74 · MT 3/2022 C4ISR Forum BAE Systems Hägglunds applies digital open architecture to new members of the CV90 family through a GVA-compliant electronic architecture that provides a broad spectrum of enhanced capabilities. (Photo: BAE Systems) Many actions in this scenario occur with minimal human interaction, while offering enhanced capabilities and performance at several levels on the battlefield. These capabilities are primarily possible due to digitalisation of battlefield systems, covering communications, electronics, electro-optics, vehicles, munitions, and more. Digital technology has been in various applications since the 1980s, initially limited to digital architecture in individual systems, though the benefits quickly became apparent. Susan J Wright of the Institute for Defense Analysis states the US Army committed to force digitalisation as early as 1994, as a key element of its Force XXI concept. But as late as 2001, “The US Army is still in the early stages of the digitalization process, and few units have had the opportunity to become digitized” suggested Zita Simutis, Technical Director at the Army Research Institute for Behavioural and Social Sciences. The desire to shift to digital has been further encouraged, driven by the quantum leap in possible capabilities demonstrated over the past two decades. The US Army’s ‘Project Convergence’ experiments have demonstrated how networking sensors, computing and effectors holds the possibility to significantly enhance battlefield efficiency. Yet, the vast majority of combat and support equipment of world militaries are legacy non-digital. This is especially a concern in combat vehicles and weapon systems, not readily replaceable. This disparity could adversely impact the ability of deployed forces to capitalise on the projected transformational advantages digital offers. Benefits of Digital Mikko Karppinen, SVP Mission Capability at Patria, states that “Digitalization enables various new ways of interacting and handling of transmitted and collected data compared to analog systems. It is possible to automate processes rapidly, refine data faster and create complex workflows by utilizing digitalized information. This leads to more accurate and up to date common operational picture and situational awareness.” These attributes apply equally to internal information flow as to transmission of data to external recipients. The ability to freely exchange data, coupled with both the miniaturisation of electronics and the massive growth in data storage, permit a range of functions previously impossible or impractical. Dan Lindell, CV90 platform director at BAE Systems Hägglunds, suggests “the application of digital architecture offers the benefits of an ‘integrate once, use everywhere’ approach.” This allows a more efficient holistic design approach, where functions are easily shared and smoothly integrated, thereby expanding resulting performance possibilities. “Digitalization, as applied in Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA), provides an enabler which integrates third party systems into a system-of-system level solution,” added Karppinen. At the vehicle level, it allows seamless exchange of information among crew and embarked troops – providing situational awareness (SA) recognised as critical to The platoon commander sitting at his position in the CV-90 combat vehicle uses his stabilised panoramic viewer, seeking signs of approaching enemy vehicles. All vehicles are now fully combat-ready, with the replacement of a defective electronics board identified by the vehicle’s integrated self-diagnostics the previous night, allowing a contact team to bring the required part forward. The enemy was first detected by a UAV operating forward, the contact shown on his Blue Force tracking display. Having earlier monitored the UAS video, he knew he faced elements of a motorised rifle company – not tanks. Completing a scan, a ‘red box’ symbol pops up in his sight display, indicating a contact as target detection and identification software performs automatically. In seconds, the fire control crew assist function confirms the contact as a BTR-80, comparing thermal and visual signatures to the target database. Detecting and confirming several other contacts, the commander estimates these constitute a lead platoon and with a single button movement, instantly sends enemy location, speed, direction and composition data to others in his unit, higher headquarters and supporting units. Receiving this data, the company automatic mortars immediately catalogue a new target, calculating firing data for a possible mission and displaying this to the commander. As the BTRs move forward, the CV-90 gunners select and track targets based on engagement recommendations from the embedded tactical planning programme. Onboard fire controls provide engagement recommendations as to the weapon, ammunition, number of rounds and technique most suited to best assure a successful engagement. Tracking through his sight, the computer voice makes a recommendation – accepted with a simple button stroke, automatically locking auto-track as the computer makes ballistic and lead adjustments. The platoon commander’s display shows which target each vehicle is tracking, assuring all are covered. It also shows the mortar section is prepared to fire on the follow-on enemy element, isolating their advance unit. Making a final observation, he gives the fire command and four CV-90s fire at once, while mortar HE and smoke impact on and behind the enemy vehicles. The engagement is over in minutes, leaving four smoking vehicles. Meanwhile, to the rear, while HQ is receiving an action report, the logistics team has already received an accounting of each vehicle’s status, including ammunition used/remaining, fuel, and readiness to prepare replenishment as needed. Stephen W Miller The Digital Battlefield Gap f
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