Compendium
Modern
Soldier
Programmes
by
All About Power
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The Soldato Futuro sighting system
is currently made of Raytheon Elcan
SpecterDR 1-4x, L-3 Warrior System
Insight Mini Thermal Monocular
and AN/PEQ-15 Aptial laser pointer
(Armada/P. Valpolini)
All About Power
With the years the term “Future Soldier Programme” has become hardly applicable in a
certain number of nations, although many, if not most of the systems announced by
certain nations, yet need to enter service. Some soldier modernisation programmes, or
SMPs in short, have been announced, but work is still in the starting blocks.
Paolo Valpolini
T
he advent of smartphones with
powerful computing capacities is
definitely influencing the evolution
of many soldier modernisation
programmes, to the extent that some had to
be moved back to square one to exploit
those suddenly available technologies.
However, no system in service is yet based
on that type of hardware and the related
operating system that allows the installation
of rapidly developed apps.
Currently only France has operationally
fielded an integrated suite. Britain, for its
part, has fielded most of the Fist
components, although they are only related
to sighting and targeting, while Germany
deployed its first IdZ-ES equipped infantry
battalion to Afghanistan in summer 2013.
NETT WARRIOR
One of the programmes that was heavily
impacted by the advent of smartphones is
definitely the Nett Warrior, the successor of
the Land Warrior, which is evolving yearly
through Network Integration Evaluations
(NIEs). Following the decision to abandon
the conventional way of acquisition, the
DOT&E that saw three companies being
selected for the development of competing
systems to be evaluated, and that of
following a cots path, the programme has
now gone through various iterations, the
one that started last May being NIE 13.2.
One thing that is relatively stable is the
communications element. The choice went
to the General Dynamics C4I Systems
AN/PRC-154, which is able to transmit both
voice and data simultaneously utilizing the
Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW). Thanks to
the embedded GPS it continuously
transmits
the
Position
Location
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
03
The US Army Nett Warrior
programme is sliding towards
cots technologies. A typical
example of this trend is the use of
smartphones. (US Army)
Initial Production order covered 2,052
radios and had a maximum potential value
of $11 million if all options are exercised.
Initial deliveries started in Q1 2013.
Turning to the computer, the “Network
Integration Evaluation 13.1” of November
2012 saw the adoption of the first cots item
in the form of a Motorola Atrix smartphone.
At 135 grams, it featured a 4-inch display with
a 960x540 pixel resolution. A Soldier Worn
Integrated Power Equipment System was also
adopted to extend the endurance of the
system – this conformal battery package
providing some 14 extra hours to be added to
the radio’s 7 hours autonomy. The Atrix
screen dimensions were considered too small
and for NIE 13.2, which was run in May 2013,
a 178-gram Samsung Galaxy Note I was
adopted, its 5.3-inch Super Amoled
touchscreen having a 1280x800 pixel
resolution. However, following the issuing of
the Atrix to two of the 10th Mountain
Division brigades (the next unit to receive
Nett Warrior gear), part of 1st Armored
Division will get the Samsung Note II that
The availability of text messages, maps and
pictures is one of the goals pursued by the US
Army soldier digitisation programme. (US Army)
General Dynamics C4I Systems’ AN/PRC-154 soldier radio is the backbone of the US Army
soldier modernisation programme. (US Army)
Information (PLI), enabling situational
awareness and blue force tracking, and
supports hands-free display and external
computer interfaces. The radio operates in
UHF and L bands and allows to actively
participate in one voice talk call group while
simultaneously monitoring other talk
groups. At 417 grams without battery and
771 grams with battery, its operational life
is of over 10 hours.
04
In November 2012 the US Army
launched a first contract for the new
AN/PRC-154A Nett Warrior Radio. The
main difference is that the “Alpha” is made to
allow platoon leaders and those above to
connect on secure nets up to Secret, while
keeping the Sensitive-but-Unclassified
connection to the soldiers equipped with the
standard radio, even while physical features
remain nearly identical. The Low Rate
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
features a 5.5-inch display and can host
memory cards of up to 64 GB. The software
has evolved considerably according to user
indications, especially in terms of map
handling. The Nett Warrior also includes a
helmet-mounted display, while the cabling of
the various elements has also been upgraded
to save weight and improve reliability.
Last May – a noteworthy point – the
Department of Defense announced the
release of the Apple iOS 6 STIG (Security
Technical Implementation Guide), adding
this operating system to BlackBerry’s
Enterprise Service 10 software and Google’s
Android OS for Samsung Knox which had
already been released. This allows the
Department to chose among multiple cots
options for its SMPs.
The commanders’ tablet of the Félin French Army soldier-worn C2 system allows to plan a
mission on a digital map. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
FÉLIN
With the delivery of the 10,000th kit to the
French Army, the Félin programme is
moving at a steady pace. In the meantime
the first lessons learned have started to flow
back from Afghanistan: according to 1st
Infantry Regiment personnel, who first
deployed downrange with the Felin system,
the sights proved of invaluable importance in
improving fire effectiveness and reducing
ammunition consumption. Each infantry
team was normally carrying three thermal
imaging sights and four image
intensification ones. As for C2, radio
performances have to be improved
according to French soldiers, who
particularly appreciated the osteo-
The Félin system includes a modular
protection system that allows soldiers to tailor
their equipment according to the mission.
(Armada/P. Valpolini)
microphone fitted in the headband.
The touch-screen tablet was used only at
platoon/company commanders level; on the
move it allowed to verify the position of the
sub-units, while when static it was used to
verify the firing plan, getting the info from
section commanders, and to send to higher
echelons a summary of the situation. Not
been used by the 1st Infantry Regiment in
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Afghanistan, however, were the preformatted messages as well as the headmounted display. Battery endurance proved
to be more than sufficient, given the
relatively non-intensive use of the system.
The spiralisation of the system will see
the adoption of a new radio and of a new
body armour, the latter aiming at increasing
the infantryman mobility by lowering
weight and increasing comfort. This should
occur two-thirds into the deliveries, that is
around kit number 15,000 – out of a total of
some 22,000 systems.
IDZ-ES / GLADIUS
The Bundeswehr IdZ-ES (Infanterist der
Zukunft – Erweiterte System)1, the future
infantryman improved system, officially
started its operational life on 7 March 2013,
when the system was officially handed over
from prime contractor Rheinmetall Defence
to the President of the BAAIN (formerly
BWB), Mr. Harald Stein, in the presence of
06
The German IdZ-ES was handed over by Rheinmetall to the German Bundeswehr in early
March 2013. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
the General Inspector of the German Army,
Lt.Gen. Bruno Kasdorf.
In fact one German Army unit, the 12th
Security Battalion, has been training with the
system since September 2012 in order to
gather as much experience as possible. The
battalion is now in charge of the instruction of
the operational units that will receive the IdZES gear and will deploy in Afghanistan. The
first unit to be equipped with the system is
the 232 GebirgsjägerBatallion based in
Bischofswiesen and part of the 23 Mountain
Infantry Brigade, (which will have been
redeployed in Afghanistan since Summer
2013). The IdZ-ES familiarisation phase for
each of the battalions lasts six weeks and takes
place at the Infantry School in Hammelburg.
A few elements have been changed,
starting with a new helmet, the Ops-Core
Fast Ballistic Helmet (1328 grams in the
Medium/Large size including Visual
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
Augmentation System Shroud and rails).
With the improved body armour, these two
new items result in a 20-25% weight
reduction over the previous subsystems.
Shortly before the configuration was
frozen the German Army decided to adopt
the Mehler carrying vest in place of that
from Blücher, the latter company
nevertheless remaining the main provider
for the clothing and protection system.
In the field of the night vision, a new
thermal imager has been added to the Zeiss
Optronics (now Cassidian Optronics) IRV600, a thermal imager perfectly suited for
use at longer ranges – 400 to 600 metres – by
designated marksmen, snipers or machine
gunners, as well as by riflemen operating at
medium distances. The performance of this
clip-on system, that can detect a person at
1,520 metres, recognise it at 520 and identify
it at 250, comes at a price, namely weight,
The electronic backpack of the German IdZ-ES
developed by Rheinmetall; Boxer and Puma
seats have been adapted to fit that German
Army system. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
since the IRV-600 weighs 1,090 grams
including batteries, mount and CQB rail. To
lighten the burden of the rifleman when
operating at shorter engagement distances,
under 100 metres, the Bundwswehr added
a second clip-on uncooled thermal imager,
the Dragon C developed and produced by
Qioptiq in Britain. This unit can be
integrated with optical day sights in the
range of x1 – x4 magnification and thus
perfectly fits the Zeiss Optics 4x30 sight
chosen for the IdZ-ES. Excluding batteries
the Dragon C thermal imager weighs less
than 390 grams, its two AA 1.5 V batteries
providing over five hours of operation at
standard temperature.
