The motivation of the IAS was to establish a common language
between combat elements through the command echelons, linking
the infantry to the Digital Army Program (DAP) network known
as Zayad. Through IAP, commanders will be provided with C4I
subsystems enabling them to link their units into the DAP network.
While implementation of Zayad among armor, artillery, combat
engineering and other elements required extensions of wireless
data links and protocols to 'talk' with existing command and
control elements, the integration with the infantry required
fielding an entirely new command and control system, tailored
for the 'human platform'. This system is optimizing target-management
and weapons employment at squad, and platoon level, establish
mission planning, orientation and navigation tools and introduce
data networking between team members and tactical leaders at
different command level. Such systems enable the units to rapidly
pursue time-critical targets (closure of 'kill chain') by small
formations, autonomous allocate and assign targets or flexibly
team up with other units, throughout the command chain.
The heart of the C4I system used with IAS consists of the Personal
Digital Unit (PDU) - a wearable computer coupled with a hand
held display, a radio (PRC710), eyepiece display and headsets,
mobile Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and navigation system.
All elements are embedded into a wearable system and armor vest
weighing less than five kilograms.
'Terminal' modular computer system
The system uses the new 'Terminal' modular computer system,
developed by Elbit Systems, powered by an RMI dual processor
running Windows CE operating system. Providing high quality
graphics, supporting two simultaneous 1920x1200 pixel displays,
including a direct interface to the OLED (VESA). The system
consumes only 6.5 watts supplied by two hot swappable external
Lithium Polymer batteries sufficient for continuous 4-5 hours
mission. The system has two Ethernet (LAN) network adapters,
five USB ports, a standard RS232 serial port, audio, VOIP codec
and fiber LAN docking interface. The Modular Computer weighs
0.7 kg (excluding batteries).
Although IAS evaluated an eyepiece as part of the kit, the IDF
opted for another display- a hand held viewer developed by ITL
Optronics. This piece integrates an OLED 800x600 mini display
from eMagin, offering a high quality, wide field of view (34deg.)
image. The viewer weighs only 300 grams and connects to the
PDU through the USB port. It can be used effectively by day
or night without compromising the user's position by light leakage.
Built-into the device is a line-of-sight sensor, enabling automatic
image or map orientation. Built-in mouse buttons enable seamless
control of the computer. For planning, debriefing commanders
will use the 8" handheld 800x600 pixel LCD display applied
with touch screen. The sunlight readable device is designed
for daylight use, using glare resistant coating. Its average
consumption is 4 watts and weight is 600 gram.
QuietOps
Another element of the IAS is the QuietOps software programmable
headset developed by Sylinx. The system supports and controls
two radio sets, and is designed with both passive and active
noise canceling hearing protection, offering natural hear-through
capability while effectively protecting from high dB 'spikes'
and overpressures caused by nearby gunshots or blasts, which
could damage the soldier's hearing. A side benefit of the QuietOps
system is its ability to improve hearing up to 'super normal'
level, and supporting 'whisper mode', both functions could be
highly constructive for ambush and covert ops.
Communications
The IAS communications gear consists of several systems, including
a tactical router (enhanced military wireless LAN) developed
by Elbit Systems. The unit, configured as a standard PC card
(PCMCIA), carries high capacity data transfer over short range.
The system can also utilize the 'Mountain Rose' military cellular
mobile network, which is dependent on infrastructure. For operations
where such infrastructure is not available, tactical combat
net radio, such as the PRC710 personal VHF radio (weight less
than 750 gr) can be used. Both radios are designed to transfer
data at low speed. When multiple gateways are available, IAS
will automatically select the most appropriate medium according
to the system's service policy. Furthermore, the entire system
will dynamically route each message to reach its destination
at the fastest route.
A new navigation system is under development at the DDRD, enabling
effective navigation in areas where GPS cannot be relied upon.
The system uses a combination sensors, such as gyro, compass,
accelerometers and other sensors to determine the location of
the unit at an. The system is attached to the soldier's gear
and will continue to determine accurate location for several
hours after GPS contact is lost. Its accuracy is determined
as a function of the distance traveled without GPS reference.
