Soldier Systems
Technology Roadmap: Project Update
Soldier Human and Systems Integration Workshop
Château Cartier, Gatineau, September 21-22, 2010
LCol M.A. Bodner
Director S&T Land (DSTL-2)
Army Capability Concepts and Systems
Army of Tomorrow (AoT)
Land Systems
Future Soldier
System
Operating, functional & enabling concepts
Future security environment:
complex terrains (urban, desert, arctic)
complex battle spaces (asymmetric)
all pervasive network
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Soldier Modernization Effort
Aim: Enhance the capability of the future soldier to
accomplish his mission and objectives
Today
Tomorrow
Future
Future
AOT 2015-2025
2025-2040
Clothe The Soldier +:
Level 0 Soldier System
Future Army 2040
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Soldier System Definition
Everything that a Soldier wears, carries, consumes
or otherwise uses to optimize and sustain his tasks
and performance (cognitive/physical/social) in all
operational environments
Include all equipment and non-materiel aspects
(e.g. training) enabling soldier and small unit
capabilities for mounted/dismounted land
operations
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‘System of Systems’ Approach Challenge:
Human and System Integration
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Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap:
Answering the When? Question
2015
Adapted from TNO Nanobook
2025
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Technology/System
vs Capability Integration Domain
System / Technology Areas
TRM Workshops
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Power & Energy Workshop
(Vancouver 21-23 Sept 2009)
Highlights
No Energy or Information: No Future Soldier System. Both must be
distributed.
Micro fuel cells and energy harvesting solutions more mature than
anticipated
Common interfaces, protocols & connectors are key elements
Weight: major driver
A narrow selection of power sources makes logistics and
distribution critical (Panda) where a single-source dependencies
should therefore be limited (rat)
Themes identified:
Interoperability standards
Power storage/batteries
Power sources integration
Micro-fuel cells
Electro-textiles
Novel connectors
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Soldier Lethal and Non-Lethal Weapons Workshop
(Toronto 24-26 Nov. 2009)
Highlights
Soldiers need a broad range of weapons effects capabilities, reflecting the
many roles performed
Lethal and non-lethal weapons effects should considered as a continuum
Weapons effects at the soldier level focus on what the soldier can carry, and
reflect the “back-end” communications capabilities
Lethal Effects Themes
Target Location/Decision Support
Target Acquisition – IFF – Sensors
Target Information Fusion
Smart & Enhanced Lethality Ammunition
Power Supply/Management – Powered Rail
Fire Control System
Non-Lethal Effects Themes
Directed/Constant Energy Weapon
Improved Dazzler
Hostile Intent Senses/Automated
Decision Support
Enhanced Non-Lethal Ammunition –
Caseless, Low Weight
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C4I-Sensor Workshop
(Montreal 24-26 March 2010)
Highlights
C4I/Sensors at soldier level is relatively new
Lots of relevant work done within NATO LCG1 from which to build from
Key challenges:
Geo-location in GPS denied environment
Information overload & Network security
Interoperability within the Army, other CF elements, Allies, NGOs, OGDs
The C4I, Sensors and Weapons domains will converge in mid-long-term
C4I Themes
Personal Sensors (body worn)
Geo-location & Communication
C4I Human Interfaces
Information Integration and SA
Security & Interoperability & Integration
Sensors Themes
Personal Sensors (body worn)
Weapons Sensors
Crew Sensors (STANO)
Area Sensors, Sensors integration
(physical, network, data)
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Soldier Survivability/Sustainability/
Mobility Workshop (Ottawa, May 12-13)
Vision: To have a technologically superior,
lightweigt, mission configurable, fully integrated,
multi-functions soldier system that increases
operational effectiveness
Themes
Ballistic/Blast Protection
Operational Clothing &
Equipment
Footwear Systems
Headwear Systems
Load Carriage Systems
Key Technologies
Human factors
Nanotechnologies
Multi-functions material
Smart textiles
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Capability Trade-off & Challenge
Opposite trends:
Increases in some capability areas
(C4I, survivability, lethality), lead to
reduction in other capability areas
(mobility, sustainability) due to physical
and cognitive overload/burden
Burden reduction needed through:
Equipment weight reduction
(e.g. lighter/multi-functions materials)
Distribute/off-loading to other platforms
(e.g. SUGV/Mule)
Increased system integration (e.g.
distributed power, E-textiles)
Improved human performance
Better training
External assistance (exoskeleton)
…..
Equipment Weight (kg)
The soldier, being human, has
limitations and constraints, i.e.,
he is not a robot or a machine
Injury Zone
Weight neutral
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Comfort Zone
---------2010 ---------------------------2025
NATO recommended load currently exceeded by 40%
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The Hard Problem
Overall capability balance and holistic integration over time
such as to maximize future soldier system effectiveness
C4ISR
2010
2020-2025
Sustain
-ability
Lethality
Mobility
Survivability
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Questions?
For more information, please consult:
http://soldiersystems-systemesdusoldat.collaboration.gc.ca
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