Each infantry squad will maintain four
Cassidian IRV-600, while in mechanised
squads we will also find three Qioptiq
systems, allowing soldiers to choose their
equipment according to the mission. Night
vision goggles remain the 51° FoV Lucie II D,
310 of which were ordered to Thales in late
2012. Compared to the standard NVGs of
that type those developed for the IdZ-ES
feature an integrated OLED data and video
display. With this add-on the Lucie II D can
be used for night vision only, image display
only, showing terrain layouts or maps, or
mixed-mode operation, overlaying tactical
and status information in the upper or lower
display area over night vision. Moreover the
contract also included 16 Lucie II DIR; these
NVGs will feature the Thales Angénieux IR
module that creates an image overlay with
residual light and thermal image. Thales is
also responsible for communications and
supplies its Solar 400 EG, lithium-ion
batteries as the power supply for the entire
electronic backbone, charging stations,
antenna kits and adapters and cables.
Although currently not yet part of the
IdZ-ES, the Rheinmetall man-worn shotgun
detector known as AkSL (Akustisches
Schützen-Lokalisationssystem) is now a
reality and a proposal to the Bundeswehr
was filed in late April 2013. The system
adopts the well-known configuration with a
shoulder pad containing the sensors and the
electronics and a light wrist-worn display.
Currently seen as a stand-off system, the
AkSL might well be integrated into the IdZES, feeding its data into the main computer
and exploiting the IdZ-ES man-machine
interfaces.
The IdZ-ES programme also has a
considerable impact on the two new vehicles
that are being introduced in service by the
Bundeswehr, the wheeled 8x8 Boxer APC
and the tracked Puma IFV. The IdZ-ES is
being fully integrated in the vehicles, in
order to provide a seamless transition from
inside the vehicle to outside and vice versa
to the dismount, the vehicle being a real
member of the infantry squad. Inside the
Qioptiq Dragon C thermal imager is one of the latest addition to the German Army IdZ-ES
system. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
07
The German Army name for the recently delivered SMP
remains IdZ-ES while Gladius is the commercial name used
by the company for export. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
vehicle the soldier uses a break-off plug that
would disconnect without damage when
debussing the APC/IFV even if he forgets to
unplug. This plug enables the soldier to use
his headset to talk through the intracom, the
IdZ-ES batteries to reload and the C2 system
to constantly update from the vehicle C2.
With the GPS position also being updated,
the soldier will know immediately his
position upon debussing. Via the C2 system
the soldier equipped with the target
acquisition system can automatically
transmit the target position to the vehicle
C2, the latter thus being able to immediately
provide fire support.
Three target acquisition systems are
available, the Jenoptik Bird, the Vectronix
Moskito day/night observation and locating
units, and the Vectronix Vector IV BT
binocular rangefinder; the systems used
depend on the type of unit, i.e. a light
infantry squad would carry three Moskitos
and one Bird. An auto-slaving feature is
being proposed by the company but is not
part of the current Bundeswehr system,
although this may be introduced in future
08
batches of Boxers and in the Pumas. Seats
were also redesigned to allow IdZ-ESequipped soldiers to properly fit in them to
ensure maximum safety in case of mine or
roadside bomb explosion.
Rheinmetall Defence will soon deliver
the kits to make the new infantry vehicles
fully apt to operate with the IdZ-ES.
Rheinmetall also received a contract and is
working with Cassidian to develop a
common interface that will allow to
integrate the IdZ-ES in the higher level
Führungs- und Informationssystems Heer,
permitting automatic transmission of
messages generated by soldiers. This
interface will be available by late 2013.
Gladius is the name given to the system
for the export market.
NORMANS
Fall 2012 marked the first deliveries of
production Normans (Norwegian Modular
Arctic Network Soldier) kits developed by a
team led by Thales Norway. The system
provides blue force tracking, navigation,
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
The Normans Light human-machine interface;
the Thales Norway system is being proposed
in a series of bids that look at a simple and
lightweight C2 kit. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
target hand-off and text messaging services,
and comes in two different standards, the
Normans Light aimed at the individual
soldier member of a Dismounted Close
Combat squad, and the Normans Advanced
used by squad and platoon leaders.
The production system is known as
Version 2 and is based on a GFE radio,
namely the Harris RF 7800S-TR operating
in the 350-450 MHz band, though the squad
commander is also equipped with a
Kongsberg Handheld MH300 VHF set that
operates in the 30-88 MHz band. Following
a lengthy and unfruitful search for a
commercial terminal for the commander
version, Thales decided to develop a
purpose-made system to overcome
readability and ruggedisation problems.
The current colour display terminal with
map capability weighs 440 grams and allows
the squad commander to send free text
messages to the soldiers, who receive them
on their wrist-worn terminal weighing only
150 grams. This monochrome display is
directly linked to the soldier’s radio (which
also provides power, the display having a
maximum consumption of only 0.3 Watts).
COMBAT CLOTHING
Norway is starting to deploy its Normans soldier-worn C2 system. This unit is the Normans
Advanced HMI aimed at commanders. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
LOAD BEARING SYSTEMS
BODY ARMOR
HELMET SYSTEMS
MODULARITY – ADAPTABILITY – PERFORMANCE
The first phase of
the British Army Fist
programme is well
underway, most
aiming systems
being now in use in
Afghanistan.
(British Army)
The soldier can send only pre-formatted
messages to his commander.
A spiralisation of the system is expected.
The software, developed by Teleplan Globe,
is constantly upgraded, but the integration
of other subsystems thanks to the hub
principle that allows to add additional
sensors might also be implemented.
The system developed by Thales Norway
is being proposed by the group as the C4I
element of its Dismounted Close Combat
System, that integrates the Normans
together with UK Fist surveillance and
target acquisition assets and with the
Starmille radio.
FIST & CO
The Future Integrated Soldier Technology
programme is well known to our readers,
the contract for the first increment – the
surveillance and target acquisition system –
having been assigned to prime contractor
Thales UK four years ago (September 2009).
It included a suite of day and night
weapon sights, observation and target
location equipment, to be employed by the
dismounted soldier. The British Army
aimed at reducing engagement times,
improving detection and recognition ranges
and increasing first hit probability. Details
on subsystems and subcontractors are
available in the table.
Thales still expects further tranches.
However these will come only once the
Army restructuring is completed. Deliveries
are on track and well underway, as over 50%
of the equipment was handed over to the
military. The last subsystem accepted in late
2012 was the Vectronix/Wilcox grenade
launcher fire control system. A good
portion of the subsystems were delivered
well in advance of the original schedule.
Moreover, in March 2013 Thales completed
deliveries of 8,000 Lightweight Day Sights
integrated with Close Quarter Battlesights -
Description
Quantity
Supplier
Fist thermal sight
Lightweight day sight
Close quarter battlesight
Underslung grenade launcher sight
UGL fire control system
Commander’s target locator
Lightweight infantry periscope
Ruggedised digital camera
Conversion of existing Maxikite 2s &
common weapon sights to meet
Fist requirements
4,111
10,835
19,122
784
2,090
2,471
856
856
4,176
Qioptiq
Elcan
Shield
Istec
Vectronix
Vectronix
Uniscope
Olympus UK
Qioptiq
10
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
this was under an separate contract, in
addition to the main Fist contract.
Another add-on contract was that filed
to Vectronix by Thales UK for 1,400 more
Moskito multi-function target acquisition
systems to be used as Commander’s Target
Locator. All the equipment is currently in
service in Afghanistan, the first unit to
deploy with Fist equipment being the RAF
Regiment element of the Herrik 16 rotation
that deployed in mid-April 2012, while the
following rotations deployed the system
with most combat units.
The next key milestone for the British
programme is the investment decision on the
procurement of C4I capabilities. For this
Thales is promoting its Normans system (q.v)
currently under delivery in Norway, since the
system is apparently appreciated by the
British Ministry of Defence for its simplicity.
The ministry is also sponsoring a series of
research programmes with a view to
substantially decreasing weights in the
perspective of the acquisition of C4I systems
and sensors. Within the overall Generic
Soldier Architecture (GSA) development,
Cosworth is leading a group of companies in
the development of the Man Worn Power &
Data Technology Demonstrator Programme
(MWPD TDP) to simplify connectivity and
reduce weight for body-worn electronic
systems. Part of the Cosworth team are BMT
Defence Services, CQC, Martec, TE
Connectivity and Ultra Electronics.
