Artificial intelligence
Many in NATO's MTR believe that artificial intelligence may soon be integrated into automated command and control devices operating in infantry and special forces. This will optimize and speed up decision-making processes in a combat situation. In general, while the further proliferation of artificial intelligence to support the modern soldier has yet to reach the lowest tactical level, the military wants to take advantage of wearable (portable) technologies in the near future.
Currently, artificial intelligence is being used to support large data centers at the operational and strategic levels in the processing, analysis and distribution of intelligence and surveillance data. However, work is underway to reduce form factors and energy requirements in order to use it at a tactical level.
Signature management and lethality
At the tactical bottom of the battlefield, the modern soldier must be able to avoid detection in order to then exert the required impact on the enemy in order to successfully complete the mission. The military is focusing on this, focusing its efforts on meeting emerging demands, including making it possible for small units to avoid detection across the entire spectrum of electromagnetic signatures (EMC).
The United States Marine Corps (ILC) is seeking to implement several short-term upgrades in order to provide soldiers with solutions for current and emerging operational needs. The Corps wants to define a means of reducing soldier signatures, including activities to minimize EMC associated with wearable and portable C4ISTAR devices (Command, Control, Communications & Computers; Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance - command, control, communications, computers, information gathering, observation, target designation and reconnaissance). Measures are being evaluated and proposed to reduce noise and acoustic signatures of personal weapons, as well as physical signs of signature. associated with camouflage and other camouflage systems. In practice, the ILC continues to develop its experimental and training programs to define the lessons learned. Appropriate technologies are being developed to reduce EMC and physical signatures of conspicuousness.
According to a Corps spokesperson, “We strive to integrate the 'free play of combat forces' into field exercises. This allows real-time feedback from soldiers on all the signatures generated on the battlefield, be it RF, physical or audio."
“We abandoned them when we were fighting extremist organizations, as they seemed less important at that time,” he said, hinting at operations against the Islamic State (banned in the Russian Federation) and its branches throughout the Middle East, in the Pacific region and Africa.
Specific technologies that can reduce the noticeable part of signatures when performing a combat mission include mufflers printed on a 3D printer. They are capable of really helping modern soldiers in managing physical and sound signatures. In addition, this technology provides an additional advantage to infantry and MTR operating in populated areas.
An example is Delta P Design's Brevis III, the latest addition to its line of 3D-printed mufflers specifically designed for MTR and infantry and physical and audio signature reduction. Their use increases the levels of operational control and situational awareness. An additional advantage is that these mufflers prevent powder gases from entering the shooter's face.
The Brevis III silencer, made from a solid titanium bar, is 120 mm long; it can be attached to flame arresters of personal weapons, including the Heckler & Koch MP7. Weighing only 235 grams, the Brevis III can also be mounted on larger systems, including assault rifles, carbines, light and even heavy machine guns.
In order to optimize accuracy and lethality, the modern soldier will soon receive various devices and systems installed on next generation helmets and weapon systems. They will undoubtedly increase levels of situational awareness as well as make it easier to find and capture targets.
For example, in July 2018, as part of the technology demonstration program at the German Army Infantry Training Center, a demonstration of the SmartSight sight by Elbit Systems was held. A spokesman for the German company Telefunken Racoms (Elbit Systems' distributor in Germany) said the scope continues to be improved to meet emerging operational requirements.
The sight can be used as a stand-alone device or as a "serial" system; in this case, it is installed behind a collimator sight or magnifying optics. It provides the operator with an “augmented reality overlaid on target” function that can also be integrated into broader future solutions, including Elbit's Dominator combat gear.
The SmartSight sight itself includes a GPS module and an inertial positioning unit with a compass, as well as a built-in Jenoptik laser rangefinder. According to a company representative, the sight also allows "to capture targets and send relevant information to operational control systems thanks to an integrated tactical radio system." SmartSight has increased structural strength, allowing it to work with it in difficult combat conditions and eliminate the impact of weapon recoil on the accuracy and stability of optics.
The three-button control unit, which is attached to the fore-end or rail, duplicates the manual controls located on the SmartSight itself, but at the same time allows the shooter to indicate a target or object of interest using the built-in crosshair. The image can be recorded and transmitted over the network to an operational control system or an automated control system for combat assets. The control system records information and transmits it over the MANET or alternative networks to other shooters or units.
This allows other soldiers from different fire groups, squads or platoons to visually scan the battlefield not only with their own SmartSight, but also receive information about their own or enemy forces, as well as about objects of interest when passing through the reticle of any SmartSight scope connected to the general network. In addition, SmartSight can generate relevant target information including GPS coordinates and range.
Elbit Systems is currently working on upgrading the existing SmartSight to enhance the capabilities of soldiers operating in difficult combat environments. Possible improvements include the addition of a color display with map overlay functionality from the management information system. A total of six prototypes have been made to date, although a company spokesman did not name the number of scopes sent to the German army for evaluation.
