More than 150 soldiers will be participating in the three-week Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE 2010), performing 14 different missions. The experiment will take place in early 2010 at the Army’s Maneuver Battle Lab at Fort Benning, Ga. The experiment will call for the integration of more than 25 technologies from 20 different companies and government agencies, operating on a single integrated backbone network, linking together communication devices, command and control applications and sensor platforms.
Raytheon was selected to provide the network, utilizing its MAINGATE solution as the network backbone, linking together unattended ground sensors, unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned aircraft systems. According to Jerry Powlen, vice president, Raytheon’s Integrated Communications Systems, the network will support the most advanced protocols with simultaneous support of multiple full-motion video channels; robust, detailed situational awareness; command and control; chat; voice nets and call groups; and on-the-move access to web 2.0 applications. The bi-annual AEWE program support the Army’s rapid and long-term development, and support the evolution of relevant doctrine and TTP’s to support the current force while examining future force requirements and formation through simulations and experimentation.
In France, Sagem has been selected as prime contractor for the Phoenix 2010 experimentation program, evaluating improvements and capabilities of the French army’s future combat systems. Similar programs have already been undertaken by the French Army in 2007, 2008. Sagem has partnered with the Land & Joint Systems division of Thales to support the 18 month experimentation program, considered an important milestone in the preparations for “Operation Scorpion”, supporting the French army’s future network centric transformation.
Phoenix 2010 program will kick off in the second half of 2010. Running for a period of 18 months, it will organize and carry out field demonstrations in specific areas, using hardware and software from Sagem and its partners, optimized for these trials. Focusing on regiment, company and platoon levels, the experiments will demonstrate advanced close combat capabilities including tracking friend/foe positions, robust tactical communications, and continuity between mounted and dismounted phases, surveillance and air-land support.
BAE Systems and the UK Ministry of Defense signed at Farnborough2008 a jointly funded, first phase advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) program to develop an Unmanned Autonomous System (UAS) that will help shape technology development for the UK’s future UAS capability. The new platform called Mantis will be used to evaluate and test persistent, autonomous Intelligence, Surveillance and Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) as well as unmanned ground attack capabilities.
By October 2009 the Mantis completed the first series of test flights and await sfunding approval to proceed to the next phase.
According to BAE Systems, the twin-engine Mantis platform and associated ground control infrastructure is already underway, with ground testing planned for later this year, leading to first flight by early 2009. The initial phase will be focusing on persistent ISTAR applications, ‘Spiral’ II on multi-sensor applications while weapons capabilities performed in Spiral III.
The aircraft will be able to carry weapons on six under-wing stores. Possible weapons load Include up to six Paveway size guided weapons, or 12 brimstone missiles, in addition to two Electro-optical (EO) payloads and a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). It will be capable of operations extending over 24 hours. Although BAE Systems did not elaborate on specific performance, it is assumed that the Mantis is designed for medium and high altitude operations from 25,000 to 50,000 ft, supporting the warfighter through a range of direct support roles, among them persistent ISR and attack of “short lived” time critical targets.
The powerplant used for the first aircraft is the Rolls Royce RR250B-17 but, according to Kane, final decision on te specific type and maker of the engine to be used in serial aircraft will be made later in Spiral I. current According to BAE Systems, the development will be based on several steps (‘spirals’) which contribute to an accelerated development cycle. “We plan develop the Mantis from a blank page into a flying unmanned aircraft in 15 months” said Mark Kane who leads the Company’s UK UAS activities.
“The rapid development of Mantis will provide indicators of how we can improve the acquisition process to deliver capability swiftly into the changing military environments” said Air Vice Marshal Simon Bollom, Director General Combat Air at the British Ministry of Defense. “We expect to see positive early results before deciding about further investments in a longer term program’ he cautioned.
The current development phase includes an industry team headed by BAE Systems, including Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ, GE Aviation, Selex Galileo and Meggitt. The Mantis program benefit from earlier investment made by BAE Systems and MOD in unmanned systems, particularly in flight autonomy.
U.S. Army paratroopers prepare to load into a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during an air-assault mission to detain a known militant in the Bermel district of Paktika province, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Andrya Hill (This photo is not related to the accidents reported above)
Three helicopters crashed today in Afghanistan claimed 14 lives and 25wounded. According to information provided by ISAF the helicopter was supporting a search mission over a suspected compound in the Darabam district in the north western Badghis province, where the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is engaging insurgents conducting narcotics trafficking. In a separate incident two U.S. Marines helicopters were involved in a mid-air collision during a night mission.
Late night on October 26, 2009, a combined team of Afghan and international forces and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) members was conducting a mission to disrupt arms smuggling and narcotics trafficking in the Darreh-ye Bum Village in the Afghan province’s Qadis district. Finances from these illegal activities provide support for the insurgency. The mission developed into a heavy firefight killing 12 insurgents.