Reducing wiring and integrating it in the
clothing is only part of the business, a 18gram power controller having been installed
into an Osprey body armour; this draws
power from a consumer grade three-cell
integral Lithium battery that will change over
time to improve performances. A single
high-speed USB2.0 wiring system able to
switch and monitor up to seven ports is also
integrated into the Osprey and enables
adaptive control of the power flow through
the clothing. Low priority devices would be
disconnected automatically when the battery
reaches a predetermined percentage of its
charge capacity (the controller is run by an
ARM Cortex M4 processor core running at
100MHz and will allow to recharge the
system by plugging it into any other power
source such as a solar mat, a fuel cell or a
vehicle outlet).
“Plug” is a word that might disappear in
this context, as Martec is providing Cosworth
with its Wireless Integrated Power Electronics
System. This induction system supplies power
and data at very short distances (millimetres or
centimetres according to the model).
Cosworth won a contract for the Man Worn
Power & Data Technology Demonstrator
from the British Ministry of Defence. The
aim is to reduce the weight of the electronic
vest. (Cosworth)
Another area pursued
by Cosworth in the
development of its
Man Power Data is
improved connectors,
ultra slim and wireless
solutions having also
been considered.
(Cosworth)
Cosworth intends to use the shorter range
system to allow wireless connection between
the Personal Role Radio and the webbing
when the radio is put back into its standard
position, while a longer range variant might
be adopted to connect the soldier system to
the on-board system when the military sits in
the vehicle. No need thus to remember about
“plugging in”.
The power system provides a resilient and
highly versatile connection through fully
sealed and completely flush surfaces that can
operate through a material barrier. When
physical connectors can be adopted,
Cosworth looked at TE Connectivity systems
whose early prototypes were visible at a
recent exhibition. These connectors are flat,
do not show any cavity, don’t have any pin
that may be bent, and can be used even when
wet. They ensure USB2.0 data transfer and
power specs. The demonstrator was
completed in early 2013.
In mid-March 2013 Roke Manor Research
Ltd, part of the Chemring Group, was
awarded a three-year research contract under
the Dismounted Close Combat Sensors
(DCCS) Research Programme. Roke is
leading a team that also includes SEA
(Systems Engineering & Assessments) and
QinetiQ to assess, mature and integrate
innovative sensor technology for the
dismounted close combat infantry soldier.
The goal is to develop an open systems
architecture to allow for the integration of
multiple sensor-based subsystems, such as
acoustic, thermal imaging and RF subsystems
in order to enhance situational awareness,
facilitate collaborative targeting and increase
optempo, while minimising size, weight and
power burden. Phase 1a, which aimed at
identifying new and innovative technologies,
is completed and over 200 submissions were
received. Phase 1b will look for more
complete information in order to carry out a
first down-selection, that will then lead to
Demo 1 with a first technologies
demonstration in October 2013. A second
down-selection will then lead to a fully
integrated system to be demonstrated in May
2014 at Demo 2. Demo 3 demonstrating the
integrated solution working in a live exercise
by the Army will take place in February 2015,
while in December that year Demo 4 will see
the system integrated into a wider Istar
environment.
VOSS
The Voss programme was originally
launched in the Netherlands in 2008 and
consists of three autonomous projects: smart
vest, integrated head protection and ELighter.
The most advanced one of these three
components is the E-Lighter. Developed by
Fokker Aerostructures it is a lightweight
diesel-fueled power source that can
provide the energy needed for all the
electronic equipment carried by the soldier.
The company developed some technology
demonstrators and, in September 2011, was
awarded a three-year contract by the Dutch
Ministry of Defence, which pushed the
system into full-steam development.
Through the years, Fokker Aerostructures
considerably improved the system in terms
of efficiency and lifetime, maintaining the
same power while decreasing the weight.
The prototype configuration
weighs 1 kg dry (fuel being of the
JP8 or car diesel type). Interest for
a full multifuel system has been expressed
and the company is working on adjusting
the E-Lighter to cope with this
requirement. The exhaust has been
moved from the side to the bottom,
the E-Lighter adding no extra thermal
signature to the body according to Fokker.
Currently the E-Lighter can provide a
maximum output of 15 Watts, with a power
The E-Lighter was improved and will be used together with batteries in a hybrid system that
will provide power to the Dutch Voss. (Fokker Aerostructures)
density of 400 Wh/kg and an endurance of 48
hours, that is the double of any currently
available batteries. Some 2,000 pieces should
be needed by the Dutch Armed Forces, but
Fokker Aerostructures hopes to increase
this with Belgium and Luxembourg who are
partners in the E-Vest. An interest in the
micro-diesel power system has also been
expressed by the US Marines and Army, as
well as by France. Fokker Aerostructures
had built 10 prototypes by late 2012, which
have been thoroughly and successfully
The E-Lighter
diesel power
generator is the
first system to
have been
ordered as part
of the Dutch Voss
programme.
(Fokker
Aerostructures)
tested by the Dutch Army in early 2013. The
results are be used for the upcoming stage
that will bring the E-Lighter to TRL7.
As for the Smart Vest, this includes
radios, both soldier-worn and vehiclerelated, near eye displays, ruggedized
tablets, energy grids, ballistic protection,
vests, rucksacks, etc. Its acquisition process
is still running, the Netherlands acting as
single contracting nation on behalf of all
Benelux countries. After contract award, the
pre-series will be established and units
tested. Serial production is scheduled for
2015 and further. According to industrial
sources a first shortlist has been established
although major modifications have also
been required from the three remaining
competitors, contract award being
scheduled for late 2013 – early 2014.
Contenders include Sagem (which
leveraged work done on the Félin for the C4I
components) and NFM of Norway for the
vest itself and protection elements. Compared
to the French solution, the Sagem C4I
proposal to the Netherlands is quite different,
as it is focused on risk management,
introducing innovations according to the risk
level. The software is derived from the one
used by the French Army.
The Voss solution is being extended to
the other two Benelux countries, Belgium
and Luxemburg, the Netherlands being
the leading country. Three versions of
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
13
the system are being offered, Light, Basic and
Enhanced. The Light includes the radio, the
push-to-talk, an energy grid system and one
battery. The Basic adds the portable
computer and a near-to-eye display, while the
Enhanced adds a display for the commander.
Integrating the soldier’s electronics into
vehicles used by three different armies is an
issue as some 15 different vehicle models
have to be interfaced with the soldier. To this
end Sagem developed a communications
front-end that provides full interface
between the vehicle and the soldier battle
management systems, as well as between the
two radios. A Q-Box allows to select the
radio set as well as to tune the volume. The
vehicle kit also includes an energy
distribution grid and battery chargers.
Interestingly, the three Benelux countries
have already made their choice regarding
protection by adopting an integrated system
by NFM of Norway. In 2006 Belgium
adopted a load carrying vest with ballistic
protection inserts, which was open to the
integration of electronic components.
Luxemburg followed a similar path in 2011.
The concept was to have a system that
provides as much modularity as possible in
terms of protection level and protected area,
considering the time the protection has to
be worn. Indeed the concept considers that a
minimal protection has to be worn at all
times, namely the fragment protection
under the combat vest, which can then be
enhanced with add-ons up to full-spectrum
protection, modularity allowing to tailor it to
humanitarian, riot control and classic
combat situations.
Ballistic plates can be inserted either in
the soft vest under the uniform or in the
load-bearing vest over it. The Load
Carrying Vest (LCV) has thus been
developed in three versions, “A” as
operational vest, “B” in the integrated form,
and “C” as plate carrier. A grab pack for
short-time patrol is carried inside the
vehicle, while an 80-liter rucksack is
available for 48-hour missions. As for
protection plates, NFM is improving the
bonding between ceramic and backing
using heat press vacuum PET instead of
glue, and fully encasing the ballistic pack in
order to make it apt for HAHO and
underwater missions. Although this
solution does not reduce thickness it yields
marginal weight saving.
While protection remains a constant, not
much is known about the two remaining
competitors in terms of C4I proposals.
14
The last of the three elements in the
Dutch Voss system will be the integrated
head protection system. The Netherlands
launched a first market survey in 2010,
following a study phase carried out by the
TNO which led to a modular approach for
a head protection that included a mandible
protection. The survey revealed that a
market for modular helmets was developing
and the acquisition was thus postponed to
benefit from an off-the-shelf approach. A
survey update was launched in April 2013,
with evaluation during the Summer, in view
of an acquisition in 2014.
DOMINATOR-LD
Elbit Systems’ Dominator scored a
considerable success as some of its
components are now part of programmes in
Israel, Finland, Australia and in some
undisclosed countries, including in Latin
America. It is built around the Personal
Digital Unit, a navigation and tracking
system providing soldiers location when
GPS signal is not available, an energy
distribution box, a rechargeable powerpack
and an eyepiece, plus a dedicated fighting
load vest, a planning display while a
targeting binocular is added for some
elements in the unit.
