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When embedded in armored fighting vehicles, or infantry combat suits,
Battle Management Systems (BMS) become the basic level of the tactical
C4I network. BMS systems commonly rely on information collectively
gathered by the unit's elements (tanks, APCs, observations etc) to
populate its databases with information about the location, status and
intentions of blue and red forces. Specific targets are marked on the
BMS displays, providing clear and specific situational pictures to
each combat team, allocating tasks and coordinating fire and maneuver
over a large area, without the need for visual coordination.
 The
integration of Blue Force Tracking further improves situational
awareness and minimizes the risk of fratricide. Displays used on AFVs
must have high intensity illumination, to overcome direct sunlight as
well as very low illumination, for night operations. Operation usually
supports touch screen or pushbuttons, activating a limited number of
preset functions, with an embedded pointing device and virtual
alphanumeric keyboard. This layout is designed to meet the requirement
of operation with full combat gear, in harsh hot, cold and humid
conditions, including under full CBRN protection suits.
 To minimize clutter, BMS units are set to filter information,
presenting a limited data set including local units, and targets
relevant for immediate engagement. Yet, for planning, situation
analysis and providing a broader view when necessary, BMS can present
larger views of the area, supporting automated functions of terrain
analysis, route planning, generating of orders, status reports,
maintain tracks of inventories etc. Such information can automatically
route to the brigade, where it is used to create real-time situational
reports at the relevant command, service and support center. When used
with mechanized infantry units, BMS systems can be detached from the
vehicle to support dismounted infantry operations. In this
application, wireless (WiFi) links are becoming vital for the
integration of the services available on the vehicle, its crew and the
dismounted element.
Other topics covered in this feature are:
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