CH-47 Chinook landing and takes off in typical ‘brownout’ conditions in Iraq
On leaving the area, one of the Boeing MH-47 helicopters supporting the operation went down killing ten of the passengers, and wounding 23 Afghan troops, U.S. soldiers and one DEA agent. Among the wounded 14 are Afghans, eight U.S. soldiers and one DEA agent. The Taliban has claimed it shot down a helicopter in northwest, but this has not been verified but U.S. sources claim that Militants did not fire at the helicopter at any point during the departure or crash.
According to information released by the U.S. Defense Department two days later, the cause for the MH-47 crash was a combination of factors caused by very low visibility. According to the Pentagon, the incident occurred about 3:30 a.m. when the helicopter lifted off following a successful operation against militants. Thick dust stirred up from the initial takeoff and overwhelmed the visibility of the helicopter crew (brownout condition). As the crew tried to correct the aircraft’s movement, it struck a tall structure, causing it to crash.
The second incident involved two U.S. Marines helicopters involved in a mid-air collision on a night mission over the southern Helmand province. The accident involved a UH-1 Huey and an AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. Four Marine aviators were killed in this accident, and two were wounded.
The Challenge of Combat Flying at Night
The following video depicts some of the difficulties of helicopter combat night flight. Flying over Iraq, the scene is usually well illuminated, enabling pilots equipped with ANVIS night goggles to have effective situational awareness. In the vast empty deserts of Afghanistan, the nights are much darker and NVG provides limited night vision, therefore, aviators usually employ various illumination devices to mark the helicopter’s rotor disc and position.
An MH-53 Pave Low helicopter performs terminal operations during a tactical night mission over the Eglin Air Force Base live fire ranges Aug. 6, 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)
A Pacbot 510 deploying the 'Red Owl' multisensor payload on a semi-erected position during a field demo at the AUVSI 2007 event. Defense Update photo.
A Pacbot 510 deploying the 'Red Owl' multisensor payload on a semi-erected position during a field demo at the AUVSI 2007 event. Defense Update photo.
After developing 3D touch controllers for video and computer games, Novint Technologies is moving on to the real world, developing a Remote Touch Kit (RTK) for the PackBot, under contract from the robot manufacturer iRobot.
The RTK will enable the robot operator to feel how hard the PackBot’s “gripper” squeezes an object, safely pick up and handle fragile objects, and feel when the robot’s arm touches a wire or reaches a movement limit. When driving the robot, soldiers will also feel bumps and jerks of the robot, improving performance over rugged terrain.
Applying such sensory feedback is expected to reduced task times and operator burden, enhance situational awareness. The contract was awarded by iRobot, as part of project funded by the Secretary of Defense Joint Ground Robotics Enterprise through the Robotics Technology Consortium (RTC).
In 2007 Novint Technologies and Sandia labs introduced the first controller to make high-fidelity, interactive three-dimensional touch possible and practical for consumer computing applications. Novint develops 3D haptic technology and products that enable people to experience a realistic sense of touch using their computer. Using our 3D haptic interface device, the Novint Falcon, and patented 3D haptic software, computer users may feel 3D objects, feel their shapes and textures, feel the dynamic properties of objects, and feel many other effects. The Novint Falcon gives force feedback through interchangeable handles that a user holds on to.
Two typical payloads carried by the A160T include eight Hellfire / JAGM missiles or the foliage penetrating ground surveillance Forrester radar.
October 25, 2009: Boeing A160T Hummingbird unmanned helicopter successfully completed 20 test flights testing the Foliage Penetration Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Tracking and Engagement Radar (FORESTER), developed under a DARPA / US Army program.
The tests, conducted at Fort Stewart, Ga., validated the radar-carrying A160T’s flight characteristics with more than 50 hours of flying time. The new radar will be able to detect and track moving vehicles and dismounted troops under foliage, filling a current surveillance gap. Vic Sweberg, director of Unmanned Airborne Systems (UAS) at Boeing considers the recent test a validation of the “operational readiness of this important capability”. He said that the combination of these unique platform and sensor make a formidable system.
The U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command (ARDEC) has already received two FORESTER radars and is planning to acquire a third system from Syracuse Research Corporation (SRC), with options for three additional systems. The system’s development began in 2005 under a $35 million DARPA funded program. As the system has been matured through testing and demonstration, the Army plans to move to the third phase, buying three addional systems. These radars will be installed on A160T unmanned systems.
Two typical payloads carried by the A160T include eight Hellfire / JAGM missiles or the foliage penetrating ground surveillance Forrester radar. Photo: Defense-Update
The Foliage Penetrating Radar System was developed under a joint DARPA/Army program that demonstrated how airborne UHF radar is capable of detecting people and vehicles moving under foliage. The radar can operate under all weather and visibility conditions, providing persistent, stand-off coverage of moving vehicles and dismounted troops under foliage. These radars have already been tested in both single and double canopy foliage, operating on Blackhawk helicopter and on an A160 high altitude, long endurance UAV helicopter.
