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It was apparent at this year’s AUSA that Battle Command on the Move using satcom-on-the-move systems as the main communications bearer is taking centre stage following lessons learnt in Iraq and Afghanistan. as the backbone means of communicating across the battlefield.
The JTRS GMR system will provide line-of-sight interfaces with FCS Brigade Combat Teams. The total communications requirement for the Army look to be provided by WIN-T and associated equipments such as Battle Command on the Move (BCOTM) now called C2OTM. C2OTM was recently won by Lockheed Martin against a General Dynamics bid, which GD is currently protesting.
There were a number of exhibitors at AUSA showing Battle Command on the Move Systems. These included: Boeing, DRS, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Hughes and EMS Technologies.
As well as US requirements other countries looking at Battle Command on the Move systems are the U.K. through the OUVS and Project Roberts Requirements and India.
Boeing
We are covering Boeing’s system in our feature ‘BOEING LEVERAGES Connexion TECHNOLOGY ONTO THE BATTLEFIELD’ in the next issue of BATTLESPACE, but a brief synopsis of their novel system is worth repetition as part of this feature.
The goal for Boeing was to provide non-line-of–sight systems using a mix of Ku, X and L-Band satcom systems. Boeing identified a number of commercial KU Band suppliers and developed a system for a complete Stryker Brigade, mounting antennas on a Stryker vehicle. Thus, the Company developed a flexible system which enables us to buy air time from different suppliers at different times. The secret of the system is not to have it tuned to one user all the time as this wastes valuable time and money; when a user is not using the system, we can give time and bandwidth to another user. Having demonstrated this to the Army at Fort Belvoir, Boeing was asked to extend the system across Iraq. Boeing used an L-3 antenna system and our own interfaces developed for CBB and mounted the systems on the Stryker vehicles in the green Zone in Baghdad in thirty days. They have been in country since January 2007 at 100% Operational Readiness. Boeing aims to have 40 systems operational in theatre by the end of 2008
DRS
We covered DRS’s system in detail in our March feature SATCOM – GATHERING MOMENTUM. Again an extract is worth repetition.
DRS recognised the growing requirement for SATCOM-on-the-move systems in 2004 and embarked on a privately funded programme to develop a number of systems in the X, Ku, and Ka band. The company’s DRS Codem Systems business unit is developing these systems as part of the overall DRS SATCOM strategy. The unit has approximately 130 employees and recently expanded and renovated its facilities in Merrimack, New Hampshire.
In October 2006 during the Association of the U.S. Army’s (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition, DRS unveiled its new X-Band Satellite Communications On-The-Move (XOTM) system. The antenna subsystem is designed for continuous high bandwidth voice, video and data in a highly dynamic environment. The design approach provides an affordable on-the-move solution combining a rugged mechanical architecture with highest quality COTS components for vehicle, shipboard and aircraft applications. The design is based on proven technologies integrated into a complete on-the-move package. Integrating navigation sensors, control electronics and radio frequency equipment on a pedestal provides improved stabilization, acquisition and tracking performance. The combination of open-loop pointing, closed-loop tracking and software algorithms for sensor fusion enable high performance in an affordable architecture.
DRS had further examples of this system at AUSA and will be demonstrating the system at DVD this year.
Lockheed Martin
Given that the C2OTM contract win is under protest, Lockheed martin could not discuss this system in detail, but was able to give BATTLESPACE an overview to the system shown on the stand at AUSA.
Lockheed Martin has developed a number of C2 On-the-Move Solutions designed to meet both military and domestic needs.
This newly developed equipment gives commanders a front seat view of the battlefield and helps co-ordinate emergency response at home.
“Command and control systems that provide a richly detailed picture of battlefield activity and allow commanders to coordinate military efforts may also find a place in different kinds of battlefronts — at natural disasters and other domestic crises that demand well-coordinated emergency response. Soldiers engaged with enemy forces in a remote mountain canyon have similar situational awareness and communications needs as firefighters who may find themselves face-to-face with flames on a mountain slope. In fact, for anyone who must contend with emergency situations, real-time information about what’s taking place and unfaltering communications is critical,” Lockheed Martin told BATTLESPACE.
New, more mobile systems that are connected to defense networks through satellite links allow commanders to move around on the battlefield while maintaining an ability to proactively command and control actions within their battlespace.