The Dominator system is linked to the
soldier radio provided by the customer,
While its Dominator is now well in use in the
Israeli Defence Forces, Elbit Systems is now
proposing a lighter version known as
Dominator LD. (Elbit Systems)
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
The Personal Digital Unit is the key element of
Elbit’s Dominator Light Dismounted. (Elbit)
while the software can also be adapted to fit
into the bigger C4I scenario of the selected
country. Known in Israel as Integrated
Infantry Combat System, the Dominator
can also include the use of drones and
ground robots.
Technology evolution allows further
miniaturisation and to improve the SWaP
equation Elbit developed the Dominator LD
(Light Dismounted) that interfaces with the
previous Dominator, the latter being now
considered more for use by commanders
while the LD is aimed at the individual
soldier in the fire team.
The key element of the new system is the
Raptor, an all-in-one wearable computing
unit specifically designed for soldier use.
Weighing only 285 grams (versus the 450
grams of the Dominator Personal Digital
Unit) the Raptor features a 4.3-inch 800x480
resolution resistive touch screen that can be
operated with gloves and be read in sunlight
up to 600 cd/m2. It runs on an ARM Cortex
A8 720MHz CPU and has a 512MB DDR2
SDRAM, storage coming in the form of a 16
GB SD card. The Raptor supports both
Android and Linux operating systems. It
features a built-in GPS and a digital compass
while two USB ports are available, radio
interface being provided by two RS-232
synchronous and asynchronous ports.
The proposed radio is the Tadiran PNR1000A advanced personal network radio
working in the 225-512 MHz band with
adjustable output power of 0.5, 1 and 2 W
TX, two RX and 17 stand-by mission profile.
When on the move the Dominator-LD’s
soldier interface can include the eyepiece
and joystick adopted for the Dominator
IICS, which also contains a digital compass
and camera. Overall the Dominator-LD
weighs less than one kilogram.
SOLDATO FUTURO
A close up of the screen of Elbit’s Dominator LD
PDU; the system is fully compatible with the
earlier Dominator. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
and a range of 2-3 km in open space.
Equipped with embedded GPS the PNR1000A features a proprietary dynamic
network architecture that eliminates the
need for a central control unit and optimises
communications in difficult areas such as
urban canyons. It can also connect to the
vehicle intercom system for full long-range
connectivity via vehicle radios. In intrateam conferencing mode it accepts up to six
speakers. With the currently available wave
forms the data rate can reach 320 KBps;
however Elbit Systems expects to increase
the throughput of this software driven radio
up to 1 MBps. Powered by a Li-Ion battery
it can operate for 20 hours with one hour
The delivery of the first 60 production kits of
558 ordered as a first batch of the Italian
Soldato Futuro is planned for September
2013, with final deliveries expected in late
2014. Their configuration will be that of the
so-called “precursors” seen in March 2012
during the last tests. This includes the
UHF/VHF Selex ES SWave handheld
software defined radio operating in the 30512 MHz band, the ITT Exelis TM-NVG
(Tactical Mobility – Night Vision Goggle),
the Elacan SpecterDR 1-4x coupled for night
firing to the L-3 Warrior Systems’ Insight
Mini Thermal Monocular, and the AN/PEQ15 APTIAL laser pointer from the same latter
company. As interim target acquisition
system the Steiner 10x50 R LRF binocular
with integrated laser rangefinder provided by
Beretta Defence Technologies replaced the
Selex ES Linx, which is currently the subject of
further developments.
Turning to the weapon, the original
Beretta ARX-160 has evolved into the A1
model. Major differences include a bigger
magazine catch (which is also better
protected), a shorter buttstock to cope with
body-armour equipped soldiers and with
sand and mud. All those modifications were
drawn from the development of the A2
aimed at Special Forces. The GLX-160’s 40
mm underbarrel grenade launcher was also
improved with a front rubber buffer to
protect the barrel in case of shock, while the
barrel length has been reduced to 350 mm.
Besides the 92 rifles provided for the preproduction Soldato Futuro kits and the
further 558 that are part of the first
production batch, the ARX-160 has already
been acquired in great numbers by the
Italian Army. Two contracts for nearly 2,000
rifles were issued, the first rifles having been
deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. A further
contract for over 11,000 weapons was
subsequently filed, these being at a near A1
configuration. All the further contracts for
nearly 10,000 rifles with options for 3,000
more were for the full A1 version. This
allowed to deliver the new rifle to the units
deploying downrange well ahead Soldato
Futuro deliveries. The same applied to the
sights, over 4,000 SpectreDR and nearly 250
each of the L-3 thermal clip-on and laser
pointer having been acquired as UORs.
A split program known as SIC (Sistema
Anticipating the Soldato Futuro programme
the Italian Army started the acquisition not
only of the Beretta ARX-160 rifle but also of
sighting systems. (ISAF RC-West)
16
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
Selex ES SDR-HH fitted to its vehicular
attachment. This Finmeccanica company is
also proposing other soldier radios for
numerous SMPs. (Selex ES)
Individuale di Combattimento, for
Individual Combat System) has now been
launched. This will lead to the acquisition of
6,602 kits split between 4,257 “basic
rifleman”, 803 “basic grenadier” and 1,542
“basic commander” kits, in the 2013-15
timeframe. The SIC will include rifles, sights,
SDR HH radios, NVGs, as well as protective
equipment. However, units equipped with
the SIC will receive the additional equipment
to bring them to full Soldato Futuro
configuration. Not only does this allow all
mature elements to be fielded in advance,
but it also spreads equipment costs.
The first orders were placed in 2013 and
first deliveries are planned for 2014. Clearly
the SDR radio capabilities will not be fully
exploited in that stand-alone configuration,
the radio being provided with a double pushto-talk, one worn on the soldier harness
while the second will be installed on the rifle.
One of the functions that will remain is the
Manet (Mobile Ad-hoc Network) that allows
one to talk even when numerous obstacles
break into the line of sight, as is the case in
urban areas. The usefulness of this facility
was evidenced by the Selex ES radio during
operation “Atalanta”, the anti-piracy mission
carried out in the Horn of Africa. Italian
Navy boarding teams – each with up to 8 men
– were equipped with the SWave HH, to
forward without any relay voice and images to
the mothership, at a range of about one
nautical mile. The Manet allowed to do that,
up to two streaming videos being sent back
to the naval vessel from inside the merchant
ship under verification.
The order covering a further 1,024
Soldato Futuro kits is already planned and
financed. According to industrial sources
The availability of Selex ES SDR Hand Held radio allowed to completely revise the architecture
of the Italian Soldato Futuro, reducing weight as well as the number of elements. (Selex ES)
System interface of the Soldato Futuro.
Deliveries of the first production items to the
Italian Army are expected to start in late 2013.
(Armada/P. Valpolini)
these might have a different configuration
especially in the C2 component. Selex ES
has already proposed an upgraded
computer with a better display and a lower
power consumption than the current LRT440, while Android-based solutions might
also be taken into consideration as the
Italian Army, like many others, is watching
with great interest America’s decision to
follow that path.
Selex ES is proposing its system to the
international market. Russia has been one of
the main targets in 2012, while the Indian
programme seems to proceed very slowly.
The company answered to numerous RfQs,
but it is still too early to see if anything will
materialise. To improve its chances on the
export market Selex ES is offering a lower
cost radio in place of the Swave HH in the
form of the Frontline Soldier Radio (FSR).
This operates in two bands, UHF between
350 and 450MH with wideband and
narrowband waveforms, and 2.4 GHz with
the Personal Role Radio waveform, which
allows those armies that invested heavily in
PRRs to maintain those radios in service.
Both UHF waveforms ensure the dual-net
function, which means that the squad
commander can monitor both the squad and
the platoon radio nets with a single radio.
When the C2 module is fitted to the FSR, this
allows the radio to host the C2 applications
thus replacing in fact the body-worn
computer. The FSR provides independent
encrypted voice and data as well as automatic
position reporting, being equipped with an
integral GPS. In urban areas it is capable to
form an ad hoc self-healing network and has
intrinsic relay capability.