The A160T is a turbine-powered unmanned helicopter that can perform numerous missions, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, communications, and precision resupply. It holds the world record for endurance for its class (more than 18 hours unrefueled), can hover at 20,000 feet and can carry up to 2,500 pounds of cargo. The Hummingbird recently was selected to participate in the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory’s Immediate Cargo Unmanned Aerial System Demonstration Program. Boeing will demonstrate that the A160T can deliver at least 2,500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another in fewer than six hours per day for three consecutive days.
Lockheed Martin has also developed and tested a FOPEN radar. The latest phase of the program, known as TRACER, is currently being tested on a surrogate UAV platform.
A graphical presentation of an A160T with FORRESTER radar detecting human targets, such as ambush, hidden under dense trees. Photo: DARPA.
Tel Aviv – 22 October 2009: Israel and the United States have launched today, Wednesday October 21, their first day of the three-week Juniper Cobra 10 air defense exercise, being the largest ever joint-military exercises in missile defense, to be held by the two nations. About a thousand U.S. troops, from all four branches of service, will work alongside an equal number of Israel Defense Force personnel, taking part in computer-simulated war games intended to ensure the two countries can jointly respond to a crisis. The two countries have held five such exercises since 2001. The Joint Task Force commander is Rear Admiral John M. Richardson, deputy commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. The exercise began October 21st and will last through November 3rd, 2009.
Juniper Cobra 2010
17 Sixth Fleet warships, including AEGIS destroyers armed with Standard SM2 missiles and support vessels are participating in the drills, along with 1,000 personnel from the U.S. European Command and about the same number of Israeli military personnel. The Juniper Cobra biannual exercises began in 2001, as the missile defense cooperation between Israel and the U.S. expanded. U.S. Patriot air defense batteries were deployed to Israel for the first time in 1991, to help defend the country from Iraqi missile attacks. These exercises are improving the interoperability and coordination between the two forces and establish close working relations between Israeli and U.S. personnel involved with missile defense.
Brig. General Doron Gavish and Rear Admiral John M. Richardson announce the beginning of Juniper Cobra 10 erercisein Tel Aviv. Photo: Defense-Update.
As Exercise Juniper Cobra unfolds, it is expected to deal with an escalating scenario, challenging the bilateral, integrated missile defense systems with multiple types of simultaneous threats fired from different ranges. These could include coordinated missile barrages launched from Iran and Syria, along with continuous attacks by medium and short range rockets fired by Hezbollah from Lebanon and Hamas from Gaza. Such air defense missions will be performed simultaneously with extensive air operations, characteristic of wartime activity. According to Brig. General Doron Gavish, commander of Israel’s air defense forces, the exercise will focus on active defense (missile interceptors) and will not address other aspects of Israel’s defense posture, such as pre-emptive – offensive or passive defense. During the first phase unfolding this week, the forces will practice field deployments of air defense units. The second week will focus on command-post exercises, as deployed units and command posts on land and at sea will deal with simulated threats . The third and phase will involve live firing of Israeli Patriot missiles.
Among the systems expected to be deployed and tested during the drills are the Arrow-2 System Improvement Program (ASIP), and its associated Advanced Green Pine radar, the U.S. TPY-2 radar already positioned and operating in southern Israel, Israel Air Force Patriot and Hawk missiles systems; Patriot PAC-3 missile-interceptors deployed by U.S. forces from their European based, elements of the new Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system and the naval-deployed AEGIS missile defense systems.
The U.S. forces are conducting regular exercises with international allied nations. Such exercises are planned more than a year in advance and require extensive coordination and preparation. However, joint exercises could also be used to mask strategic movements of forces. Just recently, the U.S. Central Command concluded the bi-annual Bright Star exercise in Egypt, rehearsing a massive parachute airdrop and equipment delivery. A similar exercise in 1990 preceded the coalition liberation of Kuwait, in response to the Iraqi invasion. According to some speculations, the U.S. could leave behind some of its advanced air defense systems deployed for the Juniper Cobra exercise. Such systems could include infrastructure equipment of even complete Patriot PAC-3 systems or elements of the THAAD, to be stored in the U.S. Army prepositioned equipment storages in Israel. However RADM Richardson stated that all U.S. units will be redeployed after the exercise.
In April this year, about 100 Europe-based personnel took part in a missile defense exercise that for the first time incorporated the U.S. owned X-Band TPY-2 radar system, which was deployed to Israel’ AIr Force base at Nevatim in the Negev desert in October 2008. This radar is intended to give Israel early warning in the event of a missile launch from Iran. For the past year, a small unit of U.S. troops and Defense Department contractors have been managing the radar station’s operations on site.
October 20, 2009: IAI has unveiled today a compact unmanned ground robotic vehicle designed to support infantry units in combat. The platform, dubbed REX has a useful payload of 200 kg (450 lb), providing logistical sustainment for an infantry team or squad (3-10 soldiers) over a 72 hours mission. IAI expects the international market for such products will evolve over the next years, developing a demand for tens of thousands of units for military and civilian applications.
