Future theaters of operations are likely to be dominated by expeditionary task forces operating in isolation from the main forces, and therefore the military is looking for solutions that can support small combat groups (SMGs) in difficult and harsh conditions.
To this end, the efforts of industry and defense ministries in many countries are aimed at designing, developing and deploying technologies capable of maintaining the NBG at the lowest tactical level for long periods of time without relying on main and forward operating bases.
Areas of particular interest include energy supply, survivability, mobility and communications. All of them can be considered critical for the successful execution of a wide variety of expeditionary operations, which can range from peacekeeping support, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to long-range reconnaissance and strike missions.
However, the supply process can often be quite risky, since even during covert operations, the enemy can detect helicopters, ground vehicles and surface ships carrying food, water and fuel.
Looking for energy
According to the US Army document Raised Alert: Modernizing the Army's Energy Concept, published in July 2018, energy remains the most important component of the successful operation of dismounted and motorized NBGs seeking to operate for a long time without the support of traditional military bases, which for almost two decades have “cemented foundation”of counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“In terms of energy security, our soldiers and their regular combat equipment and equipment are more energy independent than ever before,” the report says. - This is necessary to increase the readiness of soldiers and equipment, as technologies develop and fewer resources are required to perform the same tasks, fuel consumption is decreasing, and the battery life is getting longer. This shortens logistics supply chains and increases the fire efficiency of soldiers and units while increasing their range. " As the Minister of Defense explained in this document, "ensuring the uninterrupted operation of water and energy sources is a vital component of the correct functioning of all components of a military force."
In accordance with this, the structures of the US Department of Defense are implementing various programs to determine the necessary energy and supply capabilities to support the NBG. For example, in June 2019, the Marine Corps Weapons Development Authority (ILC) published requirements for a water purification system for the Squad Water Purification System (SWPS), which is described as “a human-portable system capable of providing the military with drinking water from sources of fresh and brackish water, as well as to simplify the removal of toxic industrial substances."
The system, which should weigh less than 5 pounds (2.27 kg) and fit into a soldier's backpack, will allow Corps units to operate for extended periods of time without being tied to the larger and more permanent water systems of large operating bases.
According to this requirement, the SWPS system should be a scalable solution that can be configured for specific environmental conditions, while in order to meet the tactical requirements of the RBG, it should also have low acoustic signatures of less than 15 dB and zero visual signature from three meters.
The requirement also provides for increased levels of reliability and temperature resistance, reduced installation and removal times, and compatibility with other US ILC equipment. The selected equipment will operate most of the time at temperatures from 0 to 38 ° C, for the entire service life of one non-chemical filter, it must clear about 8000 liters of water from "protozoa, bacteria and viruses".
Managing energy easily
During the performance of expeditionary missions in order to optimize and increase the combat effectiveness of the NBG, equipped with a large number of technologies for operational control, reconnaissance, information gathering and target designation, it is very important to have a sufficient amount of electricity.
Soldiers now need power sources to power end-user devices, including programmable radios, rifle scopes for weapons, satellite phones, GPS receivers, tablets, wearable computers, medical equipment, power tools, batteries for drones and control systems, not to mention specialized sensors and solutions used in operations lasting up to three days.
Revision Military, which acquired Protonex, an energy technology specialist in October 2018, unveiled its latest device at DSEI in London in September 2019, specifically designed to support individual users in the NBG.
Following the concept implemented in the line of energy management devices SPM-622 Nerv Centr Squad Power Manager, designed to ensure the energy needs of the NBG as a whole, Revision has developed an individual power management unit Nerv Centr IPM (Individual Power Manager).
Sean Gillespie of the company explained: "It will allow the user to focus on their task and not worry about power, since the IPM provides the ability to be powered from virtually any source of energy and use it to operate their electronic equipment." He also confirmed that the technology demonstration prototypes are already being tested and evaluated by various potential customers from several countries.
With three bi-directional, seven-pin Glenair Mighty Mouse connectors, the IPM is capable of harvesting energy and simultaneously charging electrical devices “on the go,” so soldiers have functional equipment close at hand during missions.
The 9, 4x6, 4x1, 7 cm IPM device weighs only 170 grams, which minimally affects the total combat load of a dismounted soldier. The device also includes an LCD display showing all energy levels and remaining runtime for supported systems, plus a control panel for switching between different displays.
According to the company, the IPM device is capable of working with more than 200 types of batteries and other electronic equipment, which allows it to perform a wide range of tasks and satisfy most of the needs of users.
The IPM device is capable of drawing energy from outlets of ground and aircraft equipment, solar panels, main and auxiliary batteries, redirecting energy to personal devices, including programmable radios. Gillespie also added that the IPM's integrated software does not require any reprogramming.