It is effective throughout the soldier's combat activities,
including running, walking, crawling or sprinting.
IAS teams will be equipped with indigenously developed systems
for surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition, enabling
the team to independently and effectively collect intelligence,
acquire and pursue time critical targets with high efficiency
and accuracy, by its own assets or by employing other 'networked
enabled assets'.
Spatial Orientation System
Three types of hand-held observation-and target acquisition
systems will be available for AIS commanders at the different
tactical levels. Squad leaders and Platoon Sergeants will use
the Spatial Orientation System, developed by ITL Optronics.
This system has built-in laser rangefinder and digital compass,
a monocular x7 day channel, which can also be used with a night
viewer. The SOS has an integrated data display and mouse buttons,
depicting target range and bearing, navigational aids and 'leads'
to designated targets or locations, as well as a map display.
Cobra Target Acquisition System
Platoon Leaders will use a new target acquisition device, using
an uncooled thermal imager with an integrated a laser rangefinder,
electronic compass and GPS with an uncooled thermal sight, effective
at ranges beyond 1,000 meters. This device can also be used
as a hand-held computer display, utilizing its built-in full
color super VGA display and mouse buttons. ITL has recently
introduced such a system called Cobra, which can do all that
at a weight of less than one kilogram, much less than the goal
set by the IAS program team (1.6 kg).
Coral-CR
Another new device will be used by company and battalion commanders
as well as the officers and observers in recce platoons. Coral-CR,
designed and built by Elbit Systems is hand-held, cooled, thermal
target acquisition system using a 480x384 detector operating
in the 3-5 micron band. Using continuous zoom, the system can
be used effectively up to five kilometers. As a target acquisition
system, Coral-CR integrates a digital magnetic compass, GPS
and internal display, enabling effective observation, identification
and extraction of target coordinates in real-time. The system
weighs 3.4 kg, including batteries.
Enhanced Vision & Robotics
Other observation devices available for the team include the
'continuous surveillance system', an 'observation arrow' developed
by ODF. The arrow fired from standard M-16s can be fired at
a range up to 70 meters, placing the arrow at vantage point,
maintaining line of sight with the target. The arrow will continue
to operate for four hours, sending video streams picked by its
camera, remotely controlled by the controller via two-way link.
Another imaging device developed by ODF is the Eyeball, which
is thrown into confined room position by an assault team. ODF
is also developing a small robot called EyeDrive, which will
be able to move, position itself and scout confined spaces through
remotely controlled operation.
Fire Controls for Support Weapons
Grenadiers
will be equipped with the Viper, a fire control system enabling
first shot hit for grenade launchers, enabling effective fire
and limit collateral damage. The system developed by ITL Optronics
uses 'see through' display depicting computer controlled aiming
point, calculated by the system's computer, fed by sensors including
laser rangefinder and tilt and roll sensors. The computer calculates
the ballistic curve required to hit the target and sets the
aiming point accordingly. Furthermore, the system supports advanced
programmable MPRS grenades developed by IMI, by setting time-programmable
fuses for time-delay detonation or airburst effect, in addition
to standard point detonation effect.
The IAS evolved from an earlier 'soldier modernization technology
demonstration program launched by the IDF Ground Forces Command
program and DDRD. This program, also known as “Infantry
2000”, was managed by Elbit Systems. The Israeli infantry
suite comprised of a helmet and weapon mounted sensors, weapon
mounted fire control system, head and weapon mounted display
and sights, and pouch mounted wearable computer, fitted with
navigation systems, data and synthesized voice communications.
The Infantry 2000 program focused on the 'soldier as a system'
concept, seeking a suite that will enable the future soldier
to navigate, communicate and locate and engage targets, with
superior firepower, lethality and protection. The suite would
also include augmented lethality weapons, such as the IMI Tavor-2,
firing the Refaim anti-personnel air-burst weapon. At present,
IAD pursue a different approach, facilitating effective dismounted
command and control while other aspects of 'Infantry 2000' are
dealt with as part of regular modernization cycles.