The REX 6x6 robotic platform developed by IAI, providing close combat support to dismounted infantry teams. Photo: IAI
REX is designed with a level of sensing, situational awareness, and machine intelligence to apply a level of autonomy allowing the robot to follow a designated soldier at a constant distance. Each of the team members can control the robot without being distracted from the mission at hand. The key to this capability is the unique man-machine command interface patented by IAI. The REX control system is derived from dog training. The robot is trained to follow specific commands such as ‘stop!’, ‘fetch!’ and ‘heel!’ enabling the robot operator to stay focused on the mission while commanding the robot to perform the tasks within the level of autonomy it is assigned for. According to Ofer Glazer, head of innovation at IAI, “Controlling the robot in this way allows for intuitive interaction and rapid integration of the product on the field within a short time frame”.
The Israel Air Force is embarking on an ambitious avionics enhancement program that has the potential to upgrade the air force’s entire combat fleet, including fighter, transport and helicopters, facilitating advanced network centric services and capabilities throughout the air force’s combat assets, new and old.
The upgrade will streamline the avionics levels of all the air force assets, from the future JSF, through the recently fielded F-16I to earlier fighter jets and attack helicopters. Unlike earlier upgrade programs, which required replacement of avionic units, the new avionic modernization will introduce a new ‘Generic Avionic Server’ (GAS) hosting new avionic applications, and acting as a ‘mediator’ between the air force’s network and the aircraft avionic system. IAF avionics experts consider this approach suitable to deal with most of the challenges derived by the rapid obsolescence of electronic systems, complex and long development and integration processes involving modern network centric applications, particularly when matched with equally complex, physically, energy, processing and memory challenged avionic systems.
Air force officials consider the implementation of ‘generic avionic systems’ could solve some of these challenges by simplifying system integration. Applications running on the new server will be loosely coupled, using the Data Distribution Services (DDS) standard to communicate data with legacy avionics and among themselves. Additionally, the generic computer will have to be integrated only once into each of the platforms, regardless of the upgrades to the network services. One of the applications the IAF could be considering is an air-force wide situational awareness application that will take advantage of network-centric communications, and data sharing to develop a tactical picture form known aircraft positions of friendly units as well as non cooperative targets. Utilizing the GAS approach for such an application, the air force will be able to leverage an application developed for fighter aircraft and implement it in combat helicopters, with minimum adaptation. Other applications could address accelerated and dynamic kill chains (‘sensor to shooter cycles’), and employment of in-flight network-based virtual training for joint forces (air, land, sea and C4I).
The IAF considers GAS to implement the hardware and generic system services referred as ‘horizontal’ services, maintaining ‘household’ services such as communications and displays controls. ‘Vertical’ applications will employ specific algorithms running mission specific services. When fully deployed, this separation will simplify and accelerate the evolution, integration and rapid fielding of new services, since new applications will be developed to run on ‘virtual machines’, which are both hardware and platform independent, designed to run on GAS rather than on the mission computer of each of the different aircraft types.
As part of the multi-year planning, the IAF conducted a thorough ‘mapping’ of all its avionic resources, to come up with a single piece of hardware that could match the space, power and cooling resources of all platforms. Next, the IAF launched a development program, to demonstrate the new capability. A single contractor will be selected to provide the systems to be implemented throughout the air forces units. Few weeks ago the IAF released the long awaited request for proposal (RFP) for the new computer, and received proposals from four Israeli companies: IAI, Elbit Systems, Astronautics and Rada.
The Air Force is planning to adapt state of the art standards based protocols, such as, running commercial based avionic operating systems, implementing a high level of reliability, thus benefit from mature avionic development environment and availability of proven hardware and software modules. The new computer will be replacing or augmenting the Digital Video Recording systems which are being fielded throughout the fleet. When fully implemented the new computer and its associated networking and display services will provide existing and new platforms with scalable growth capability. On board systems on all platforms, regardless of their age will gain seamless access to all the information on board, access to the airborne data network, including live video.
While the GAS is an ambitious undertaking, the Air Force is hopeful industry will address this new approach by developing new network-based applications on a runtime licensing basis. The IAF has already initiated ‘cooperation’ with potential ‘partners’ for such systems, and is seeking innovative ways to leverage application development as well. Officials consider the new approach will dramatically reduce the total cost of ownership for the airforce, in addition to minimizing the development and integration efforts required by the industry. The IAF is hopeful the industry will back the new avionic architecture, helping fulfill its potential, and generate a huge amount of applications, as the minimal entry level for generation of such has lessened.
Network-centric information systems bring time, context sensitive intelligence closer to the warfighter
To handle the masses of data and imagery streaming from the field, new tools are developed to assist battalions, companies and platoons to obtain, process and use intelligence and operationally relevant information. Such systems streamline, automate, and simplify tasks undertaken by ordinary soldiers and officers, transforming every staff and Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) to an expert. Such systems are being fielded as low as the platoon level, assisting mission preparation and debriefing, as well as terrain surveying, while at the company level they assist in the creation of better situational awareness and understanding the ‘human terrain’. Operating as network linked services, such systems are effectively supported by networked intelligence services operating at the higher echelons, intuitively suggesting links and relevance of different pieces of information collected from different databases and systems, in search of relevant information.