“Soldiers rarely find themselves in a situation where they cannot charge their batteries or get power from the battery. Energy sources will, for the most part, be available. The IPM, as a typical plug-and-play solution, reduces weight, streamlines logistics, draws power from any source available on the battlefield, and among other things, keeps your equipment running when it's needed most,”Gillespie said. "The MIL-STD-810 and -461 certified IPM device is capable of operating in temperatures from -20 to + 60 ° C, and also withstands immersion in water to a depth of one meter."
Service life rules
Energy professionals are actively developing batteries with extended battery life to support the demand for time-consuming ground transportation missions in challenging environments.
In October 2018, Epsilor unveiled its NATO 6T battery at AUSA in Washington, DC, claiming it has the highest energy density in its class.
The 6T NATO rechargeable lithium-ion battery is designed as a seamless replacement for existing lead-acid batteries. It almost triples the capabilities of vehicles in "silent surveillance" mode and at the same time extends the life of the energy source, as the company said, from "hundreds and thousands of charge cycles."
Available in two form factors (ELI-52526-A 170Ah and ELI-52526-B 165Ah), 6T NATO batteries feature self-balancing, auto-recharge and charge current control functions, allowing the technology to be integrated into existing vehicles as well as into the next generation cars.
Each battery weighs 26 kg and is rated for MIL-STD-810G and -461G durability. The company states that “the new technology, compared to existing solutions, provides significantly more energy in a device with less volume and weight. The new 6T batteries are capable of delivering four times the energy, weighing half the weight of modern 6T lead-acid batteries.
The batteries are also available in a fully sealed configuration for installation on floating vehicles. The company explained that its battery technology can be used on surface ships and observation posts, in mobile modules, as well as in renewable energy systems and micro-power grids.
“This technology is dramatically changing the operational capabilities of armored vehicles and the way military organizations manage their stocks of batteries for military equipment,” a company spokesman said at AUSA. "6T NATO batteries allow eliminating the expensive and not always timely procedure for installing batteries, since new batteries are installed on machines during their manufacture and should be replaced only during an intermediate (medium) repair of equipment."
Wiggle room
The need for operations outside the service area of traditional forward operating bases also greatly increases the need for improved mobility throughout the combat space. As a result, commanders are forced to consider and implement a range of solutions, ranging from optionally manned and unmanned ground vehicles to manned cross-country vehicles carrying personnel, casualties or supplies, and even used to distract the enemy's attention.
These include the Polaris Government and Defense MRZR 4x4 vehicle supplied to the armed forces of many countries to support operations such as casualty evacuation, direct engagement and reconnaissance.
According to company spokesman Jed Leonard, the deployment of the autonomous, optionally crewed Polaris MRZR-X vehicles will increase the range of units in various missions.
He explained on this matter:
“We are currently developing promising platforms, it is very important for us to ensure the simplicity and flexibility of the basic platforms, in connection with which their capabilities can be maximized in the field. Polaris ultralight vehicles are increasingly contributing to improved combat efficiency, we are extending the range of our platforms, installing various powertrains and integrating high-energy systems to take full advantage of the latest sensor systems and technologies.”
Currently proposed for the US Army's Squad Multipurpose Equipment Transport (SMET) utility vehicle program, the MRZR-X was designed in collaboration with off-road robotics and autonomy specialists Applied Research Associates (ARA) and Neya Systems.
Polaris said it unveiled the MRZR-X at the University of Texas last May to "demonstrate the modularity and capabilities of the underlying platform and technology" in support of the US Army's RCV-L (Remote Combat Vehicle) program of remotely controlled light combat vehicles. Light). “The demonstration is related to the fact that the army analyzed its modernization activities due to the change of concept and the transition to confrontation with almost equal rivals, as well as with the desire to integrate even more autonomous and other capabilities into its fleet of combat vehicles.
The demonstration at the University of Texas also showed the ability of the MRZR-X vehicle to independently launch and return UAVs equipped with various target loads for monitoring and clearing routes in front of transport convoys, as well as target designation in night and day conditions.
The stand-alone MRZR-X suite includes a robotic operating system and programming interfaces, which will provide future customers with the flexibility to configure the platform for a wide range of tasks and target loads.
“The MRZR-X platform, which provides the RBG with the same off-road capability as the crewed MRZR variants, was created as a multi-tasking vehicle that increases squad mobility and reduces the workload on soldiers.”
Leonard repeated his thought.
The MRZR-X car has dimensions of 3, 59x1, 52x1, 86 m and an unladen weight of 879 kg, is capable of carrying cargo weighing up to 680 kg at a maximum speed of up to 100 km / h. The vehicle can also be transported in the cargo compartment of the CH-47 helicopter and the V-22 tiltrotor.
Australian adaptability
The demonstration of the mobility of the new platforms is not limited to the United States alone. For example, in July 2019, during the Talisman Saber exercise in Queensland, the Australian Army tested Praesidium Global's Mission Adaptable Platform System (MAPS) in support of expeditionary operations.
