Soldier SystemsTechnology Roadmap: Project Update

Soldier Human and Systems Integration WorkshopChâteau Cartier, Gatineau, September 21-22, 2010

LCol M.A. BodnerDirector S&T Land (DSTL-2)

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Army of Tomorrow (AoT)

Operating, functional & enabling concepts

Land Systems

Army Capability Concepts and Systems

Future security environment:complex terrains (urban, desert, arctic)complex battle spaces (asymmetric)all pervasive network

Future SoldierSystem

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Future

Clothe The Soldier +: Level 0 Soldier System

Future Army 2040

FutureToday

2025-2040

TomorrowAOT 2015-2025

Soldier Modernization EffortAim: Enhance the capability of the future soldier toaccomplish his mission and objectives

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Soldier System Definition

Everything that a Soldier wears, carries, consumes or otherwise uses to optimize and sustain his tasks and performance (cognitive/physical/social) in all operational environments

Include all equipment and non-materiel aspects(e.g. training) enabling soldier and small unit capabilities for mounted/dismounted land operations

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‘System of Systems’ Approach Challenge:Human and System Integration

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Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap:Answering the When? Question

Integration Needed

2015 2025

Adapted from TNO Nanobook

Integration Needed

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Technology/Systemvs Capability Integration Domain

Sys

tem

/ T

ech

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log

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TRM Workshops

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Power & Energy WorkshopPower & Energy Workshop(Vancouver 21-23 Sept 2009)(Vancouver 21-23 Sept 2009)

HighlightsNo Energy or Information: No Future Soldier System. Both must be distributed.Micro fuel cells and energy harvesting solutions more mature than anticipated

Common interfaces, protocols & connectors are key elements

Weight: major driver

A narrow selection of power sources makes logistics and distribution critical (Panda) where a single-source dependencies should therefore be limited (rat)

Themes identified:Interoperability standardsPower storage/batteriesPower sources integration Micro-fuel cellsElectro-textilesNovel connectors

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HighlightsSoldiers need a broad range of weapons effects capabilities, reflecting the many roles performed

Lethal and non-lethal weapons effects should considered as a continuum

Weapons effects at the soldier level focus on what the soldier can carry, and reflect the “back-end” communications capabilities

Soldier Lethal and Non-Lethal Weapons WorkshopSoldier Lethal and Non-Lethal Weapons Workshop(Toronto 24-26 Nov. 2009)(Toronto 24-26 Nov. 2009)

Lethal Effects ThemesTarget Location/Decision Support

Target Acquisition – IFF – Sensors

Target Information Fusion

Smart & Enhanced Lethality Ammunition

Power Supply/Management – Powered Rail

Fire Control System

Non-Lethal Effects ThemesDirected/Constant Energy Weapon

Improved Dazzler

Hostile Intent Senses/Automated Decision Support

Enhanced Non-Lethal Ammunition – Caseless, Low Weight

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Sensors ThemesPersonal Sensors (body worn)Weapons SensorsCrew Sensors (STANO)Area Sensors, Sensors integration (physical, network, data)

C4I-Sensor WorkshopC4I-Sensor Workshop(Montreal 24-26 March 2010)(Montreal 24-26 March 2010)

C4I ThemesPersonal Sensors (body worn)Geo-location & CommunicationC4I Human InterfacesInformation Integration and SASecurity & Interoperability & Integration

HighlightsC4I/Sensors at soldier level is relatively newLots of relevant work done within NATO LCG1 from which to build fromKey challenges:

Geo-location in GPS denied environment Information overload & Network securityInteroperability within the Army, other CF elements, Allies, NGOs, OGDs

The C4I, Sensors and Weapons domains will converge in mid-long-term

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Soldier Survivability/Sustainability/ Mobility Workshop (Ottawa, May 12-13)

Vision: To have a technologically superior, lightweigt, mission configurable, fully integrated, multi-functions soldier system that increases operational effectiveness

Themes Ballistic/Blast ProtectionOperational Clothing & EquipmentFootwear SystemsHeadwear SystemsLoad Carriage Systems

Key Technologies Human factorsNanotechnologiesMulti-functions materialSmart textiles

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Capability Trade-off & Challenge

Opposite trends:The soldier, being human, has limitations and constraints, i.e.,he is not a robot or a machine

Increases in some capability areas (C4I, survivability, lethality), lead to reduction in other capability areas (mobility, sustainability) due to physical and cognitive overload/burden

Burden reduction needed through:

Equipment weight reduction (e.g. lighter/multi-functions materials)

Distribute/off-loading to other platforms (e.g. SUGV/Mule)

Increased system integration (e.g. distributed power, E-textiles)

Improved human performanceBetter trainingExternal assistance (exoskeleton)

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---------2010 ---------------------------2025

Equ

ipm

ent

Wei

ght

(kg)

Comfort Zone

Injury Zone

Trend: increased weight

Weight neutral

Weight reduction

44

26

NATO recommended load currently exceeded by 40%

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The Hard ProblemOverall capability balance and holistic integration over time such as to maximize future soldier system effectiveness

2010

2020-2025

C4ISR

Mobility

Survivability

Sustain-ability

Lethality

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Questions?

For more information, please consult:

http://soldiersystems-systemesdusoldat.collaboration.gc.ca