For example, a new application developed under the DARPA Tactical Ground Reporting System (TIGR) program is designed to automate intelligence collection and reporting at the company and platoon. The new application was unveiled by General Dynamics C4 Systems. TIGR is designed as a map-based geographic information system, enabling users can also track dynamic changes with the system – the data TIGR uses is dynamic information – new structures being constructed, destroyed bridges or new obstacles. TIGR manages this dynamic tactical landscape using before/after photos and updated imagery to provide an up-to-date view of the battlespace. As a networked system, TIGR accesses many servers over the military global information grid, enabling users to receive information from multiple sources, and understand the context of local events within the ‘big picture’. The system is designed primarily for counterinsurgency operations, enabling collection and dissemination of fine-grained intelligence on people, places, insurgent activity and understanding the ‘human terrain’. Meetings with religious leaders, encounters with local villagers or business owners can be recorded and shared in TIGR. The system has been tested this year in Afghanistan and is scheduled to be fielded to more units in 2010.
Another system, soon to be fielded with engineers teams and platoons is the ENFIRE Instrument Set, Reconnaissance and Surveying system, developed by Northrop Grumman. The system is designed as a map-based reporting system, supporting the processing of engineering field reconnaissance – currently done in a complex, manual process reserved only to few skilled professionals. Designed under the guidelines of the Army’s ‘Every Soldier is a Sensor’ (ES2) initiative, the system enables engineering reports to be created by infantry squads equipped with the ENFINE kit. The system employs several lasers, GPS position locators and tablet PC and other devices, assisting the team in recording and measuring roads, bridges and obstacles, charted on digital maps that update the ‘terrain’ information layer displayed on the unit’s digital situational map.
Company Intelligence Support Team (CoIST) system, developed by Textron Systems’ subsidiary Overwatch of the Textron Group are being employed to manage and exploit this information, to better assess asymmetric threats in the area of operation (AOR), by mapping events, behavioral and social activities, highlighting patterns and links with potantial intelligence value. Utilizing diversified sources such as signals intelligence and identification information gathered in routine roadblocks and traffic checks, tracking and intercept of mobile phones, CoIST gathers and analyzes information with cross-reference with patrol reports and ground sensor data, through the integration with TIGR system and current messaging and reporting systems. CoIST maintains a local, sharable database of trackable entities such as people, events, vehicles, phones etc,. Based on this information, the system builds formatted high value target intelligence packages within seconds, assisting time critical actionable decisions.
The Company Intelligence Support Team (CoIST) displayed here on a laptop PC shows the various models developed by Overwatch Tactical Operation's products, including integrated map and real-time video feeds received in real-time from unmanned systems via OSRVT, video and images retrieved from teh database, and a graphical link analysis tool showing relationship between relevant entities. Photo: Overwatch / Textron Systems.
CACI, a specialist in biometrics-based services has introduced an integrated system fusing biometric data (fingerprint, iris, face recognition DNA etc) with biographic identity attributes and relationship information from both structured and unstructured data, including free text.
Other systems, such as the NetReveal services developed by BAE Systems’ subsidiary Detica provide intelligence agencies an automatic processing and access to huge volumes of information. The system enables analysts and investigators to study associations and links between objects of varying formats and origin, gaining an insight and develop situational awareness and understanding in rapidly unfolding scenarios, where large volumes of inbound, multiple format intelligence is arriving against a historic back drop of millions of data items and reports. NetReveal identifies and highlights entities over multiple domains, for example, correlating between two groups of people who called a certain phone number and drove a specific car – two sets of events that are not linked to each other but together, create a ‘network’. The system automatically generates such ‘networks of intelligence’ using free text, structured and unstructured data. All elements are correlated with geospatial and time dimension to enable ad-hoc analysis of historic and current information, mined from every accessible sources, including human intelligence and open sources. This process dynamically suggests associations between entities, highlighting links or anomalies, unveiling underlying trends that analysts have not been aware of before.
The Mast Mounted System (MMS) developed jointly by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin is a networked sensor suite considered for inclusion as part of the U.S. Army’s modernized Brigade Combat Teams (BCT). MMS enables armored reconnaissance vehicles to acquire and share sensor images and videos across the platoon and up the chain of command. Information generated by the MMS supports both the host platform as well as the platoon’s ‘system of systems’, contributing to a wider ‘common operating picture’ shared across the unit’s elements. The MMS could become part of the proposed Stryker Recce Vehicle. The system is mounted on a five meter telescopic mast, and operated by the crew or remotely, through command and control services or dismounts soldiers.
A typical display of the CMMS developed by Lockheed Martin showing an ortho-photo based situational screen, with two targets (yellow dots) depicted on a panoramic image. Each of the targets is also displayed in the 'target chips' vignettes, with the relevant data. Wide-area search and long-range multi-spectral sensor performance provide the crew with both the location and high-resolution imagery of potential threats and targets. Interrogation of the “target chips” enables positive identification and increased survivability. It also provides the capability for Warfighters to determine enemy intent. Photo: Lockheed Martin
The system can operate over simultaneous modes – Passive, wide area search scans objects of interest over a large area in seconds, displaying a panoramic view offering accurate target detection and location.