On the MAPS apparatus, operated in the 9th support battalion and the 2nd medical battalion, new principles of combat use in the advanced NBGs were being worked out.
With its own weight of 950 kg, this platform is capable of accepting payloads of up to 500 kg. According to army officials, MAPS coped well with the day-to-day tasks of the units participating in the exercises. The MAPS device has dimensions of 2, 3x1, 86x0, 98 m, operates on a 48 Volt rechargeable battery, the operating time is up to 6 hours, and the maximum speed on the battlefield is up to 8 km / h.
“The more we exploited it, the more we found ways to integrate it,” the developer's representative explained. In particular, the MAPS autonomous vehicle was used to deliver water, food, fuel and ammunition, as well as special equipment. He was unable to confirm whether the platform was used to transport the wounded, but noted that the platform could perform additional tasks, including reconnaissance.
Time position
Given the opportunity to take part in expeditionary operations, the NBG carry out their tasks using special temporary infrastructure, in contrast to conventional forces that used stationary structures during recent counterinsurgency operations.
One solution is conventional shipping containers, which can be easily transported by air, land and sea. On their basis, you can build advanced tactical operational centers, medical centers, complexes for the deployment of personnel or special tasks.
In December 2018, for example, the Dutch Defense Procurement Organization awarded a $ 100 million contract to Marshall Aerospace and Defense Group for the supply of approximately 1,400 deployable containers for the country's military.
The delivery of the first batch of containers was completed in July. According to the Organization, they will be used in training programs for personnel. In addition, the contract provides for the supply of containers for operational management tasks, medical purposes, as well as refrigeration units and storage warehouses.
Also, an equally important element of semi-permanent (temporary) bases of small units is lighting. For example, Pelican's RALS (Remote Area Lighting Solution) is an easily deployable container system designed to illuminate any large site in an emergency.
According to the company, the range of modular and scalable solutions includes the 9460 RAL system, which is packaged in a rugged container. Installation of two telescopic LED poles takes a minimum of time with a "minimum of noise generated".
The 9460 RAL system allows the end user to choose the intensity of the lighting, while the intelligent control system adjusts the amount of light according to three preset power levels. The system provides up to 12,000 lumens of light output and can be remotely controlled via a Bluetooth connection. The rechargeable battery pack also eliminates any need for starting from noisy generators; the system can also be operated from a normal household electrical outlet with wall outlets.
The larger 9470 RAL system has a similar design, but it includes four telescopic LED poles and the same USB connectors as the 9460 RAL system, which allows you to connect additional peripherals.
An illustrative example
In addition, the NBG should be able to quickly and safely transport sensitive equipment by land, water and air, using robust boxes for special equipment, including drones, command and control systems and information gathering and weapons.
An example is the sturdy 933 Drone Case from Nanuk, which was specially designed for transporting DJI Phantom 4 drones. The 51x41x25 cm box, lined with foam with special cutouts, protects the aircraft and its control station.
A waterproof floating box with a total weight of just over 4 kg (without UAVs) can be fixed in the overhead baggage compartment of the passenger compartment in case the unit needs to be transferred by a non-military aircraft.
Finally, expeditionary NBGs will always need communications, in some cases with minimal or non-stationary communications infrastructure covering vast areas.
Industry is also responding to similar needs. For example, the Spectra Group created the SlingShot system, which, after several years of successful operation in special forces around the world, began to be successfully deployed in conventional units involved in expeditionary operations. A company spokesperson said SlingShot technology provides smaller divisions with easier access to satellite communications.
SlingShot is essentially an antenna that can integrate existing tactical VHF radios into a satellite communications network to provide real-time over-the-horizon communications. The system provides NBG with low latency voice and data transmission via the Inmarsat I-4 network. A company spokesman confirmed that the SlingShot system is available in two form factors, portable or transportable.
The users of this antenna, in addition to special forces, are traditional formations, for example, the 24th expeditionary battalion of the ILC, the US National Guard, as well as motorized infantry brigades.
The SlingShot system is powered by a lithium-ion battery and lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge. On a tactical level, SlingShot allows commanders to communicate with coalition partners and lower echelon units in ways that were never imagined in the past.
According to the official documents of the army, with the help of this system, it is possible to create a uniform tactical network that allows for well-organized command at every stage of a joint operation, from the place of permanent deployment, preparation for battle, and ending with the actual clash.
“Given the geographic reach of the modern military, planners point to satellite communications as a prerequisite for their expansion. Since you have distance issues, be it the Middle East, Europe or other areas, you cannot simply contact a post or some base, as line of sight is limited. Therefore, in this case, you must rely on the satellite."
As the armed forces strive to optimize their expeditionary capabilities, military leaders of different levels must relentlessly increase the combat effectiveness of small units through the widespread introduction of the latest technologies that will significantly reduce the physical and cognitive load on the fighter.