Telefunken Racoms has now integrated its SmartSight scope into a broader future soldier concept. This will allow infantry and special forces soldiers wearing the Raptor device to take advantage of several technologies at once, including Torc2h operational control software; communication via personal radio station PNR-1000; night vision goggles; Sight SmartSight: and SmartTrack; the latter device is used to generate position, navigation and tracking data in the absence of a GPS signal.
A similar system - the SMASH riflescope from SmartShooter - is being evaluated by the Israeli army. SMASH is a fully integrated fire control system that mounts to the Picatinny rail of an assault rifle or carbine. It allows you to increase the probability of a hit from the first shot, especially when firing at moving targets at increased distances. According to available information, several hundred SMASH scopes are due to pass evaluation tests in the Israeli army by the end of September 2018.
It is clear that the Israeli army is evaluating several models from the SMASH family, which includes variants of the SMASH 2000; SMASH 2000 Plus; SMASH 2000M; and SMASH 2000N.
All of these fire control systems are distinguished by a translucent optical display and an optoelectronic / infrared sensor, which ensures the detection of targets and their capture for tracking. All models are manufactured in accordance with MIL STD 810 in order to eliminate any influence of the rifle's recoil on the accuracy of the sight.
Option "Plus" includes a recording device to simplify interviewing and analysis of mission results during preparation and execution of combat missions, while the "2000M" version has a x4 magnification for long-range operation. Finally, the 2000N includes an infrared sensor for poor or no visibility in addition to x4 magnification.
The SMASH sight can also be used in other special missions, including counter-drone operations. A company spokesman explained that the systems of the SMASH family can be used to provide "kinetic protection" against completely new threats as well. "High-precision anti-drone capabilities with built-in target designation algorithms, which allow tracking and hitting even very small drones flying at low altitude and high speed from the first shot at distances of up to 120 meters."
Digital devices based on CMOS structures (CMOS - complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor structure) are gaining popularity in the market as a replacement for more traditional image intensification and thermal imaging technologies. They promise the military a significant increase in situational awareness and an improvement in the process of detecting targets in close combat in low or no light conditions.
An example is the Rochester Precision Optics (RPO) CMOS night vision device CNOD (CMOS Night Observation Device), which is currently in service with the US SOF. It is used as a stand-alone hand-held device for advanced aircraft gunners and battlefield counter-surveillance, and as a rifle scope mounted on assault rifles, carbines, and even pistols.
Austrian AD2V (Absolute Darkness To Vision) has taken CMOS to the next level with its Luxiter PM1 digital night vision goggle solution. According to some reports, these systems are already in service with an unnamed MTR unit of one of the European countries.
“The Luxiter system provides unique analog and digital interfaces, such as exporting low-light footage for recording or transmission over a radio system. It can import information from external sources, control commands, including text,”said Wilhelm Gronauer of Griffity Defense (AD2V distributor in Germany).
The Luxiter can be worn under goggles to maintain the required level of ballistic protection, or it can be integrated into the helmet design. It is designed for very close combat encounters in confined spaces where existing night vision devices may not be suitable.
“Shooting from a weapon or gun flashes do not affect the performance of the scope, and its ergonomic design and low weight allow it to be used on the move and even during extended operations without any problems,” said Gronauer.
The device has adjustable infrared illumination for active and passive operation, although it can also be used in daytime conditions to detect targets, in particular in a space cluttered with foreign objects where objects of interest are difficult to distinguish. “The digital black and white screen allows for better target recognition and faster decision making, while the instantaneous transitions from darkness to light and back are compensated for by the device and does not affect the user in any way,” added Gronauer.
With a matrix resolution of 795x596, the Luxiter display provides the user with several fields of view: 19, 46 and 56 degrees. The device weighs 290 grams without a 50 grams cable, connector and an additional rechargeable battery that can be attached to a helmet or vest. The system can operate for up to 10 hours on a single charge, although according to Gronauer, it has a maximum vision range of only 100 meters.
This digital night vision device can also be supplemented with an external digital night vision camera Luxiter-EC-2H, which is capable of transmitting full-format video directly to night vision goggles (or via a programmable radio station).
The Luxiter-EC-2H camera can also be used in daytime conditions without any harm to its sensors, it is not "blinded" by the flashes of shots and explosions.
The current operating environment for the modern soldier remains challenging. Given that the likelihood of collision with equal opponents remains in the foreseeable future, he must get his hands on a lot of promising solutions aimed at optimizing the possibility of establishing communication on the battlefield, as well as minimizing his physical and electromagnetic signs of visibility in the face of a highly effective adversary.
The successful diffusion and integration of these technologies must be very carefully managed in accordance with the cognitive abilities of today's soldiers, who have yet to reap the full benefits of artificial intelligence in dismounted missions. The day will come when the soldiers will be fully equipped with human-machine interfaces, portable high-performance C4ISTAR kits and combined into a single network. At the same time, the problem of cognitive overload will remain relevant for commanders seeking to optimize the capabilities of their subunits' personnel.
Ways of development of the USMC
The United States Marine Corps is widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced expeditionary forces in the world
The USMC is actively involved in the development of alternative approaches to successfully cope with the challenging operating conditions encountered in hybrid warfare. This includes the development of the principles of combat use and tactics, methods and methods of conducting combat operations, as well as the development of weapons, software and hardware, and the effective provision of training and combat training.
