IDET 2019: This man is the infantryman of the future

At IDET 2019, we were able to look at the current status of the GLADIUS 2.0 project by Rheinmetall Defence, essentially the continuation of the Future Soldier System (IdZ) of the German Bundeswehr. And what we see, we really like, especially because you can see that practice has had an impact.

The demonstrator in Multicam at IDET wears a plate carrier from Hexonia along with the complete GLADIUS 2.0 equipment. We almost didn't notice - and that should be taken as a compliment. The first generation of IdZ was not only very noticeable, but also not quite as popular among users, as we have heard repeatedly. It wasn't about the technical ability to digitally connect the soldier on the battlefield, but rather about the size and handiness of the components. Just the term "electronic back" sounds a bit scary... It was quite a box, on the back of the man.

Of course, the development is an experimental approach to the possibilities of an electronic system that integrates soldiers and vehicles and utilizes them in combat. In 2017, Rheinmetall announced that the Bundeswehr is getting more IdZ. Since then, a lot of time has been spent on further development. The above is basically the new electronic back. Where there used to be a big box, thankfully there is now nothing to be seen.

Looking at it from the side, you can see a bulge. In the rear lower plate pocket is the USB hub, to which all Gladius 2.0 components can be flexibly connected, in front of that you can see the radio, very classic in its own pocket mounted on the plate carrier side.

And up front, the power supply. The battery is housed in a kind of magazine pouch, quick and easy to change when the power runs out.

Here again is the whole side setup. Note the cable tunnels made of Velcro strips on the side Cumberbund.

And because you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time, GLADIUS 2.0 also draws on existing components from other companies. Here we would have expected the INVISIO V60 as a "tactical communication hub," a small all-rounder, more than just a normal PTT. You can see the technical data for the device in the link behind the device name.

No, that's not for the soldier to have constant access to Facebook or Youporn. This very small screen is essentially the visual communication tool for the soldier, where he receives data from the battlefield and can also pass on information. The military-German term for it is "command computer." The little tablet is extremely practical...

...and easier to explain on a big screen. We only had a brief look at it, but it is quite astonishing what you can do with it. Different positions are marked, you know where your comrades are on the map, and the commander has already set the observation area.

For example, the strip above is a camera, as mounted on a vehicle, and observes "live." Below are various tactical symbols on the map. If there are suspicious noises from the northern edge of the forest, the first detector records it, everyone immediately knows, and if necessary, the weapon systems are aligned accordingly. A reconnaissance drone can be included. There are incredibly many possibilities.

This is not only exciting for the individual shooter, but especially in conjunction with a high-tech infantry fighting vehicle like the Puma. For the vehicle, group, and the entire unit, this version of fast information management and communication 2.0 can definitely be considered revolutionary. This is also well received by the troops: we had the opportunity at IDET to speak with a Puma commander who passed on his full enthusiasm about the technical possibilities.

HERE is the IDZ at Rheinmetall.

RHEINMETALL DEFENCE on the Internet: rheinmetall-defence.com

IDET 2019 on the Internet: www.bvv.cz/de/idet

And there's already a cool patch: nothing can go wrong now.