGE.

BUT THE COMPANY BEHIND IT IS NOT EXACTLY A ROOKIE.

It’s about saving lives.

The battlefield proven HOOK2® GPS Combat Search and Rescue Radio System is

compatible with U.S. and Coalition Forces. With direct communications between

a downed pilot and rescuers for terminal area guidance/communications, the

AN/PRC-112G® transceiver provides quick and accurate rescue information including

two-way encrypted messaging and automatically updated global positioning.

Visit us at DSA, April 19-22, Booth #5008

www.gdc4s.com/hook2

© 2010 General Dynamics. All rights reserved. HOOK2 and AN/PRC-112G are trademarks of General Dynamics.

byCompendium

Additional distribution at:AAD, South Africa, 21 to 25 September LandSeaAir, Greece, 6 to 9 OctoberAUSA, Wash, DC, 25 to 27 October

A supplement with issue 4/2010Date of issue: 30 July Advertising deadline: 2 July

Urban Warfare

The overall programme, which is beingsubdivided into three cycles, each with adefinition and an implementation phasecovering the 2011 to 2018 period, is worth310 million Canadian dollars. Cycle 1 wasforecast for the 2009-14 period, but mayslip slightly to the right, pushing the sameway Cycle 2 (2011-16) and Cycle 3 (2013-18), each cycle providing incrementalimprovements with the fielding of onlyavailable technology. Each cycle will havea definition phase of about three yearsand a 2.5-year implementation phase, andwill provide equipment for six task forces,two in operational deployment, two inpre-rotational certification and two intraining – the aim being to provide theindividual soldier with an integrated sys-tem that will replace the various pieces ofequipment carried today.

ACMSThe Singaporean Army should have begunfielding its Advanced Combat Man System(ACMS) early this year following the com-pletion of its field trials and the signatureof a production contract with SingaporeTechnologies Electronics in June 2009.

Built around a soldier computer sub-system, which provides integration with allother subsystems as well as C4I processingand analysis, blue force tracking, red forcemarking and call for fire, it includes anorganic light-emitting diode head-mount-ed display, active noise reduction earplugs,a GPS/dead reckoning navigation subsys-tem, a Selex Galileo soldier personal radiocapable of voice and data communicationsand a wireless network for high data-ratecomms, a weapon subsystem including aholographic sight, a sensor for ‘round-the-corner viewing and a laser aiming device,

cal Vest and Plate Carrier offers scalablearmour solutions with enhancements in avariety of features in the systems. The pro-gramme continues to utilise the Grunt-works Squad Integration facility in orderto support all the programme managerswithin Marine Corps Systems Commandthat procure equipment for the MarineRifle Squad.

Soldier System 2020Canadian Armed Forces are expected tomake a great step forward by movingfrom the current ‘Clothe the Soldier’ pro-gramme to the ‘Soldier System 2020’ ven-ture. Four programmes will have to befinalised to reach the final status, amongwhich are the Future Combat Uniform,the Sniper System, the Small ArmsReplacement Program II (which, as sam-ple platforms for technology integrationand evaluation is currently consideringtwo assault rifles, namely the FN HerstalScar and the Beretta ARX160 as well astwo personal defence weapons, the FNHP90 and the Heckler & Koch MP7), andobviously the Integrated Soldier SystemsProject or ISSP, the Cycle 1 equipmentinitial operating capability of which isscheduled for 2012-13.

The ISSP programme received gov-ernmental funding approval in the sum-mer of 2008. Since then the programmeoffice has been busy setting up the projectteam and preparing the Statement ofOperational Requirement and theRequest for Proposals. The current plan isto release the latter in early- to mid-2010.The system architecture will be similar tothat of many other soldier modernisationprogrammes.

Built around a wearable computer thesystem, it will include a voice/data radio,blue force identification, navigation aids,personal digital assistant, helmet-mount-ed display, weapon sights with electronicconnectivity and ballistic and CBRN pro-tection. EADS, Thales Canada (bothbased in Ottawa) and Rheinmetall Cana-da of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu are allinterested in bidding, as their respectivegroups are involved in similar pro-grammes. General Dynamics Canadamight also take part in the bid, as well asSagem and Raytheon.

Compendium Modern Soldier Programmes 2010Supplement to issue 2/2010

Volume 34, Issue No.2, April/May 2010

INTERNATIONALis published bi-monthly in Zurich, Switzerland.

Copyright 2010 by Internationale Armada AG,Aeulestrasse 5, LI-9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein.

Head Office: Armada International,Hagenholzstrasse 65, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland.Phone: +41 44 308 50 50, Fax: +41 44 308 50 55,e-mail: [email protected]; www.armadainternational.com www.armada.ch

Publisher: Caroline SchweglerPublishing Director: Stephan SoderEditor-in-Chief: Eric H. BiassEditor/Artwork: Johnny KegglerAdministration: Thomas Schneider, Marie-Louise Huber

Regular Contributors: Roy Braybrook, Ian Kemp, Thomas Withington, Paulo Valpolini

Controlled circulation: 22,388, certified by ABC/WEMF, valid from autumn 2009.