A spokesman for the ILC said that at present, the armed forces of different countries must be able to operate in all C2D2E (Communications Degraded / Communications Denied Environment - difficult conditions for the operation of communications). "Every soldier, if he wants to successfully complete his task, will have to rely only on reliable digital means of communication."
However, Michael McFerron of the 1st US Marine Division noted that the optimal solution for equipping the modern soldier has yet to be found.
McFerron identified a number of "urgent" demands that aim to maintain combat capability in an increasingly complex operational environment. At the same time, the ILC continues to pursue a broader strategy aimed at further enhancing its expeditionary capabilities.
It includes consideration of a number of main directions that have been identified to promote the development of technologies, principles of combat use and tactics, methods and methods of conducting hostilities in the period from 2020 to 2035.
According to McFerron, all of these requirements are aimed at developing "Modern Disruptive Technology in 2035 and beyond." Updating weapons, equipment and equipment will support the fundamentals of the US ILC's agile warfare, including clashes, security cooperation, deterrence, crisis response, limited contingency operations, and large-scale hostilities.
The ILC recognizes the growing importance of the information space, and is also considering integrating additional marines into a squad (usually 10-15 people) in order to meet the growing needs for C4ISTAR technology at a tactical level. McFerron also noted that the USMC is committed to deploying UAV and NMR technologies at the lowest tactical echelons.
Of particular interest is increasing the levels of situational awareness, including the creation and distribution of a common operational picture, which will allow infantry and special units to receive detailed operational information about the combat space. To develop these capabilities, the USMC is considering the introduction of end-user devices, including smartphones and tablets, at the lowest tactical levels. This will provide an opportunity to provide each infantryman with his own full-time command and control facilities in order to facilitate the "exchange of information at the squad level."
Such information and control systems should include technology for tracking friendly, enemy and neutral forces, as well as showing routes for entering and exiting the target area. In addition, the system will provide subunits with means of exchanging reconnaissance data throughout the entire space of the battlefield.
U. S. Special Operations Command's Approach to Future Operations
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is conducting a series of technical experiments aimed at identifying next-generation technologies that will help military personnel meet the challenges of modern operational space
As part of a technology demonstration program called Thunderstorm, which was officially announced in November 2017, a second technical experiment (TE) is being prepared. The first TE was held in March this year, with the participation of the US Army Special Operations Command and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
With an emphasis on supporting the "actions of small units in a difficult combat situation" in the first TE, various technologies were considered, currently at technological readiness levels from 4 to 9 (technology development - testing and production of the system).
The Thunderstorm Program White Paper describes how a unit can be deployed in a “hostile area”.“The group should be easily equipped and maximally mobile, this greatly increases the likelihood of a successful combat mission. An area of operations can have many physical and electromagnetic constraints. The group must be able at any time to operate on all types of terrain (desert, forest, mountains, open, populated area), in all types of vegetation (desert, steppe, bush, trees, etc.) and in all weather conditions. …
A USSOCOM spokesman said that the first feasibility study considered technologies that are mainly suitable for operations in C2D2E: wireless headsets to improve communication at the tactical level; technologies that increase battery life; helmet-mounted displays with augmented reality to increase the level of ownership of the environment; extended list of sensors, including wall imagers. means that complicate the conduct of observation (smoke, etc.); biometric identification systems; and proactive analysis tools.
Tactical communications systems under consideration ranged from smartphones with built-in UHF transceivers to tactical LTE and Wi-Fi hotspots capable of communicating in jammed communications.
Command also explored a number of autonomous capabilities to support decision-making; reduction in the number of personnel. deployed to complete the task; and support for multi-tasking capabilities in various types of terrain. Also in this experiment, various stealth unmanned systems with reduced acoustic signatures were considered, which could be used in ordinary surveillance and reconnaissance tasks at the lowest tactical level.
Finally, USSOCOM has analyzed systems for reducing the signatures of personnel, similar to those that the ILC wants to have at its disposal. First of all, these are textile materials that can protect against various detection technologies - radar, electronic, thermal, infrared, visual, optoelectronic, acoustic, etc., as well as camouflage solutions that can make the wearer undetectable or unrecognizable. Command also wants an improved small arms suppressor that will reduce acoustic signatures, muzzle flash and recoil.
Echoing the needs of the USMC, Special Operations Command officials say that the technologies considered in the Thunderstorm program should be aimed at “individual mobility and automation of operations in order to limit / reduce the size, weight and energy consumption and reduce / eliminate the load on the soldier.
The second feasibility study is scheduled for August this year. It will look at technologies related to positioning, navigation and consistency in the absence or weakness of a GPS signal. Particular attention will be paid to inertial measurement systems and inertial navigation.
In addition, ground-based mobile robots and wearable and / or portable systems that can survey “tunnels, buildings and streets” in real time will be analyzed. Finally, this technical experiment will test the combined communications systems that allow units and combat groups to establish communications between the surface and underground facilities.