This “C2 On-the-Move” capability is achieved through an array of mobile electronics gear, improved power sources and vehicle-mounted satellite communications antennas that enable uninterrupted contact with networked data.
These emerging new systems can give users access to command and control information from the front seat of almost any wheeled platform, such as Humvees, the heavily fortified Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle and others like Bradley and Stryker vehicles. Details about unit locations, enemy movement and weapon and aviation support — displayed on large screens in field command posts or tactical operations centers — can now be seen from the vehicle.
The vehicles will deliver a timely and complete view of the battlefront to field commanders, or emergency response command leaders.
“With these systems, commanders will now be able to command and control the battle from a vantage point on the battlefield where they are best able to influence operations and proactively participant in it,” Lockheed Martin said.
Northrop Grumman
Building on its Command Post Project (CPP) contract win, Northrop Grumman was showing its CPP Light system at AUSA.
The need for advanced Command Post technology was highlighted during the 2005 AUSA winter meeting with a briefing from Northrop Grumman and Brigadier General Philip Coker, Director, Capabilities Developments, Futures Centre HQ, TRADOC.
"For those of you who have fought battles in the dark, under fire in cold wet weather, the lay-out of one's command post can make all the difference to the success or failure of a battle," Coker said, "Many of us have entered CP's and tripped over wires and machines thus blanking-out current force positions and manoeuvres. In addition, Commanders and Liaison Officers moving between forces will often come across different CP layout and systems. We believe that to achieve essential force performance in battle, all Command Posts must be built on a common platform and operating environment. Not only should the systems be common and centrally linked the Command Post itself should have no internal support posts which may exclude the commander's vision of the developing battle. In addition we must ensure that these Command Posts are also available in aerial platforms whilst the Commander is visiting his forward echelons and in mechanised systems for advancing mechanised troops."
The U.S. Army recognised the urgent need for new Command Post technology and in August selected Northrop Grumman Corporation as prime contractor for the Standardized Integrated Command Post System Command Post Platform (SICPS) Development and Integration Program. Valued at up to $400m over the next five years, the award includes an initial $26m contract for the design and construction of 10 prototype command posts.
SICPS CPPs is Standardized, Modular, Mobile Command Posts fielded from Battalion to Echelons above Corps, all equal in capabilities, common systems, seamless operations and standard training requirements. SICPS will give the Commander a fully integrated, digitized, interoperable command post from which to plan and execute Battle Command. The Command Post Platform is the key piece of the system. It is either on, or in, a Stryker, HMMWV, or M1068/M577 combat vehicle – i.e. the Platform - that our advanced C4ISR systems – currently in the field or being developed for future fielding - will be integrated. These software systems provide the tools for staff-centric analysis, information superiority, and command freedom of movement.
Additionally, SICPS CPP is entirely digital with an inherent Local Area Net (LAN) that will be cabled initially and wireless eventually. This LAN, along with advance battle planning software tools, enhances a truly collaborative environment for the Commander and Staff. SICPS CPP provides a Battle Command enabler unlike any capability we’ve known before.
As prime contractor, Northrop Grumman will develop and field Army command posts, where commanders direct operations and control forces. CPP provides common command centers with advanced command-and-control hardware and technology to give commanders improved control over their digital forces using Force XXI FBCB2 and other Army battlefield command systems. It will also allow soldiers and officers to move between echelons without having to retrain command-post operations.
The current contract requires 10 active Divisions in 10 years and 10 Brigades with 26 shelters per Division and 9-11 foe separate Brigades. The first equipped Division will be 1st Cavalry Division prior to deployment to Iraq in October. This requirement could grow to as much as $1.4bn as the U.S. Army moves to equip command posts at the Battalion and lower level. Extra money for CPP has been requested in a Defense Budget supplemental. In addition the Marine Corps is discussing the need for new systems and U.S. Allies. "The UK has developed some good ideas for new command post technology and we are working with them to develop the best solutions, "Coker continued.
In addition, the system requires an ability to deploy satcom on the move, due to the fast moving force structure and the loss of line-of-sight comms using EPLRS. BATTLESPACE discussed the GD Satcom on the move solution, but Northrop has now offered a COTS solution with Titan which is less bulky, does not take up valuable space in the vehicle and is low silhouette, thus deployable in a C-130. This system gives huge advantages to the existing V-Sat system which has to be deployed whilst the vehicle is stationary. This system is called CPOF Light.