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
17
ISSP
Initially approved in 2008, the long awaited
decision on the Integrated Soldier System
Project (ISSP) did not materialise. Indeed
Public Works and Government Services
Canada announced on 25 January 2013 that
all bidders were non compliant in response
to the ISSP Request For Proposal, which was
launched in February 2012 and closed on
June 11 2012. On February 15 this year a
draft RFP to acquire integrated suites of
cutting-edge equipment under the ISSP was
issued. An industry day was subsequently
held on March 5, this time leading to a
formal RFP on March 31 with 1 August as
Rheinmetall Canada is one of the contenders
in the ISSP programme. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
the closing date. According to available
information five or six teams are expected
to have answered the bid, including Thales
Canada, Rheinmetall Canada, Elbit
Systems, DRS/Selex and Raytheon/Sagem.
The RFP looks at the acquisition of up to
6,624 integrated suites (the number has not
changed) over four years, with a first batch of
1,600 systems and further optional batches
up to the total number.
A second contract will include In-Service
Support and Improvement Activities over a
period of five years plus three two-year
irrevocable options. If and when requested
improvement activities will allow to update
the system. One of the foreseen
improvements should aim at allowing ISSP
voice and data integration with the new Land
18
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
The Rheinmetall
Canada proposal for
the Canadian ISSP
programme pictured
during the 2012 trials.
(Rheinmetall)
Command Support System and may include
changes to the messaging solution and
communication protocols, integration of a
Cross Domain Solution and of a Type 1 radio.
The contract award for the first batch is
expected to be announced in December 2014.
According to Canadian sources the new
RfP does not contain radical modifications
to the requirements. Apparently the main
changes involve the assessment process and
documents, as the procedure adopted in the
previous round appears to have been the
source of trouble. This being said, it will be
interesting to see to what extent the new
proposals will differ from the previous ones.
The DRS proposal for Canada during trials in
2012. All bidders were declared non
compliant and the acquisition process was
restarted. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
Compendium Aug 2013 Part 1.qxp:Armada
8/27/13
10:36 AM
Page 20
The Swiss Army assault rifle in its Imess
configuration, with Sagem sight, laser pointer
and forward handgrip. (Armasuisse)
IMESS
The Swiss Imess (Integriertes Modulares
Einsatzsystem Schweizer Soldat) or
Integrated and Modular Engagement System
for the Swiss Soldier is aimed at improving the
Swiss Army soldier C4I, lethality, mobility,
survivability and sustainability. Principle
trials with the IdZ-BS (Basis System) on loan
from Germany were carried out in the mid2000s. For the subsequent steps, Switzerland
established an Integrated Project Team of
specialists from Armasuisse, Armed Forces
Staff, Land Forces as well as from the Armed
Forces Command Support Organisation and
the Armed Forces Logistics Organisation. In
2007 Eads Defence & Security (now
Cassidian), the producer of the IdZ-BS, was
chosen as prime contractor and system house
for the Imess overall integration, the Imess
being thus based on the company’s Warrior
21. The team also included a number of
subcontractors among which were Sagem of
France for the optronics, Kongsberg of
Norway for the radio, and SSZ of Switzerland
for textile components, while General
Dynamics-Mowag and Ascom Security
Solutions (now Ruag Defence) were
responsible for the integration of the Imess
into the Radschützenpanzer 93 (Piranha 8x8)
armoured personnel carrier and in the Duro I.
Combining the experience of the
different subcontractors an ad-hoc system
was designed for the Swiss needs and, in
2007, the Confederation acquired 25 Imess
prototypes and five vehicle sets from the
prime contractor. These systems were
20
thoroughly field tested by the Swiss Army.
On the basis of the results thus obtained the
Swiss Armed Forces Command decided to
continue the project step by step. This led to
a CHF20 million contract signed on 31
January 2011 covering modifications to the
existing systems and the acquisition of
further systems to reach a total of 43 soldiers
and 10 vehicles sets – in other words a
complete Imess infantry platoon.
The upgrade mostly aims at reducing the
number of components, improve power
consumption and toughen the harness and
cabling of the system. The C2 has been
The back of the Imess e-vest; the vest carries
two batteries, the computer that coordinates
all electronic components, and the radio.
(Armasuisse)
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
developed to cope with the functions
needed from the individual soldier up to
company level, and support both
dismounted and mounted operations.
The C4I suite communications asset is
the Kongsberg SR600 inter-squad UHF
software defined radio. It can provide
different network capabilities based on
selected waveforms and bandwidths. This
radio can handle a number of parallel voice
networks and IP multi-hop data network in
one network. The SR600 operates in the
225-400 MHz frequency range with an
output power of between 10 mW and 1 W.
The bandwidth is up to 5 MHz and provides
a data rate of up to 2500 kbps, allowing
video and image transmission. The SR600
weighs 0.7 kg and can be powered by a 9
to18-Volt source.
The Imess adopts the Esterline – Racal
Acoustics RA6000 Talon push-to-talk
system. This is a four-channel system that
can operate up to two soldier radios, one
platform intercom and one platform radio,
and features an Integral Active Noise
Reduction (ANR) hearing, supporting
circumaural, in-the-ear, low noise and
covert headsets types. It operates on one 1.5Volt AA battery, from radio/intercom
power, as well as without power (fai-safe
mode). The RA600 Talon has a weight of
242 grams with battery and is linked to an
RA5500 Frontier In-The-Ear headset.
Attached to the vest is the portable PC,
the choice having favoured the Roda Mildef
Panther DB6, a 690-gram device with a
magnesium alloy case that includes most
functions of a full-size PC into a PDA-sized
format. Connectivity includes USB 2.0,
SDHC and Bluetooth 2.1. The DB6 runs on a
1.6 GHz Intel Atom Z530 CPU with 512 KB
L2 cache and a 2 GB DDR2 RAM. An SSD
1.8” PATA card allows to store up to 32 GB of
data. A 5-inch touch-screen sunlight
viewable display is the main interface while
seven buttons are available as function keys.
A SIM card can also be installed. The
Panther DB06 is directly powered from
Imess system batteries or alternatively by a
7.4 V / 3900 mAH Lithium-Ion battery, and
its dimensions are 200 x 94 x 36 mm.
The new Imess carrying vest contains the
radio, a weight- and energy-optimised body
computer for the coordination and control of
all electronic system components, two highcapacity system batteries and sensors for
GPS and inertial navigation.
As visual man-machine interface when
on the move the Imess uses the Sagem OVD
Mk2 monocular display mounted on the
protective helmet, which is a version of the
one adopted for the French Félin.
To increase lethality a suite of optronic
components mount on the assault rifle. The
main sighting aid is provided by Sagem and
derives directly from the sight of the French
Félin system. The Sword T&D couples an
uncooled thermal imager with a wide field of
view of 9.4° and a magnification of x2,
which can be doubled thanks to a digital
zoom, to a day CCD channel with a wide
field of view of 7.3° and a x3 magnification
and a narrow angle of 2.4° and a x10
magnification, the image being shown on a
monocular oled colour display with a 25°
field of view. To allow the soldier to operate
The Sword Light night aiming sight mounted on a rifle; this item is much smaller than its
equivalent in the French system. (Sagem)
the sight while keeping his hands on the
weapon the Imess also includes the Sagem
control handle. Weighing less than 1.6-kg,
the Sword T&D is powered by a special
battery that provides 4.5 hours of autonomy.
In clear weather the sighting system
provides a man detection at over 6 km,
recognition at over 2 km and identification at
Roda Mildef DB06 portable computer is the interface between the Swiss soldier
and its Imess equipment. (Armasuisse)
1 km, although these ranges are cut to
around one third at night.
On top of the Sword the Swiss Army will
install an L-3 EoTech holographic sight for
close combat situations, the choice having
fallen upon the 551 model. One of the side
Picatinny rails will host the cFL-02 Mk2 from
Ilee of Switzerland. The system features a 635
nm visible laser beam (with two output
powers), less than 1 mW (Class 2) or 3.5 mW
(Class 3R), and a visible diode light in the
400-700 nm band providing 250 Lumen
using only 3 watts of power. The cFL-02 Mk2
has five operating modes: laser only, light
only or strobe only, laser and light, laser and
strobe light. At around 180 grams with two
C123 battery, the cFL-02 Mk2 can operate for
60 hours with red laser beam only and for
over 1.6 hours with light and laser on.
Beside the systems mounted on the rifle,
the infantry team will also enhance its
lethality thanks to the adoption of a not yet
selected fire control unit for the 40mm
grenade launcher.
To increase survivability the Imess kit
includes a new protective helmet system with
a mounting for optronic equipment,
protective goggles, and a modular body
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
21
The Imess programme will also have an
impact on existing vehicles as exemplified by
this Piranha 8x8 fitted with Imess connecting
points in the ceiling. (Armasuisse)
22
armour capable of protecting the soldier both
from stabs and high-velocity ammo. The
protected surface is adapted to the mission’s
requirements, the body armour being
composed of a jacket, a collar and a groin
protector. A portable hydration pack from
Source in Israel completes the Imess kit.