360° continuous by multi-spectral sensors provides target identification at ranges greater than enemy detection ranges, and provide accurate target location. The sensor elevates on a five meter telescopic mast, enabling operation from stealthy, stationary positions or on the move.
One of the system’s key advantages is the Central Electronic Unit signal processor (CEEU) performing, target tracking, recognition, and target location processing. The CEEU also performs single- and multi-target tracking, executing rate commands to keep the sensor automatically on target.
The CMMS sensor displayed at the AUSA 2009 exhibition on a modified Stryker. Photo: Defense-Update
The processor also performs aided target recognition (AiTR) to automatically and rapidly detect, recognize and prioritize targets of opportunity and military interest in the sensor’s field of view. Advanced algorithms such as Scene Assisted Non-Uniformity Correction (SANUC) are employed to improve image quality at long range. The multi-sensor system operates continuously day and night, in poor weather, and under impaired visibility conditions such as man-made lighting, dust, smoke screens and battlefield fires.
The EO payload employs multi-spectral and low-light level sensors mid-wave infrared and laser illuminated imager, providing wide, medium, narrow and ultra-narrow fields of view. Laser designation capability is used for directing precision fire. The system is controlled from a large flat panel display, presenting panoramic, multi-window displays of the MMS video and external sources, such as UAV imagery or Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS).
The CMMS sensor is housed in an armored casing providing environmental and battlefield protection. In this picture it is seen without this armored cover. Photo: Lockheed Martin.
M-ATV vehicles undergoing testing in the high desert of Western USA prior to shipment to Afghanistan. Photo: Oshkosh Defense.
AUSA, Washington DC, October 2009: While M-ATV is being introduced in Afghanistan, 14,000 MRAP vehicles are still in theater, performing a wide range of missions. These vehicles were primarily prepared to protect troops from direct fire, improvised explosive devices and mines, performing as convoy escort. MRAPs are used optimally for security and stability operations, in high threat areas, where they provide protected mobility for counter-IED teams and support medical evacuations from hot battle areas. But these vehicles are ill-prepared for combat engagements. Given their limited maneuverability, questionable performance in urban area and problematic traverse of unimproved roads, bridges and water canals, MRAPs are challenging operational planners and commanders flexibility to the limit.
A company command 4x4 MRAP Cougar vehicle demonstrated at the General Dynamics stand at AUSA 2009. Photo: Defense Update.
As soon as the first vehicles arrived in theater, modifications and improvements were considered, bringing protection to match the evolving threats. It was soon realized that the basic vehicle provides good protection, but needs other improvements. The heavy vehicle required much higher driver proficiency, with better training and familiarity with emergency handling. Other enhancements address field repair of damaged and disabled vehicles, as the recovery of such paralyzed behemoth becomes a daunting task for combat service support teams. These missions required calling in the Army’s heaviest recovery assets – the M88s Hercules which are typically supporting heavy brigades. New recovery vehicles and systems are currently in evaluation to fill this gap.
Electronics HUB Upgrades for MRAP
Among the MRAP enhancements displayed at AUSA 2009 was the HUB vehicle tactical functions management system, introduced by Force Protection. Installed as an add-on to standard MRAPs, the HUB integrates multiple electronic systems on the vehicle, including multiple surveillance and reconnaissance payloads, remotely operated weapons system, mission computers, radios, blue force tracking devices, GPS, acoustic fire detection systems, IED jammers, multiple radios and intercom – all are linked through the ‘vehicle network’ to enable the crew – driver and commander to operate the systems from the cabin.
The HUB network enables flexible vehicle reconfiguration, improved power management, applications of systems health monitoring and improving technical support. Enhancement and modification of the systems on board becomes more feasible with such systems, as the vehicle can better adapt to changing mission requirements. It also improves the integration and interoperability between the different systems optimally allocating spectrum and power resources among competing resources (for example, jammers and radios). The HUB also provides flexible access and task sharing within the crew members, monitoring the different systems, sensors, sectors and communications channels for every soldier.
M-ATV vehicles undergoing testing in the high desert of Western USA prior to shipment to Afghanistan. Photo: Oshkosh Defense.
AUSA, Washington DC, October 2009: The Mast Mounted System (MMS) developed jointly by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin is a networked sensor suite considered for inclusion as part of the U.S. Army’s modernized Brigade Combat Teams (BCT). MMS enables armored reconnaissance vehicles to acquire and share sensor images and videos across the platoon and up the chain of command. Information generated by the MMS supports both the host platform as well as the platoon’s ‘system of systems’, contributing to a wider ‘common operating picture’ shared across the unit’s elements. The MMS could become part of the proposed Stryker Recce Vehicle. The system is mounted on a five meter telescopic mast, and operated by the crew or remotely, through command and control services or dismounts soldiers.
