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Army Advanced Technology

The Army is moving to a Brigade Combat Team (BCT) modernization strategy that will build a versatile mix of mobile, networked BCTs.  This modernization strategy will combine mobility, protection, information, and precision fires to conduct effective operations across the spectrum of conflict.  By fielding capabilities in alignment with the way BCTs are structured and trained, the Army is ensuring that our soldiers have the right capabilities to fight as a system. 

Critical technology and capability enhancements, which include network elements as well as a robust set of unmanned hardware and sensors, will be incrementally fielded to all Army Brigade Combat Teams, starting with the Infantry.  This fielding schedule will mean more equipment for more soldiers faster.

By 2025 soldiers of all Army BCTs will receive incremental enhancements that will provide much needed networked intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.  Empowering soldiers with increased ISR capabilities is the key to modernizing the Army BCTs.  These ISR capabilities are what brigade and battalion level combatant commanders have asked for and require the most.  From the smallest squad to the largest brigade, improved ISR and situational awareness is essential at all echelons.  
 
Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF)

The Army is using an evolutionary acquisition approach to develop and evaluate equipment and vehicles prior to full production using the current force’s operational experience and influences.   The Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF) is a TRADOC (U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command) tactical unit (5th Brigade, 1st Armored Division) organized and structured to support the evaluation of modernization technologies.  AETF is currently testing and evaluating equipment, allowing soldier feedback to take place early in the development process.   This helps our developers make adjustments that soldiers want and helps to mitigate potential costly and time-consuming changes that typically occur late in the development cycle.  

Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT)

The Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT) will provide enhanced warfighter capabilities to the current force.  

E-IBCT equipment provides enhanced situational awareness, force protection, and lethality through the use of unattended and attended sensors and munitions.  In addition, the soldier is provided improved communications and data sharing through the Network Integration Kit (NIK).

The E-IBCT set will consist of the following systems: the Non Line of Sight-Launch System (NLOS-LS), Urban and Tactical Unattended Ground Systems (U/T UGS), Class 1 (Block 0) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), and Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) Block 1.  The E-IBCT systems will be fully integrated and networked through a Network Integration Kit enabling data sharing and the command and control of systems except for NLOS-LS which is controlled through Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).  All E-IBCT systems are currently under evaluation and testing by the AETF. 

Overview of Early IBCT (E-IBCT) Systems

1.  The Network Integration Kit (NIK)

The Network Integration Kit (NIK) is an integrated suite of equipment on a HMMWV that provides the network connectivity and battle command software to integrate and fuse sensor data into the common operational picture (COP).  The NIK consists of an integrated computer system (ICS) that hosts the battle command software and the systems of Systems Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE) software, along with a JTRS GMR radio to provide the interface to the sensors and unmanned systems, as well as voice and data communications with other vehicles and soldiers.

2.  XM501 Non Line of Sight-Launch System (NLOS-LS)

The XM501 Non Line of Sight-Launch System (NLOS-LS) consists of a platform-independent Container Launch Unit (CLU) with self-contained tactical fire control electronics and software for remote and unmanned operations.  Each CLU consists of a computer and communications system and 15 Precision Attack Missiles (PAM).  The NLOS-LS provides a rapidly deployable and network-linked precision guided munitions launch capability that is currently not available within the Army.  PAMs are modular, multi-mission, guided missiles with two trajectories: a direct-fire or fast-attack trajectory and a boost-glide trajectory.  The missile receives target information prior to launch and can receive and respond to target location updates during flight.  The PAM supports laser-designated, laser-anointed and autonomous operation modes.  The missiles are capable of transmitting near real-time information in the form of target imagery prior to impact.   PAMs are designed to defeat high-payoff light and heavy armored targets, either moving or stationary.  The NLOS-LS has also successfully completed airdrops from a C130 and will provide superior organic, non line of sight fire capability and support for airborne units, Special Operations Forces, dismounted and mounted soldiers in any field.   The NLOS-LS is currently under evaluation by the Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF).  Successful PAM launches and CLU evaluations have recently taken place.  Additionally, NLOS-LS is currently being tested by the U.S. Navy on its Littoral Combat Ship. 

