Improved Connectivity for ADF Tanks
Leonardo DRS next-generation ruggedized battle management hardware has recently successfully supported M1A1SA tanks of the Australian Armoured Cavalry Regiment during Exercise “Hamel,” the company announced on 24 July. The hardware provides the army’s armoured cavalry units improved connectivity within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as well as increased US, joint, and coalition battle management system interoperability in the field.
The system was featured for the first time in an operational exercise and successfully connected the main battle tanks to the Army’s battle management network. Prior to integrating the DRS hardware, the tanks had not been able to communicate on this mission-critical network.
“In close cooperation with the Australian Army, together we have provided a combat-proven system that gives commanders, leaders, and soldiers improved situational awareness and is a mission-critical tool to ensure success on the battlefield,” commented Vice President and General Manager of DRS Land Electronics business, Jerry Hathaway. “DRS is grateful for the collaborative relationship with the Commonwealth of Australia in support of the highly successful Exercise HAMEL. DRS looks forward to leveraging our recent $841 million US Army battle management system hardware award into integrated, scalable solutions for emerging Commonwealth of Australia needs [….] These ultra-rugged computers are part of a long line of combat-proven hardware, for a wide range of platforms, we have provided our allies in the Australian Army.”
The army is demonstrating the Leonardo DRS battle management hardware in this environment with the goal of showing that it is able to be used continuously in a complex, manoeuvre-intensive operational environment.
The system gives users the capability to support not only systems like Blue Force Tracking, but will also be able to run all Australian Army battle management system applications, integrate all required Line of Sight and Beyond Line of Sight communications, and integrate cameras and other sensors – all in one computer. The rugged dismountable and out-of-the-hatch BMS tablet capability was used by tank platoon leaders, troop commanders and seconds in command on their tanks to conduct mission planning and digital rehearsals within the unit and present their plans to attached units. The DRS equipment fulfills the Australian Army mission requirements today and is fundamental to providing future capabilities like the Health and Usage Management System, Weapons System Integration, sensor integration, and future upgrades to the network architecture.