The first five new standard-compliant
prototypes will be delivered in Q2 2013. Five
more are expected in Q3. The delivery of the
remaining systems covered by the contract is
planned for the first quarter of 2014. The
platoon-level system will then undergo a
second field trial, followed in 2015 by an
extended technical/operational test phase.
Late 2015 will see the beginning of a 300-day
long-term test in daily operation by infantry
conscripts that will end in 2016. In parallel all
required basic documents, such as
deployment concept, training concept,
system logistics management concept etc.,
will be finalised, to be prepared for a possible
series procurement from late 2016 on.
So far and until end 2016 the Imess
project funding is granted by the credit for
military “Project Planning, Evaluation and
Procurement Preparations”. Until now
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
funds worth CHF 37 million were approved
for the project. To this day a little over CHF
36 million were turned into contracts. At the
moment the Swiss Armed Forces have no
definite plans, with respect to budget year
and procurement size, for a major
procurement of Imess production systems.
TYTAN
A team of 14 companies headed by Bumar is
still awaiting a decision by the Polish
authorities about the future of the Tytan
programme, as currently the requirements
drafted in 2009 have not yet been
confirmed, nor under the technical neither
under the operational point of view. In Fall
2012 the new small arms family, developed
by Fabryka Broni “Łucznik”, part of Bumar
Soldier; pre-production samples of the
MSBS 5,56 mm (da Modułowy System
Broni Strzeleckiej for light modular weapon
The bullpup version of the MSBS, the
assault rifle proposed by Fabryka Broni
“Lucznik” for the Polish Tytan programme.
(Armada/P. Valpolini)
The conventional version of the MSBS assault rifle family together
with the 40 mm grenade launcher; the Polish Tytan programme is
awaiting a political decision. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
system) available in both normal and bullpup versions together
with a new dedicated 40 mm underbarrel grenade launcher and
a 9 mm pistol. PCO is to provide the aiming sights and night
vision systems; an II-TI fusion system prototype shown in 2010
was not exhibited in 2012, which might indicate that it is not
yet technologically mature.
The C4I suite is provided by a trio of companies, Bumar
Electronic, Radmar and WB Electronic.
Protection is the responsibility of Maskpol, which exhibited the
new NBC protection mask purposely developed for the Tytan
programme. An initial batch of kits to equip a reinforced platoon
might be acquired, but not earlier than 2016, while the first
battalion-size unit should not receive the Tytan before 2018.
A noteworthy point is that beside the Tytan equipment, WB
Electronic has developed the PSI, a portable system working
in the 200-600 MHz frequency band and weighing 950 grams
that concentrates the capacities of a GSM telephone, of a UHF
radio and of a touch-screen terminal, the range in UHF being of
about 1 km.
The starting point of the Czech Army soldier modernisation
programme is the acquisition of some 8,000 new weapons from
CZ. These include the CZ805 Bren assault rifle in 5.56 mm
calibre (the 7.62 mm version was not part of the deal) with the 360
mm barrel, the Scorpion EVO3A1sub-machine gun and the CZ
75 SP-01 Phantom pistol, both in 9x19 mm calibre. This will
considerably reduce the number of types of small arms in use,
facilitating training and logistics.
These weapons, equipped with Meopta day and night sights,
are already in use in Afghanistan by the Czech contingent and
deliveries should be completed by year end. A new purchase of
several thousand weapons is planned from 2014 on, in batches
The grenade launcher of the CZ 805; after
modernising the weapons the Czech Army is
now looking to a C2 system, and is
considering various off-the-shelf options.
(Armada/P. Valpolini)
were demonstrated to high-ranking officers.
Hardware was provided by Bharat
Electronics. The C2 software included
functions to be used from company
commander down to the single soldier,
providing common operational picture,
situational awareness, blue force tracking,
mission planning and execution, preformatted and free text management,
biometric authentication, physiological
monitoring display and dissemination.
In addition to the computer, the
hardware included a wrist display, a
navigation aid based on GPS and DRM
(Dead Reckoning Module), the prototype of
a hand-held IP radio with voice, data and
video transmission, centralised power pack
and power management, target acquisition
assets, and power chargers in various forms,
conventional, solar and crank.
Tata Advanced Systems is also focusing
on the F-Insas suite programme, and is
currently developing a UHF Soldier Radio
with multiple channel bandwidths (25 KHz,
500 KHz, 1.2 MHz) and power levels (0.25W,
1W, 2W). The programme is obviously
attracting foreign competitors, and the RFP
for new weapons has already been issued.
The first step in the Czech Army soldier
modernisation is linked to the weapons, the CZ
805 assault rifle in 5.56x45 mm calibre being
the new assault rifle. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
that depend on funds availability.
Currently C4I and Istar equipment has
been acquired only for specialised elements,
such as TACPs (Tactical Air Control Parties)
and FACs (Forward Air Controllers).
However 2014 should see the launch of the
next step of the modernisation plan, which
will include a C4I system for the individual
soldier. Currently the Army General Staff is
writing the requirements. Numerous
companies are looking with interest at a
possible RFP, notably Rheinmetall that had
intense talks with Czech officials and is
proposing the core C4I system of its Gladius.
Later on the Czech Army will start working on
the protection issue, which will include
uniforms, body armour and helmets, and
which will have to be compatible with the
current Pandur wheeled armoured vehicle as
well as with a new tracked vehicle.
24
COMFUT
Not much is known about the future of the
Spanish ComFut programme, which was hit
like many other initiatives by the country’s
harsh economical situation. Following the
delivery of the 36 sets in December 2009
field trials led to a €900.000 contract for
system improvement in December 2011
with deliveries of 18 upgraded sets expected
for the current year. No details about the
upgrades are currently available.
F0-INSAS
The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and
Robotics (CAIR) and the Defence
Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL)
are working on the development of the
Integrated Computer, Communication and
Software System (ICCS) and on the
Software Defined Radio (SDR) that are
intended for the Indian “Futuristic Infantry
Soldier as a System” (F-Insas).
In June 2012 some of the functionalities
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
ACMS
With its Advanced Combat Man Systems
(ACMS) now in service in numbers with the
national army, Singapore Technologies
Kinetics has developed a light version of its
system, appropriately called ACMS-Lite.
The development was financed by the
Singapore Armed Forces, which may well
reveal an interest for a lighter and simpler
system compared to the current suite that
weighs nearly five kilos. The new ACMSLite chest-mounted control and display unit
is smartphone-like and runs on an Android
operational system that supports a simpler
C2 software derived from that used by the
national armed forces. The smartphone-like
terminal ensures network communications
and is based on the latest ARM processor.
The system load bearing vest has also been
improved with the adoption of fabric cables
that connect the various subsystems, the
add-on weight of the ACMS-Lite being now
less than two kilos.
Compendium Aug 2013 Part 2.qxp:Armada
8/27/13
10:24 AM
Page 3
On, or Soon on, the
Modern Soldier Market
As said earlier in this Compendium, numerous companies
are proposing systems that might well fit into new soldier
modernisation programmes or into the spiralisation of
existing programmes. Reviewing all those systems in this
Compendium is clearly impossible without turning it into
something akin to a telephone directory. We shall thus
restrict coverage to some of the latest products seen in the
most recent exhibitions.
I QINETIQ
In late January 2013 QinetiQ North
America launched its Integrated Warrior
System (IWS). Far from proposing a
proprietary integrated solution, QinetiQ
followed the latest trends by proposing an
open architecture solution based on a
peripheral-agnostic hub known as Q-Hub
with an optimised wiring system. The QHub is available in various configurations in
terms of available ports (four, seven, nine), is
smaller than an iPhone and weighs less than
This Physical Optics flexible display
exemplifies the hi-tech systems that are in
the making. (Armada/P. Valpoini)
200 grams. Software-controlled functions
allow the Q-Hub to manage power sources
and data communications. The interface per
se can be a smartphone, a tablet or another
tactical computer.
QinetiQ has so far worked with Androidbased systems, although the system proved
that it is able to work with Windows-based or
Linux-based systems if the appropriate
software is loaded. The company has already
developed software versions for nearly 30
different Android systems. Settings that will
then manage power and data priorities can be
changed via the interface. It is also possible to
monitor power sources’ status. The single
battery solution is the preferred option, but
although many peripherals have their own
batteries, some organisations (the US Army)
still retain these as back-ups. The Q-Hub
allows to ensure that the main battery
maintains peripheral batteries at 100%
charge, but can be programmed to prioritise
peripherals, with the radio as the last item to be
shut down. The same applies to the data flow,
priorities being given to the data sent to, or
received from, the various peripherals.