Advertising Sales OfficesAustria, Benelux, SwitzerlandCornelius W. BontjePhone: +41 55 216 17 81, [email protected] et Motivation, Odile OrbecPhone : +33 1 41 43 83 00, [email protected] BairdPhone: +44 1883 715 697, [email protected], Nordic CountriesEmanuela Castagnetti-GillbergPhone: +46 31 799 9028, [email protected]ía Exclusivas, Macarena Fdez. de GradoPhone: +34 91 448 76 22, [email protected] KingdomZena Coupé Phone: +44 1923 852537, [email protected] of Independent States (CIS)Laguk Co. Ltd., Yuri LaskinPhone: +7 495 912 13 46, [email protected]. Rosalind LuiPhone: +65 64587885, [email protected]

Eastern USA – East of the Mississippi RiverMargie BrownPhone: +1 540 341 7581, [email protected] USA – West of the Mississippi RiverDiane ObrightPhone: +1 858 759 3557, [email protected] CountriesShayma GhandourPhone: +971 50 125 3709, [email protected] other countries: contact the Head Office

Annual subscription rates:Europe: CHF 186. + 36. (postage)Overseas: USD 186. + 36. (postage)

Printed by Karl Schwegler AG, 8050 Zurich, SwitzerlandISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004, FSC COC 100012 andEKAS certified. Date of first certification 1992.

Armada International, ISSN 0252-9793, is published bi-monthlyby Internationale Armada AG and is distributed in the USA bySPP, 95 Aberdeen Road, Emigsville PA 17318-0437. Periodicalspostage paid at Emigsville, PA. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Armada International, c/o PO Box 437, Emigsville, PA 17318-0437.ISSN: 0252-9793ABC

Index to AdvertisersArmada International 31ATK 3AV (Aerovironment) C3Avon Protection 31Ceradyne 9Elbit Systems 15ELCAN 17, 25Fischer Connectors 23General Dynamics C4 Systems 31Harris 27ITT 19L-3 Communications 21

Leupold 29Meprolight 9Oshkosh 5 Non-USARemington C4Revision Eyewear 11Sagem 7Schott North America 5 USASwissphone 13Ultralife C2Unmanned Systems Summit 2010 23Vectronix 13

with a push button interface integratedinto the modified Sar 21 assault rifle, andfinally the power subsystem.

The contract is worth some € 50 mil-lion and should be sufficient to equipsome frontline battalions, their numberbeing still undisclosed. While fielding theACMS – a process expected to be com-pleted by 2012 – the Singaporean Army isalready looking at the future, with a spi-ralling process that will in due time affectmost of the subsystems. In September2009 the Singaporean Army received itsfirst Terrex 8 x 8 wheeled infantry combatvehicles, which are designed to be net-worked with the ACMS. a

Singapore Technologies Electronics,main contractor, has remained tight-lipped on the Singaporean armedforce’s Advanced Combat ManSystem. (Singapore TechnologiesElectronics)

armada Compendium Modern Soldier Programmes 201032

Remington ACR

THE REVOLUTIONARY, FULLY-MODULAR REMINGTON® ACR (ADAPTIVE COMBAT RIFLE).

The Remington ACR easily transforms into any of four different confi gurations within a matter of minutes.

10.5”Extended

10.5”Folded

18 ”DMR

14.5”Carbine

User-confi gurable components

©The Freedom Group, 2010

The ACR was initially conceived to provide today’s soldier an American-made,

reliable, accurate, and mission-confi gurable rifl e. Three American companies –

MagPul Industries, Corp., Bushmaster®, and Remington® – shared this common

vision and after multiple iterations of torturous testing only the strongest materials,

components, and concepts survived. The ACR can change calibers from 5.56mm

to 6.8mm to 6.5mm in minutes at the user level by changing the bolt head, barrel,

and magazine. The ACR can also change barrels, stocks, and accessories to go

from a close-quarters battle platform to a designated marksman platform. Add

a superbly reliable gas piston operating system, controllable full-auto fi re a

non-reciprocating bolt handle, a monolithic free-fl oating rail system, and intuitive,

ambidextrous controls and you have a platform that is a natural fi t for any operator

and provides all the options. Made in the USA for government sales by the oldest

name in fi rearms and ammunition – Remington® delivers again.

Remington. A Proud Part of the Freedom Group Family of Companies Freedom Group is the world’s leading innovator, designer, manufacturer and marketer of fi rearms, ammunition, and related products for hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and military. As one of the largest manufacturers in the world of fi rearms and ammunition, we have some of the most globally recognized brands including Remington, Bushmaster, DPMS/Panther Arms, Marlin and others.

www.remingtonmilitary.com

Date post:	11-Feb-2017
Category:	Documents
Upload:	ngokhue
View:	216 times
Download:	0 times

Armada – Switzerland – Compendium2

Documents