A typical display of the CMMS developed by Lockheed Martin showing an ortho-photo based situational screen, with ptwo targets (yellow dots) depicted on a panoramic image. Each of the targets is also displayed in the 'target chips' vignetes, with the relevant data. Wide-area search and long-range multi-spectral sensor performance provide the crew with both the location and high-resolution imagery of potential threats and targets. Interrogation of the “target chips” enables positive identification and increased survivability. It also provides the capability for Warfighters to determine enemy intent. Photo: Lockheed Martin.
The system can operate over simultaneous modes – Passive, wide area search scans objects of interest over a large area in seconds, displaying a panoramic view offering accurate target detection and location. 360° continuous by multi-spectral sensors provides target identification at ranges greater than enemy detection ranges, and provide accurate target location. The sensor elevates on a five meter telescopic mast, enabling operation from stealthy, stationary positions or on the move.
The CMMS sensor is housed in an armored casing providing environmental and battlefield protection. In this picture it is seen without this armored cover. Photo: Lockheed Martin.
One of the system’s key advantages is the Central Electronic Unit signal processor (CEEU) performing, target tracking, recognition, and target location processing. The CEEU also performs single- and multi-target tracking, executing rate commands to keep the sensor automatically on target. The processor also performs aided target recognition (AiTR) to automatically and rapidly detect, recognize and prioritize targets of opportunity and military interest in the sensor’s field of view. Advanced algorithms such as Scene Assisted Non-Uniformity Correction (SANUC) are employed to improve image quality at long range. The multi-sensor system operates continuously day and night, in poor weather, and under impaired visibility conditions such as man-made lighting, dust, smoke screens and battlefield fires.
he EO payload employs multi-spectral and low-light level sensors mid-wave infrared and laser illuminated imager, providing wide, medium, narrow and ultra-narrow fields of view. Laser designation capability is used for directing precision fire. The system is controlled from a large flat panel display, presenting panoramic, multi-window displays of the MMS video and external sources, such as UAV imagery or Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS).
Photo below: a convoy comprising of three vehicles, two unmanned T2 light vehicles and an armored control platform, utilizing a modified Stryker demonstrates a combined manned-unmanned semi-autonomous operation during the AUVSI 2009 unmanned systems demonstration at Webster Field, August 2009. Photo: Defense Update.
AUSA, Washington DC, October 2009: The Army’s newest acquisition – M-ATV , was displayed in a shining new example at prime contractor’s Oshkosh booth at AUSA 2009 before it is shipped to the dusty war torn battlegrounds of Afghanistan. Nearby, Oshkosh displayed a Technology Demonstrator (TD) hinting about what the future applications of tactical vehicles could be – this M-ATV like vehicle was featuring autonomy, exportable power on demand and all-terrain mobility. The TD is equipped with the TerraMax system, integrating sensors, artificial intelligence and drive-by-wire technology to function in autonomous, leader-follower or manually driven modes.
The Autonomous Remote Control HMMWVs (ARCH) modified with TORC Technologies' plug-in PowerHub drive-by-wire system converts the HMMWV into a tele-operated lead vehicle. (Photo: Torc Technologies)
Unlike the big and yellow TerraMax truck robot that participated in the DARPA Challenge, the TD is better configured for military operations, and actually looks like an ordinary M-ATV. Its sensors are concealed, and control systems are installed as an integral kit, converting the standard vehicle into an autonomous one. Such vehicles could be operating in manned-unmanned convoys, reducing the vulnerability, manpower and protection assets needed to supporting logistical operations in the combat zone. Another system being tested by Oshkosh in the TD vehicle is the Command Zone – a multiplexed electronics system that controls and diagnoses all major vehicle systems, allowing its major components to work together efficiently. The vehicle is fitted with the ProPulse hybrid-electric propulsion system, capable of supporting forward deployed units with electrical power. In this configuration, the hybrid propulsion system can provide 60 kVA of electrical power.
This Technology Demonstrator vehicle developed by Oshkosh demonstrated autonomous mobility, power generation and enhanced maintainability. Photo: Defense-Update
Another advanced technology truck demonstrated by Oshkosh is the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) A3 series featuring ProPulse diesel-electric drive technology which improves fuel efficiency by at least 20 percent over current HEMTT models. The vehicle uses an on-board electrical generator delivering up to 120 kW of military-grade AC power. The By eliminating the driveshaft and differentials, the Propulse system employs electrical motors to drive the wheels, clearing enough space for Enhanced Load Handling System (ELHS) that can be flown in and unload from a C-130. Oshkosh has already produced three prototypes of the vehicle, used for durability testing. One of the proposed configurations of this platform is the Mobile Centurion – a mobile version of the counter-rocket and mortar gun, protecting high-value site defense. The C-130 transportable HEMMT A2 provides cross-country mobility for logistics support carrying loads up to 13-tons. HEMMT A4 is currently in production, featuring long-term armor strategy (LTAS) A-kit cab which can be upgraded to LTAS B-kit when required.