Besides the end-user device, the Q-Hub can
be plug-and-play linked to a variety of systems
such as standard issue radios, positioning
devices, laser rangefinders, shotgun detection
sensors, environmental sensors.
QinetiQ NA worked hard on ergonomics
with retired and in-service military
personnel, and developed a flat wiring system
that eliminates cable management issues and
reduces weight. Being more flexible, the
QinetiQ NA solution does not require loops,
and thus tends to require shorter connection
wires for the same number of peripherals.
The company provides those cables with
standard issue connectors; however some
programmes underway require specific
connectors that can be easily provided.
According to QinetiQ NA the wiring spider is
almost invisible to the warfighter and does
not hamper his mission. Wireless data
connection solutions have already been
demonstrated, although no requests have yet
A detail of a fastener-like connector developed by Physical Optics Corporation for its
Wearnet system. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
26
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
come for such systems.
Less than three months after its unveiling
the IWS was already in service in numbers:
by late April over 1,000 systems were
deployed with US forces, various units having
acquired the system under the Urgent
Operational Needs scheme. It is however
quite sure that Nett Warrior officials will take
a close look at the performances yielded by
such a system. It was developed with a focus
on cost and versatility, which are two key
elements in the US Army soldier
modernisation programme.
I PHYSICAL OPTICS
Physical Optics Corporation (POC) is a
California-based systems integrator of
advanced technology whose portfolio
includes integrated wearable networks and
other soldier-related equipment.
The backbone of those systems is the
Wearnet, a system providing a body-worn
common network to the warfighter that
allows power and data connectivity. The
Wearnet can be easily integrated into the
warfighter combat vest, for instance the
Improved Outer Tactical Vest, and features
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Physical Optics Corporation Wearnet includes a connectivity
spider that can be integrated into fabrics as well as ultra-slim
connectors similar to fasteners. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
flat cables with EMI/RFI shielding and riveted low-profile
Snapnet connectors. Similar to snap fasteners, the latter are less
than 8 mm thick and thus considerably reduce interferences with
soldier-worn loads compared to standard connectors. Mission
equipment packages are all Snapnet compliant and therefore the
whole connectivity spider can be integrated into fabrics.
The Wearnet heart is the USB Hub which is connected to
the soldier PDA. Physical Optics has also developed the
Hierarchical Intelligent Energy Resource Controller, which
through Snapnet connectivity, intelligently senses the voltage
requirement of each device to supply the proper voltage to each
system and monitor power consumption. Because the
controller allows the use of a single source to provide
appropriate power in a range of 3 to 40 Volts, real plug-andplay modes are possible. Another item that enhances the
Wearnet capabilities is the Flexible Lightweight Intelligent
Power Distribution (FLIPD); this ensures power distribution
but also senses the real-time power draw that is sent to a
microcomputer for presentation of the power situation to the
soldier. The FLIPD can take the power either from a body-worn
source, such as a central battery, or from a vehicle source, in the
latter case allowing to reload body-worn batteries.
Amongst other soldier-dedicated systems, Physical Optics
also has developed a Tactical Flex Display (TFD), an arm-worn
display based on E-ink and polymer substrate technology that
allows the screen to be rolled into a radius of less than two inches.
The TFD is available in different sizes, from 3.8 to 6 inch in
diagonal, and can be provided in grey scale or full colour, with a
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Saab’s 9Land Soldier sPAD is a lightweight
C2 system based on a handheld device
and a connection hub. (Saab)
resolution of 320x240. The lack of
backlighting allows a low power
consumption, a battery ensuring over eight
hours of operation. The TFD is sunlight
readable and is compatible with night
lighting and NVGs. Its touch screen can be
operated with a pen as well as with capacitive
gloves. The display is compatible with
Windows CE or Android operating systems
and can be connected to the body-worn
computer either by cable, with a USB 2.0 480
Mbps speed, or via WiFi 802.11. It features a
64 GB embedded memory and can be used
to display text, maps, images and videos.
Another human machine interface is the
company’s full-colour Head Mounted
Display which provides a 39.5° diagonal
field of view on a 800x600 SVGA oled
display. At 35 grams, the system is very light
and low on power consumption at 250 mW.
However, more is in the making. Known as
the Philip-NVG, its peculiarity is its field of
view, as it provides the user with a
panoramic view of 95° horizontally and 40°
vertically with a 3000x1000 pixel resolution.
I SAAB
Saab, for its part, unveiled a new soldier C2
system at Eurosatory 2012. Known as 9Land
Soldier sPAD, this ultra-low weight system
comes in two components, a handheld
28
device and a connection hub. The 185-gram
handheld device features a glove compatible
3.7 inch full-colour touch screen hosted in
a 131.5 x 78.5 x 17.5 mm case. An ambient
light sensor allows to automatically adapt
the backlight, the system also featuring
built-in
magnetic
compass
and
accelerometer, while a microSD card slot
hosts a 16 GB card provided as standard.
The sPAD is based on an ARM Cortex A8
processor with a Power SGX graphic
accelerator, and has 512 MB RAM and 512
Flash memories. It can run on Linux 2.6 or
Android 2.2 operating systems.
The current software provides functions
like Blue Force Tracking as well as
navigation, mapping and overlay of friendly
and opposing forces. Only pre-formatted
messages can be sent, under the
consideration that this reduces errors when
the soldier is under the combat-induced
stress. Seven command buttons, two on
both sides and three on the top, allow singlehand left- and right-hand operation. The
handheld device can be placed in different
positions, such as chest or arm, and is linked
by cable to the connection hub. This comes
in the form of a 61 x 118 x 27 mm box with
five rugged connectors, and weighs 119
grams. Two connectors link the system to a
6-16 Volt power source, a built-in voltmeter
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
ensuring proper voltage output to the sPAD,
while the three remaining ports can be used
to support a combination of different
features thanks to the cabling system
provided within the package. Among the
features that can be linked are audio in and
out line, RS-232 and RS-422 ports, host
controllers, USB 2.0 ports, the use of a
second USB Hub allowing to further
increase the number of USB 2.0 ports.
The standard battery provided by Saab
has a weight of 289 grams and ensures up to
12 hours of activity, the total weight of the
sPAD system reaching thus 825 grams. The
system can integrate inertial navigation
systems, laser rangefinders, military GPS,
cameras, and of course radios. The sPAD
can easily accept any type of modern
voice/data radio. Saab has already integrated
the Polish Radmore 35010 PSR as well as the
Harris RF-7800S-TR personal radio and is
currently expanding the number of radios it
can work with. The 9Land sPAD is being
proposed both in Sweden for the Markus
and in Canada for the ISSP.
An evolution of the system is already
underway. In terms of software,
considerations are being made on providing
the infantry squad leader with additional
capabilities, while the 9Land sPAD might in
the future be equipped with software
Lighter, yet more capable
than its predecessor, The new
Invisio V60 push-to-talk system
might fit into future modern soldier
kits. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
applications dedicated to specific functions
such as JTAC, FOO, etc. Those are already
part of the higher echelon 9Land BMS, used
in platoon and above elements and loaded
onto the company Rugged Soldier System
ensemble. Its key element is a Rugged
Portable Computer (RPC) based on a PC
platform with Intel CoreDuo, an Intel
Graphics Controller, and 2 GB SDRAM, and
can run on Windows or Linux operating
systems. The RPC, which can be equipped
with an internal GPS, is designed for
demanding 2D/3D graphics processing and
presentation. With dimensions of 37 x 126
x 174 mm the RPC weighs 900 grams and is
linked to a 5-inch Rugged Portable Display, is
equipped with a low reflection touch screen
and a TFT display with LED-backlighting
for best daylight viewing, while power is
provided by a 10.8 V 5.2 Ah Lithium Ion
Rugged Portable Battery. These two
elements weigh respectively 350 and 550
grams, for a grand total of less than 2 kg
including cables.
The 9Land BMS software comes in three
different versions, Tracker, Integrator and
Net Commander. The Tracker version is the
one that fits the basic needs of light vehicles,
its key functionalities being navigation and
route management, blue force tracking,
reports, and alarms and alerts. Integrator is
dedicated to heavy combat vehicles, while
Net Commander is the commanders’ tool at
brigade and beyond levels.
I RAPID MOBILE
Turning to terminals, Rapid Mobile of South
Africa launched its RT5 tactical terminal at
30
DSEI 2011 in its Version 2 configuration, the
company being currently in the preproduction of its Version 3 while Version 4 is
already being developed at full steam. The
aim of the company is to provide a small
ultra-rugged Nato standard communication
PDA running on Linux for secure military
tactical messaging, chat, email, situational
awareness and digital voice that can be used
over any existing HF/VHF/UHF radio link,
Rapid Mobile focusing its marketing on
second or third tier nations.