3.  Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS)

The Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) program is divided into two major subgroups of sensing systems: AN/GSR-9 (V) 1 Tactical-UGS (T-UGS), which includes Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)-UGS and Radiological & Nuclear UGS; and AN/GSR-10 (V) 1 Urban-UGS (U-UGS), also known as Urban Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) Advanced Sensor System (UMASS).

The UGS are used to perform mission tasks such as perimeter defense, surveillance, target acquisition and situational awareness, including radiological, nuclear, and early warning.  An UGS field will include multimode sensors for target detection, location and classification, and an imaging capability for target identification.  The sensor field also includes a gateway node to provide sensor fusion and a long-haul interoperable communications capability for transmitting target or situational awareness information to a remote operator, or the common operating picture through the JTRS Network.

The U-UGS provide a low cost, network-enabled reporting system for situational awareness and force protection in an urban setting. U-UGS also enable residual protection for cleared areas of Urban Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environments.  They are hand-employed by soldiers or robotic vehicles either inside or outside buildings and structures.   

U-UGS support BCT operations by monitoring urban choke points such as corridors and stairwells as well as sewers, culverts, and tunnels.  U-UGS gateways provide the urban situational awareness data interfaced to JTRS networks.  Soldiers involved in the recent testing of the UGS provided invaluable feedback, which was incorporated into new versions (form factors) that are now in final development.

4.  XM156 Class I Block 0 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

The XM156 Class I Block 0 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a platoon level asset that provides the dismounted soldier with reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA).  Total system weight, which includes the air vehicle, a control device, and ground support equipment is less than 51 pounds and is back-packable in two custom MOLLE-type carriers.

The air vehicle operates in open, rolling, complex and urban terrains with a vertical take-off and landing capability. It is interoperable with select ground and air platforms and controlled by mounted or dismounted soldiers.  The Class I uses autonomous flight and navigation, but it will interact with the network and soldier to dynamically update routes and target information.  It provides dedicated reconnaissance support and early warning to the lowest echelons of the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) in environments not suited to larger assets.

The Class I Block 0 system provides a hover and stare capability that is not currently available in the Army UAV inventory for urban and route surveillance.  The Class I system also fills known gaps that exist in force operations, such as: protect force in counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, soldier protection in COIN environment, ability to conduct joint urban operations, enhanced ISR/RSTA capabilities, hover and stare operations. 

5.  Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV)

The XM1216 Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) is a lightweight, soldier portable Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) capable of conducting military operations in urban terrain, tunnels, sewers, and caves.  The SUGV aids in the performance of urban intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, chemical/Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC),  and Toxic Industrial Materials (TIM) reconnaissance and inspecting suspected booby traps and improvised explosive devices without exposing soldiers to these hazards.

The SUGV's modular design allows multiple payloads to be integrated in a plug-and-play fashion that will minimize the soldier’s exposure to hazards.  Payloads to be fielded are the manipulator arm, tether capability, chemical/radiation detection and a Laser Target Designator.  Weighing 32 pounds, the SUGV is capable of carrying up to four pounds of payload weight.

Other Army Technology

V-Communicator Mobile Language Translator

The V-Communicator is a multi-functional, multimedia language translator and culture learning tool that is worn on the wrist to provide soldiers with the ability to converse in four different languages: Iraqi Arabic, Kurdish, Pashto and Dari. 

The software, which was developed by Vcom3d, Inc., runs off of the iPod video and iPod nano systems and features culture-specific video animations, audio translations for speaking and written text that enables soldiers to hear and see translated words and pronunciations.  The V-Communicator is also customizable allowing soldiers to add content such as maps, photos and audio while in the field.