AFCEA 2017 - FFG presents modular communication kit

When two sides are at odds, it is always good to talk to each other. If not with the opponent, then definitely with each other. Because it greatly increases the likelihood of winning the conflict. What is a "small combat conversation" at shouting distance for men in the field quickly turns into a wealth of information, data, and facts that need to be exchanged at a higher level. Modern technology greatly facilitates this: Together with FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH and other partners from industry and research, griffity defense GmbH is presenting contributions at this year's AFCEA - Here is the LINK - specialist event on "Mission Equipment of the Future for Vehicles of Specialized Task Forces" and "Networking of Task Forces".The mission equipment for vehicles is exemplified by a kit module for command vehicles. The basis is the modular kit system of FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH. It is equipped as a mobile command post (scale 1:1) with workstations for basic functions of reconnaissance (S2), mission command (S3), logistics (S4), and communication (S6), serving as a communication node between the command and task forces, as well as other participants. Key features include planning and situation visualization in military or police operations, communication, and autonomous power supply.

Exemplary, the workstations are equipped as follows:

Mission Command S3

Digital situation planning, management, and post-processing based on the digital situation visualization from Fraunhofer IOSB. The system offers automatic fusion, preparation, and visualization of geospatial data and the integration of other important information for planning and operations, such as sensor data from ground and/or air reconnaissance systems. With a touchscreen and/or gestures, the user can intuitively display the stored information in a structured or role-based manner and interact (also see S4 workstation).The situational visualization is scalable, i.e. optimized for display on various media, from smartphones (for on-site personnel) to briefing screens (in the command center), facilitating teamwork.

To store map data and symbol libraries, as well as evaluations and reports from the S2 area, the NanoPAK i7 from Themis is used. Their computers and switches are suitable for cases where space, weight, power, and costs play a special role.

Reconnaissance S2

The S2 functionality is illustrated using 2 examples:

• Interactive retrieval of reconnaissance data from a wide-area sensor
• Generation and display of results from the Signal Intelligence system CRS-8000 by Saab Medav Technologies

The CRS-8000 is a modular and scalable system for signal detection and direction finding for various platforms and applications. The surveillance and observation results are displayed to the operator, as well as the alarm messages triggered by the system.

Logistics S4

This workstation contains the role-based representation "Logistics" of the situation visualization (also see Mission Command S3). Here, the relevant logistics information converges, is processed, and provided to the command for further situational assessment and decision-making. From this position, the deployment of logistic forces and other support units (e.g. medical) is planned and directed.To obtain a timely overview of the position and status/condition of vehicles/containers involved in an operation, an advanced tracking system like SCC Titan can be used, which can provide information on both the classic Blue-Force Tracking of personnel and the status of assets.A logistical challenge, especially in mobile operations and remote areas, is power supply. In our kit model, power from fuel cells by SFC Energy AG is provided via the onboard power network to operate devices and recharge batteries. This type of power supply is nearly silent and is particularly useful in stationary operations (covert operations).

Communication S6

Tactical communication requires robust networking for both voice and data transmission, seamless scalability, and network agility in highly dynamic environments.

The communication subsystem designed here takes this into account by offering various communication means/technologies and creating transitions between them. Task forces can communicate across networks, considering the limitations of individual technologies.The gateway function is provided by the Tacticall ICS (Integrated Communication System) System from Saab International. It is a modular system that allows seamless integration of different workstations and communication technologies, whether legacy or newly introduced devices. The user-friendly interface guarantees reliable operation in any operational setup.

The following transmission systems are presented:

UHF Communication: mobile ad-hoc mesh network by TrellisWare; designed for simultaneous voice and data transmission in highly dynamic environments, including underground tunnels, aboard ships, and in buildings; supports up to 200 radios in an RF channel; 8Mbps IP throughput/channel; up to 8 hops; demonstrated hop range up to 40km; the TW-130 WildCat II (vehicle variant from the TSM radio family by TrellisWare) is shown.Mobile LTE: with RIDUX/MUP by blackned GmbH, a mobile software-based LTE communication system now provides the Bundeswehr and police with a reliable, dedicated, secure network with high transmission rates for voice and data between command posts, vehicles, and dismounted forces. A vehicle variant, the Car Integration Kit, and the Tacticall Smartphone TS 1, which functions as a walkie-talkie and smartphone, are shown.The HiMoNN (Highly Mobile Network Node) system by VITES GmbH is a reliable, robust ad-hoc network used in military and law enforcement applications, such as rapid networking of field camps, connecting checkpoints, convoy communication, or coordination at major events. HiMoNN allows for quick and easy setup of a mobile, broadband, secure communication network on-site between deployment vehicles and potentially distributed nodes in the field. Real-time situation pictures can easily be transmitted to remote control centers by connecting to public or mobile LTE networks or via SatCom.Satcom-On-The-Move: L3-Technologies brings Full-Mesh and SatCom-On-The-Move capabilities to the tactical level with its SatCom systems, and the flat Phased Array Antennas by VITES GmbH provide dynamic satellite targeting even while the vehicle is in motion.

CONCLUSION: A splendid example of integrating existing systems into a new module that can be cost-effective and highly efficient in deployment.

AFCEA 2017 online: www.afcea.de

griffity defense GmbH

offers comprehensive consulting and support services at the interface between technology and application for the defense and internal security markets. Our clients include international corporations as well as medium-sized companies, research institutions, and public authorities.

Our range of services includes, among others, the analysis and development of scenarios and the development of feasible concepts in collaboration with industrial partners.

For more information:

Renate Richter
griffity defense GmbH
Tel.: +49 179 595 40 80
[email protected]

www.griffity-defense.de

FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH

is a medium-sized company that has been active in the defense technology sector for over 50 years. Initially a partner to the Bundeswehr for the repair of tracked vehicles, the company now operates globally with over 600 employees. In addition to repair, the company increasingly focuses on retrofitting and optimization, as well as the development and production of armored tracked and wheeled vehicles. As a systems integrator, FFG offers complete solutions tailored to customer requirements.

For more information:

Kay Dittloff
FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft mbH
Tel.: +49 461 4812-363
[email protected]

www.ffg-flensburg.de