At 490 grams including the two AA
batteries ensuring over 12 hours of
operation, the RT5 features a 2.4-inch
colour display with light sensor for autobrightness and a VHF/UHF 2400-9600 bps
modem that ensures communications even
when voice comms are impossible. It can
even operate with old analog radios, de facto
providing an immediate upgrade to those
assets. Messages, either free text or preformatted, can easily be typed through the
keyboard. The RT5 has a built-in GPS
receiver and antenna, which means that
position information can readily be relayed
on the network. It also features an interface to
Ethernet LAN, USB storage devices, rugged
printers or cameras. Version 4 will feature
built-in speakers and will handle a
proprietary waveform ensuring secure
digital voice communication.
I INVISIO
A most widely used man-machine interface
is definitely push-to-talk, or PTT in
military jargon. Two such systems were
recently introduced. Invisio developed its
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
Source of Sound Mini Black Box is one of the
latest addition to the numerous hearing and
ear protection systems that might become part
of SMPs. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
new V60 with a view to improving
performance and lowering weight. At 145
grams, more than 100 grams less than the
previous models, it features three
communications ports to which any type of
system can be linked, radios, intercom
systems, mobile phones, computers, metal
detectors, etc.
The four PTTs, two primary and two
secondary, can handle up to two nets. Fully
plug and play, the V60 does not need any
battery, power being taken from the radio.
Submersible up to 20 metres, it can be
equipped with Invisio in-ear protecting
headsets and bone microphones.
I SOURCE OF SOUND
Established 20 years ago Source Of Sound
(SOS) of Israel has sold over 25,000 noise
reduction sets. Fully trusting the in-ear
solution, SOS is currently marketing its
Mini Black Box, a miniaturized in-ear
headset powered from the radio that
features passive and active noise control in
both noisy and normal environments and
ensures clear communications, ambience
noise being also increasable to obtain better
hearing in ambush situations. The SOS
product supports full duplex radio and
works on the noise compression principle,
which provides a noise reduction rate of 22,
and ensures optimal protection against
gunshot and bomb explosion. A remote
PTT can be used, either by cable or wireless,
to allow hands-on weapon operations. A
microphone is used in the headset because
SOS customers still prefer such a solution,
mostly for psychological reasons.
The Mini Black Box draws power from
the radio to which it is linked, its subsystems
weighing respectively 115 grams (control
box), 52 grams (headset) and 70 grams
(wireless PTT, powered by a 3 V battery
ensuring one year of operation).
The Mini Black Box + is a version of the
previous product that is powered by a single
AAA battery, the control box weight
increasing to 140 grams with battery. This
can be used also as a hearing protection /
hearing enhancement system without any
radio connectivity.
in early 2013 with the new head protection.
The new Revision product was generated
by the requirements of the British Pecoc
programme now known as Virtus. It comes
in the form of a series of add-on items: a
front mount allows the attachment of
protection enhancing devices such as visor
and mandible guard (also doubles as a
universal NVG mount). The add-on
protective elements are: a visor providing
optimum high-impact protection, high
threat mandible guard providing blunt force
and fragmentation protection for the lower
jaw, and a lightweight mesh-wire mandible
guard protecting only against blunt force.
Those items are compatible with the current
Advanced Combat Helmet, Revision
proposing its Batlskin in various versions.
I REVISION
As mentioned in the Voss programme entry,
head protection is becoming something
more complex than a mere helmet, and since
eye, aural and mandible protection has
become a sine qua non, integration of all
these parameters have taken a new
dimension. To answer those requirements
Revision has developed the Batlskin modular
head protection system, which has already
been adopted by the Danish Army. Its
soldiers have in fact deployed to Afghanistan
Revision developed a technology
that allows to produce helmet
shells at lower weight or higher
performances. (Revision)
More and more armies are
looking for a better head protection
that includes head, eyes and mandible;
with its Batlskin Cobra Revision answers
those requirements. (Revision)
32
The Viper A1 features an Aramid
shell while the Viper P2 exploits
advanced composite shell technology
to achieve weight reduction. Thanks
to its investments in new highpressure moulding machines able to
produce lightweight polyethylene
elements at an acceptable cost, Revision
developed a light shell weighing 1.15 kg
versus 1.4 kg of the ACH, and whose V50
against light splinters is well over 750 m/s
compared to the 650-680 m/s of the ACH, the
whole Batlskin P2 system reaching thus a
weight of 1.395 kg, which ends up being
Compendium Modern Soldier Programme 2013
lighter than the sole ACH shell. The Batlskin
is being promoted in numerous countries like
Switzerland, Austria and Sweden, where
acquisition programmes should start in the
2014-15 period.
I CERADYNE
Ceradyne Diaphorm, a division of
Ceradyne, has developed the Seamless
Ballistic Helmet (SBH) forming which, in
conjunction with Thermoplastic Composite
Helmet (TCH) moulding technologies,
ensures the production of head protection
with considerably increased performances
over conventional helmets and able,
according to the company, to stop rifle
bullets. The SBH technology allows to form
the helmet without having to cut any of the
layers, in other words devoid of folds in the
laminate, providing maximum uniformity.
The new system allows also to obtain a
helmet that does not degrade with
seawater, temperature shock, high
altitude, salt-fog and field agents.
The Ceradyne Defender SBH is
the product currently proposed.
However, the California-based
company has gone a step further
by looking into the integration of
optronics and other electronic
accessories. The Mohawk boltless
combat helmet developed with
communications specialist Threat4 that
provides its In-ear Tactical Headset with
Boom Mic, Hearing Protection, is intended
for the integration of other electronic
devices. It integrates a modular data and
power bus bar system, linked to the battery
pack mounted on the rear. Other accessories
that can be fixed on the helmet include
NVGs, an IFF transponder, a camera, etc.
I BREN-TRONICS
All those additional accessories require
power, batteries being one of the soft spots of
endurance. Having the US Army as its
principal customers, Bren-Tronics is one of
the major battery supplier. Using over
100,000 pieces per year, the service has
rationalised its battery stocks by reducing
the types of batteries from 95 to eight.
Li-Ion cells have improved with time,
stepping from 2.4 to 3.4 Ah at 3.6 V in 10
years, and are predicted to reach the 4 Ah
mark by late 2015 or early 2016 (the first
prototypes are already being tested).
Interestingly, Bren-Tronics batteries display
their status in absolute state of charge values,
which is important since even fully charged
Compendium Aug 2013 Part 2.qxp:Armada
8/27/13
10:26 AM
Page 12
Compendium
by
Modern
Soldier
Programmes
er
All About Pow
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ON THE COVER: While certain nations
developed comprehensive suites for their armies
right from the outset, others work more on a
step-by-step pattern, by either creating their
modules themselves or picking various items from
the more advanced programmes (like this
Gladius, photo P. Valpolini) to create their own
package (Armada/Eric H. Biass)
Modern Soldier Programmes
Supplement to
Issue 4/2013
Volume 37, Issue No. 4, August/September 2013
INTERNATIONAL
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BrenTronics is constantly improving Li-Ion cells capacity, although the quest for energy
density is reaching its limits. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
an old battery will discharge charge a lot
faster than a new one.
The company is now proposing its
Soldier Power Manager. This comes as a
soldier-worn 200-gram unit or in smart
vest-integrated form weighing 130 grams. It
features several power ports with voltage
from 8 to 34 VDC and ensures optimised
battery charge, hot swapping and switching,
as well as energy harvesting from primary
batteries, solar MPPT or fuel cells.
Importantly, in 2011 Bren-Tronics acquired
Ultracell, a major American fuel cell player,
and is since offering integrated systems. The
company is currently proposing two types
of batteries for soldier systems, the SMP and
the LW (Land Warrior); the SMP comes in
one-third, two-thirds and regular sizes
weighing 290, 370 and 525 grams and
respectively yielding 31, 62 and 92 Wh+ at
10.8 V. An AA SMP holder is also available.
As for the LW, two models are on offer,
namely the 517-gram Li-80 and and 1.02kilo Li-145, with respective capacities of 82
Wh+ and 145 Wh.
With currently available Li-Ion cells the
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improved; SMPs will leap from 170 to 240
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Following the acquisition of Ultracell, a major
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(Armada/P. Valpolini)
Wh/kg, and the LW from 140 to 190 Wh/kg.
Better still according to the company, their
price will also be reduced by nearly 25%.
Further improvements will come at a later
date when the above-mentioned 4 Ah cell
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being much higher than that of diesel
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