PRESENTATION: Infantry System - networked into combat

On the grandstand, you have a choice: view of the screen and computer game aesthetics. Or let your gaze wander over the landscape: there it is, reality without virtuality. For those who lose track here, the drone camera from above allows for a good observation as a third option. Rheinmetall Defence presents its "Infantry System" at the company's own test site in Underlüß in northern Germany. Here at SPARTANAT, we can get a close look at the latest developments.

The scenario presented is called "Reconnaissance": a GTK Boxer with LANCE turret brings the soldiers into the deployment area, where they disembark and continue their reconnaissance against a symbolic village where an IED workshop is suspected. On the screen, the vehicle symbol moves through a map that looks like Google Earth, then the blue symbols for the dismounted grenadiers. They carry the IdZ-ES equipment and are networked with the mothership. When they encounter a supposed enemy during reconnaissance, they add the symbol for the enemy. The Boxer follows up, its impressive 30mm cannon remains stable pointed where the enemy is suspected and perhaps preparing for a counterattack.

The purpose of the demonstration: Rheinmetall's "Infantry System" significantly enhances the combat power of dismounted forces in conjunction with unmanned systems and supporting fire components. At the center of the system is the infantryman. He also plays a central role in land forces oriented toward new mission scenarios. The infantryman must operate in highly mobile, mainly dismounted missions in difficult, complex terrain, and often in urban environments — sometimes in extreme climatic conditions. He faces a variety of threats and must be able to prevail against symmetrically and asymmetrically operating opponents with the appropriate intensity.

Soldiers, vehicles, and drones are networked together. Correct data assists in rapid decision-making.

Rheinmetall's "Infantry System" networks the soldiers, their sensors and effectors including their unmanned systems and vehicles into highly effective combat units, creates a unified situational picture, and integrates the individual components into networked operations. The system is designed for infantry operations in difficult terrain, including combat in built-up areas.
Rheinmetall's "Infantry System" includes, among other things, the following systems and components:

Soldier system IDZ-ES and command system TacNet: The "Infantryman of the Future - Extended System (IdZ-ES)" is the currently most modern soldier system in use. The modular combat equipment has been proven in operation since 2013. The IdZ-ES with its TacNet command system forms the core of the "Infantry System." Flexible integration of additional sensors, effectors, or platforms is possible at any time. In Unterlüß, you can see how the system has been efficiently developed further. The computing unit has become smaller, the plate carrier and combat belt are connected to relieve the soldier's back. The system remains practical even under operational conditions.

The modular combat equipment "Infantryman of the Future - Extended System" integrates the dismounted soldiers into networked operations. As "boots on the ground," they discover, identify, and engage targets — either with their own weapons or through other effectors of the reconnaissance-command-effect network. The rapid, precise, appropriate engagement of targets contributes not only to the protection of own forces, but also to the protection of the population and the prevention of collateral damage.

And with practical experience; Since summer 2013, the IdZ-ES has been in operation in Afghanistan. And in increasing numbers: Since 2012, the Bundeswehr has procured a total of 90 systems in three lots for equipping a ten-man group each. The current focus is on the platoon. The 68 platoon systems can equip over 2,460 soldiers. IdZ-ES integrates the "Total Infantry System" as a holistic system approach — the infantry or mechanized infantry platoon with their vehicles and the base stations installed therein — into networked operations.
Of particular note is the core and helmet system. The core computer, powered by a battery pack — both carried on the back ("Electronic Back") — controls all devices and sensors that the soldier carries through various interfaces. Main functions include power management, access control and monitoring, soldier information system for map/situation display, navigation, reporting system, exchange of reconnaissance and target data, processing of various sensor data (e.g. own position, line of sight), operator interface and visualization, and system configuration. These are a lot of information that needs to be presented simultaneously and structured so that no one loses sight of the big picture. The IdZ-ES achieves the opposite: a good flow of information and quicker decisions, simply through more accurate information.  And this is how it works on the soldier: The soldier can control the soldier's management system and communication via a manual control unit (BAG = operating and display device). On the BAG or alternatively on his OLED helmet display, he can see all relevant data on the situation, the position of own forces (blue force tracking), the mission, and the system status. The modular clothing can be optimally adapted to the required environmental and temperature ranges. In addition, there is a ballistic underbody protection vest (protection class 1) with an integrated ventilation shirt, as well as modular carrying equipment that accommodates ammunition, combat equipment, electronic back, and additional equipment. The IdZ-ES protective vest is designed as a complete vest with a chestrig and hip belt, accommodating various protective inserts to correspond to the German protection class 4. The platoon leader and his deputy receive additional leadership equipment consisting of the portable leadership computer. Wireless push-to-talk buttons are located at the small arms, allowing communication with the weapon shouldered. In addition, optical and optronic attachments can be mounted on the small arms.Modular assault rifle RS556 and underslung grenade launcher RS40: Present at Unterlüß: The new assault rifle RS556 from Rheinmetall and Steyr in caliber 5.56mm x 45. This weapon will also become the next assault rifle of the Bundeswehr. Rheinmetall is competing against Heckler & Koch, from whom the current G36 originates and is to be replaced. Rheinmetall has Steyr, the Austrian cooperation partner, as a partner, whose AUG assault rifle narrowly lost to the G36 in the recent competition. The RS556 is an exciting blend of the AR15 and AUG: We had the RS556 "hands on" in Unterlüß — an AR15 on the technical level of Austrian-German engineers. Crisp in shooting, rugged and unhesitant, slender and agile in the grip, with the barrel advantages that the AUG already offers: unlock, twist, and the whole part is out. Ideal for cleaning, but also quick assembly of barrels with different lengths or with a suppressor. The highly modular RS556 can be easily integrated into the Infantry System. And perhaps into the Bundeswehr as well... A 40mm grenade launcher RS40 can be retrofitted or used separately. Rheinmetall also provides laser light modules and fire control sights for small arms. With optics comes the flexibility provided by a Picantinny Rail: you can choose what is best for the mission. At Rheinmetall, they wish for a Hensoldt 4x optic with an attached Z-Point. Unmanned Multi-Purpose Vehicle (UMF): The drone is not only present in the air but also comes as a ground vehicle. Unmanned systems in conjunction with infantry components enable rapid reconnaissance and engagement and support combat in difficult terrain — whether in villages, wooded areas, or mountains. Where the risk for the infantryman is particularly high, unmanned systems can efficiently take over the soldiers' tasks. Rheinmetall's unmanned multi-purpose wheeled vehicle is also highly flexible and modular. Through integrating various mission equipment, it can be used for a variety of purposes — as a sensor platform for reconnaissance and surveillance, as a weapon carrier, or as a transport vehicle. Both remote control and autonomous operation are possible. It comes on compact wheels and looks like an oversized quad bike — it's also expected to come with tracks.

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