General Dynamics
In 2007 General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies was been awarded an order under the World Wide Satellite Services contract to provide Ku-band on-the-move satellite communications terminals to the U.S. Army. Under this order, General Dynamics will provide a single Warrior Model 20-20 Satcom-on-the-Move™ (SOTM) antenna system for verification and testing, with additional purchases to follow successful tests. The total potential value of the award if all options are exercised is $28m over three years.
The General Dynamics-designed and -manufactured equipment transmits and receives data at speeds up to 1.54 Mbps in Ku-band, giving unit commanders robust satellite communications in moving vehicles, providing unequaled mobile access to a broad spectrum of information services including video, data and imagery. The terminals track satellites very accurately using a combination of integral satellite-beacon receivers, gyro stabilization and inertial measurement units.
“Reliable, easy-to-deploy communications products are vital to supporting tactical missions,” said Gary Kanipe, vice president of General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies. “General Dynamics is the original equipment manufacturer for the VertexRSI® antennas and electronic products that comprise these terminals, ensuring a high-quality, reliable SATCOM-on-the-move communications solution for our customers.”
The contract was awarded through PM Warfighter Information Network-Tactical under the contracting authority of the Communications and Electronics Command, Ft. Monmouth, N.J.
The Warrior Model 20-20 SOTM system includes a 20-inch diameter antenna, antenna controller, servo system, inertial reference unit, radome, power amplifier, Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), up/down converters and ancillary equipment. The SOTM antenna system will be installed on High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), Bradley Fighting Vehicles or Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles.
The World Wide Satellite Systems (WWSS) five-year, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity procurement program is jointly managed by the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical and Defense Communications and Army Transmission System Program Manager Offices. The WWSS program is intended to provide communications systems that are capable of overcoming existing and projected bandwidth constraints for Department of Defense transformation programs worldwide, and will support all federal communications missions, including disaster relief and homeland security efforts.
General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies is a leading supplier of emergency, strategic and tactical satcom ground terminals for reachback and range extension, including complete communications interoperability and control of fixed and mobile terminals. Additionally, the company offers a full line of satcom electronics products including VertexRSI brand solid-state power amplifiers, controls systems and tracking receivers. The company also supplies Prodelin® brand VSAT antennas and Gabriel™ brand antennas for microwave applications. General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies is a part of General Dynamics C4 Systems, a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. Additional information about products and services is available at www.gdsatcom.com.
General Dynamics was showing the the Tactical Communications Node-Mobile (TCN-M) at AUSA. TCN-M is a modified derivative of the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) communications node. Many of the static services are removed but the essential on-the-move system elements are preserved to meet the strict payload requirements of an up-armored HMMWV.
The TCN-M serves as a tactical building block designed to bridge the gap between the Current and Future Forces. The TCN-M is a flexible modular design that may be configured or populated with a combination of hardware and software modules to meet the needs of the mission.
Designed for the M1152A1 with B2 (A and C kit) up-armored HMMWV Line Of Sight communication via the Highband Networking Waveform (HNW) and the at the quick-halt a 10m mast extends the Wide Area Network and Global Information Grid to mobile command posts via inexpensive 802.16d/e links. TCN-M is interoperable with Current Force Joint Network Node and Future Force WIN-T and Future Combat Systems. TCN-M enables seamless transition between on-the move and at the quick-halt operation
Hughes
Hughes showed its broadband satellite IP terminal and WLAN access point at AUSA.
The Hughes 9250 mobile satellite terminal allows connecting at IP broadband rates of up to 464 Kbps transmit and receive while on the move—with a complete mobile communications package that includes an IP broadband satellite IP modem and tracking antenna. The system is fully approved for operation on Inmarsat’s global* BGAN satellite service, it means high-performance connectivity on the move for the most demanding environments.
The system is ideal for emergency responders, reporters, and mobile workers who need reliable, high-speed connectivity on the move.
It enables collaboration with staff back at headquarters using video, voice, and data simultaneously. The system creates a wireless hotspot for team members on the scene using the built-in WiFi Access Point. The Hughes 9250 is IP compatible and offers selectable, dedicated Quality of Service levels. And it’s easy to install on any vehicle—the compact tracking antenna is packaged with a magnetic roof mount and a single cable connection.
The Hughes 9250 allows you to send and receive IP packet data via Ethernet and WLAN interfaces in a land-vehicular application. In parallel with the packet data services, the same terminal supports a circuit switched voice call or a 64kbps ISDN data call.
