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As Future Infantry programs are becoming popular with
many armies, developers are becoming aware of the costs, over
expectations and shortfalls of initial plans. Programs are currently
underway with many armies, including almost all NATO members, as well
as Singapore, Australia, and Israel, to name only a few. Some programs
are more advanced than others. Germany and France are considered the
most mature; the German IDZ program is partly fielded already while
the French Felin is expected to follow in 2007.
One of the biggest gaps encountered in current programs is the gap
between vision and reality – the pace of technology development
exceeds the warfighter's human capability. Due to lack of experience,
junior commanders, those who will benefit the most from such system,
find it difficult to grasp the new potential opened by such system of
systems. Furthermore, existing communications gaps, particularly
concerning data and video transfer between individual systems, limits
their usability at a larger scale.
Most armies consider their future infantry program as pilot
experiments, to be followed by future acquisitions of more mature
systems. Some opt to test the systems with standard suits for every
warrior; others prefer tailor made systems provided for every warrior,
team leader or commander. Others limit the use of such systems by
commanders only. Yet, the common denominator of all experiments is the
lack of experience with system of systems i.e. unit level formations
(platoon, company level), which leave most of the debate to
theoretical discussions. ITL's Infantry Combat Suits Ready for
Operation
Based on 30 years of experience in development of
advanced electronic and optronic equipment for dismounted infantry,
Israel's ITL Optronics Company is offering a complete line of infantry
combat suits, ready for deployment. In recent months, ITL sold several
systems to armies in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), with more
systems sent for evaluations by a number of armies in Europe.
According to Col. (res) Alon Eshkol, director, advanced infantry
warfare systems at ITL, the company is now preparing the first
integrated system to equip a full company and infantry platoon. "These
mature systems are available for operational deployment. For special
operations units, where new technologies are introduced more
effectively, our systems can be integrated and deployed immediately".
Yet, according to Eshkol, deploying infantry combat suits with regular
or even elite infantry units is more of a challenge. "Loading the
soldier with non relevant information is just as bad as carrying
excessive weight." He explains, it is important to provide every user
at every level with the suitable set of information to support their
tasks. "Such systems can mature from operational experience, after
extensive testing, evaluation and training with the units. Such
systems cannot be imposed on the soldiers". Eshkol hopes that the
flexible systems offered by ITL could be used to define future
requirements and concepts of operations (CONOPS), and help define
procurement plans based on actual field experience. "Such company
level exercises will provide a real-life 'play ground' where users can
employ the system during routine operations, training and combat
operations, assess new concepts of operation, providing a 'safe path'
toward the maturation of larger scale programs in the future.
ITL's plan to accommodate the full set of capabilities in every
system, including rifle mounted sight and pointing system, wearable
computer fitted into a load bearing vest, integrated with navigation
system and communications, helmet mounted viewer, target acquisition
binocular, and a wearable computer. This computer is configured in two
modules, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and communications
controller. The CPU performs data and graphics handling, and runs the
C2 applications. The computer drives various display systems;
including helmet mounted display, hand held PDA size display.
According to Eshkol, the generic system offers the maximum set of
capabilities, and can be programmed to reduce the functionality of
specific systems to the requirements of the individual user, according
to their position, tasks and skill level. The system is operated as an
open system, providing for future integration of additional assets
such as external sensors (for example robotics, UAVs etc.)
The system accommodates sophisticated weapons' sights, such as the
TOP-MARS, integrating a reflex sight, infrared and visible target
markers, the VIPER an integrated weapon based fire control system,
command and control system, which can run on laptop computers and
ITL's new wearable computer, to support battle planning, tactical
movement, target acquisition, task allocation, situational awareness,
and post mission debriefing. Hundreds of such units, controlled under
computer based command and control systems are operational with the
IDF, where they support border security and patrol missions. After
evaluating several options and fielding an initial XP based system,
ITL decided opted to use the power saving Windows CE to drive their
computer, taking advantage of its efficiency and modest power
consumption. "We realized that the weight penalty associated the
Windows XP is unacceptable, when you measure every gram of extra
weight" says Eshkol. Our CE based computer consumes only 8 watts,
managing all sensors, controlling graphics, displays, communications,
and navigation supports the full scope of command and control
services. According to Eshkol, the new CE based wearable computer will
be ready for deployment within few months. Tavor
Enters into Operational Service
Infantry modernization is also reflected in the fielding
of new assault weapons for elite and special operations units. In this
field, Tavor, the new Israeli assault rifle is positioned to take the
world market by storm. This new, lightweight and compact weapon
rapidly becomes an 'organic' part of the warfighter. It has already
been chosen to arm the Israeli (IDF), the first unit is expected to be
equipped with the new weapon by August 2006. Indian elite and regular
troops are also expected to use the weapon, which will be locally
produced in India by the Indian Ordnance factory Board (OFB). Tavor
was selected by the IDF in 2003, following an extensive competition
against the M-4. The first shipments of hundreds of Tavors were
already delivered to the IDF and production is continuing at high rate
at IWI's facility, to supply current orders. India Adapts
Tavor, Micro Tavor Designs
A different version, based on the Tavor system is the
Micro Tavor, designed to address the needs of special operations
forces and counter terrorist units. According to Mark Shachar, IWI
marketing manager, with its compact dimensions Micro Tavor (MTAR 21)
also makes a perfect match for drivers and tank crews. MTAR was
developed in close cooperation with special operations units and is
tailored to their specific requirements and needs. Based on its
strategic cooperation with IAI, OFB is also offering a Micro Tavor
derivative called Zittara, available in three versions – 5.56 assault
rifle, 0.40 Cal carbine and 9mm submachine-gun.
MPRS Gears for IDF Service
The Multi-Purpose Rifle System (MPRS) weapon system,
developed by IMI is expected to complete type classification by the
IDF, prior for its service entry. MPRS will become a squad level
weapon system, replacing M-203 40 mm grenades in some units. IMI is
offering the system with the new ORION customized sight, designed to
provide a ready to use, improved lethality system combining a standard
assault rifle, such as Tavor, M4, SA80, INSAS, FAMAS or any other
weapon using a standard Picatiny rail. The system utilizes advanced
40mm air-burst grenades and standard 5.56mm ammunition. MPRS uses the
new ORION customized fire control and sighting system providing
navigation, target acquisition, ranging, ballistic computation,
ammunition interface as well as day and night capability in a single,
compact 600 gr. system. |