Lockheed Martin is also developing technology to support a mixed manned-unmanned convoy, through the Convoy Active Safety Technology (CAST) – a kit-based platform that can turn a conventional truck into an autonomous member of convoy with a push of a button. Utilizing the company’s developed AutoMate sensor and actuator kit, CAST enables the trucks operating in a convoy to maintain lateral and longitudinal position along the road and relative to the leading vehicle. Autonomously avoiding obstacles, and maintaining constant interval between vehicles, these robot trucks will improve convoy safety, security, survivability and sustainment, reducing crew fatigue, eliminate rear-end collisions. The system has already been integrated in FMTV and M915 vehicles, performing convoy operation of five vehicles. CATS is designed to support movement at speeds of 50 mph on paved roads and 35 mph on dirt roads, operate in day and night, under limited visibility conditions, and handle split autonomous and rejoin maneuvers, when required.
These vehicles were recently demonstrated their autonomous convoy mission capability at a three day Robotics Rodeo event organized by the U.S. Army III Corps at Ft. Hood, sponsored by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). Some 30 companies participated in the demonstrations, which included remotely controlled, autonomous, leader-follower performance. Among the companies demonstrating such systems were Autonomous Solutions, teamed with Boeing on the development of a remotely controlled vehicle technology; Kairos Autonomi demonstrating the Pronto 4 Strap-on Autonomy System, converting an ordinary car into a tele-operated or semi-autonomous vehicle. TORC Technologies demonstrated how a convoy tele-operated lead vehicle can perform dynamically in a convoy protection missions, absorbing attacks of roadside bombs without risking human lives. SImilar man-unmanned teaming was also demonstrated by General Dynamics Robotics Systems.
For more coverage see Mark Rutherford‘s feature on CNET Military Tech News.
Photo below: a convoy comprising of three vehicles, two unmanned T2 light vehicles and an armored control platform, utilizing a modified Stryker demonstrates a combined manned-unmanned semi-autonomous operation during the AUVSI 2009 unmanned systems demonstration at Webster Field, August 2009. Photo: Defense Update.
AUSA, Washington DC, October 2009: 360° surveillance provides effective situational awareness for armored vehicles crew. Perimeter surveillance utilizing peripheral cameras is becoming common with modern combat vehicles, employing forward looking thermal ‘driver vision enhancer’ and tail mounted camera covering the rear area. Adding side looking cameras to each flank complete the system’s 360° coverage. Individual images can be inspected by different crewmembers or be joined together into a panoramic view combining the detailed images, shared and displayed to all crew members.
Fused Vision Tailored for Tactical Vehicles
BAE Systems is offering a complete kit providing peripheral vision for tactical vehicles. ‘Fused Vision System’ (FVS) provides both forward and rear viewing imagery. The FVS consists of an imaging sensor module combined with the front marker-light assembly and blackout drive lamp and containing the fusion engine, the driver’s output display module, and the central interface module. For forward imagery, the modified marker light assembly is integrated with an uncooled, long-wave infrared sensor, a visible/near infrared camera, and an image fusion engine. The long-wave thermal imagery enables operation in complete darkness, supporting the daylight/low-light camera by eliminating blooming or halo. The combined sensor provides an improved situational awareness compared to thermal imagers as it covers the near infrared spectral range, where laser pointers, tracers, and target markers can be seen. The system’s 40° field of view parallels the properties of the Driver’s Vision Enhancer (DVE) for similar drivability. Rear visibility is provided by the Check-6 infrared camera system that is molded into the vehicle’s taillight housing. The rear view gives the driver and crew situational awareness for everything from backing up the vehicle to buttoned-up battlefield operations.
A Cougar MRAP vehicle equipped with a Nightstalker surveillance system . Photo: IEC Infrared Systems.
Panoramic Scanner
HGH Infrared Systems has developed the IR-360 – a high sensitivity, high speed cooled infrared camera which sweeps over 360° in one second, detecting and tracking multiple moving targets, in day or night, through fog, smoke or haze, detecting human movement in real time, beyond 1,000 meters. The system provides continuously updated 360°. thermal surveillance, providing automatic intrusion alerts, pointing to the target with GPS and vector data, and guiding other systems through the ‘slew-to-cue’ functionality, remotely directing long-range observation systems or weapon stations to engage the target. The system can be coupled with thermal/visual imaging system to support more detailed surveillance.
VipIR improves Thermal Vision
System can be integrated with the advanced VipIR embedded image processing system developed by IEC Infrared Systems that dynamically processes the image to present an optimal view under all visibility conditions. The VipIR supports for color visualizations of different thermal levels, to highlight specific elements in the image. This capability becomes useful when using the system’s digital zoom in ‘picture-in-picture’ investigation mode. When viewing a human target, concealed objects under the cloths can be viewed, as the system performs ‘smart fusion’, showing thermal imaging details superimposed on the background picture only with the ‘pixels of interest’, leaving the entire picture uncluttered.
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