EMS Technologies
EMS Technologies, Inc.’s Defense & Space Systems Division, unveiled new Satcom antenna products this week at AUSA. On display was EMS’s low-profile tactical and Satcom RF systems in the emerging net-centric warfare communications-on-the-move market. EMS’s high-performance, low-profile systems enable the military to continue its push toward total asset connectivity in-theater for sensor-to-shooter asymmetric warfare. In Satcom on-the-move applications, EMS is rolling out two new Satcom products for airborne and ground mobile on-the-move applications. The first is a Ku two-way Satcom antenna system for high-data-rate communications with commercial Ku satellites. As announced last month, EMS is developing the product for the U.S. market in cooperation with Starling Advanced Communications of Israel.
U.K. Command Post Requirement under OUVS
The provision of 4-8 Command Posts is the baseline Requirement for OUVS. Depending on the Unit role there may be other configurations which would be decided by the BG Chief Of Staff. Given the complexity and the role of the Command Post and BG staff it could be in the region of 4-6 personnel required, with all their equipment.
To support the functionality and infrastructure all additional equipment is transported in a trailer and trucks, however the use off the trailer reduces the mobility of the Command Post. The role of the Command Post will dictated the requirement of radios.
Tentage may vary, however a current Command Post is issued with a 9x9, depending on the role additional tentage is required and is carried by addition transport. The present platform does not have lighting. There must be a lighting requirement for a Command post which enables BG staff to work and carry out there functions; this must be adaptable for tactical reasons.
Power provision is a key Requirement for the OUVS Command Post. The vehicle engine has to be running constantly if stopped the platform functionally will decrease rapidly therefore OUVS requires the use of exportable power on the vehicle and the use of generators Power is an issue for the command post, in particular when silent running, the platform has a command communications installation in it, however there may be a requirement to fit further additional items such as ECM and Aerial equipment. The power requirement is the current working assumption, further analysis will be undertaken during AP 1 to collect details of systems usage and concurrency. It is thought that power requirements will rise throughout the life of OUVS (as more electrical systems are installed onto vehicles) and there is also the opportunity to export power to reduce the need to deploy separate generators. The figure stated is for worst case constant power draw, but peaks in the power requirement may be able to be met in other ways (e.g. battery headroom). Power dense generators are available, so power should not need to be considered a limitation providing that such machines are planned into the design from the outset. The peak power demand is likely to when operating in a static location and powering communications systems and heating/cooling systems, further analysis will be undertaken during AP 1 to collect details of systems usage and concurrency.
Indian Command Post requirements
Bulbul Singh reported from Defexpo 2008, India's 5th Land and Naval Systems Exhibition held in New Delhi Feb. 16-19. Defexpo saw displays of products which will cater to the immediate Indian army requirements concerning Mobile Command Posts, specialized vehicles and tactical communications systems. Last month Indian Army went on a global hunt to buy 72 Mobile Command Posts (MCPs) for control of a variety of Air Defence weapons.
Request for proposals were issued for the $250m order to overseas and domestic companies. With an eye on this order, India's state-owned defence major Bangalore-based Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) unveiled the Command Post Vehicle at Defexpo 2008. The Command Posts have been designed jointly by Speck Systems Limited, a domestic private sector company. The Command Post is mounted on a Tatra 8x8 vehicle and deploys within 40 minutes, and services as a C2 operation station in the field, said an executive of Speck Systems Limited.
The specialized vehicle, designed to wade through water up to 1,400mm, will have advanced electronics imaging, communication and gun mounting with GPS.
The essential requirements of the Indian Army for the MCP capability to move cross-country in both plain and desert terrains and should have all weather operational capability. The command post should be able to receive target information from a Surveillance/Tactical Control Radar, process and then pass the target data to a subordinate post or to a weapon system, which may be either static or on the move. Besides, the system should be capable of performing C2 functions with near real-time data processing capability. Thales of France, EADS of Germany, Bumar of Poland, Indra of Spain, Rafia SA of Czech Republic, Agat Scientific Production of Russia are the overseas companies which have received the RFP. The Indian companies which have received the bids include, Larsen & Toubro Ltd., Bharat Electronics Limited, Spec Systems Ltd, Tata Advance Material, Electronic Corporation of India Limited and BEML.
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