Relevant Links:

• Upcoming Events
• AUSA 2007
• Land Warrior Update
• Infantry Combat Suites

With the increasing role of command and control systems in the land battle, AUSA is devoting more space and attention to these systems and capabilities. One of the most prominent exhibitors in this field was GDC4, which promoted a number command, control and networking capabilities. One of the most attractive was the Land Warrior system, which recently achieved a significant reduction in the system's weight, shedding over 25% of the total system's weight, (now set at an all-included weight of only 7.3 pounds). Among the main drivers for the weight reduction is the introduction of a unified controller known as "Fusion", replacing four different segments of the system, reducing weight, space and power consumption. (more...)

The system uses two UBB06 SMBus compatible Lithium-ion batteries designed by Ultralife, offering highly efficient power management. These batteries provide power for a 24 hour operation and can be recharged in the field, on the vehicle or back at the operating base within two hours.

Some 500 Land Warrior systems used for operational testing at Ft. Lewis in 2006 were deployed earlier this year with the 4th Battalion (Manchu), 9th Infantry Regiment 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) of the 2nd Infantry Division. However, the Army stopped funding the program and suspended further acquisition indefinitely. Yet, user feedback from the system's fielding motivated a second unit - the 5th SBCT (also part of the 2nd Infantry Division) slated to deploy to Iraq in 2009, which has already stated their need for Land-Warrior type capability.

Requesting up to 1,000 dismounted soldier systems, 5/2 is considering either Land Warrior systems, or the Inter-4 Tacticomp, available from Sierra Nevada Corp. If 5/2 will opt for the Land Warrior systems, they will receive its improved version, reducing the system's weight by 25% (from the current 10.5 lbs to only 7.3 lbs). The gear is now integrated within the Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV) webbing with quick-release, facilitating rapid change, swap removal of the gear. Inter-4 Tactcomp costs significantly less than Land Warrior and is geared primarily for tactical leaders and commanders, a trend which is already being practiced with the Land Warrior gear, originally developed for all-team members. However, GDC4 claims their system is worth the extra spending as, unlike the alternative, it has passed full military qualification and is compatible with other Army systems fielded with current and slated to future forces.

According to Col. Jim Riley, TRADOC Capability manager, Training & Doctrine equipping the 5/2 opportunity could become a window of opportunity getting Land Warrior back on track, after the Army's decision to suspend the program earlier this year. Fielding these systems with the new battalion will cost about $100 million, but could enhance their operational capability. If decision is reached in time, 5/2 will be able to get the equipment already to be included in their pre-deployment training, therefore improving their combat proficiency with these sophisticated C2 tools.

Dismounted Command and Control

Raytheon unveiled some details about its Commander's Digital Assistant (CDA). A product originally introduced as a 'spin off' from FCS has now evolved separately from the program. Raytheon is working on a new version of the Commander's Digital Assistant (CDA). The new device establishes the smallest, lightest package currently available for dismounted 'blue force tracking' applications. The new device weighs 4.5 – 5.6 pounds (depending on configuration) using an internal, rechargeable 10.8 VDC Lithium-ion battery pack sustaining five hours of operation. CDA also offers improved commonality with the Army's Air Warrior Electronic Data Manager.

Another system that became a de-facto standard with the US military is the Rugged PDA (RPDA). At AUSA 07 Tadiran Communications announced its US-based subsidiary Talla-Tech received an order of $14.4 million to the supply the 5th generation (RPDA-57) systems for multiple programs run by the US Army. The company also supplies the U.S. Army with Tacter-31M, handheld or vehicle mounted PC terminal, a multipurpose rugged computer designed to serve all combat echelons in the modern battlefield. This compact device has embedded communications protocols, including MIL-STD 188-220, providing a critical building block for modern C4I systems. The terminal supports simultaneous connectivity for two independent tactical radio nets, as well as Local Area Network ( LANs) and other nets. According to Tadiran, in recent years Tacter 31M has become the system of choice for the US Army and Marine Corps.

Lockheed Martin is pitching the new 'Distributed Operations' (DisOps ), a software tool set designed for the platoon level and below, bringing 'Command Post Of the Future' style collaboration down to the lowest tactical level. These applications promise to bring real-time command and control, through intra-unit collaboration, and enhance situation awareness to the platoon and squad level. The company demonstrated DisOps as part of its Command and Control On the Move, a mobile C2 operations center demonstrated on a standard, commercial Hummer.

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