C4I ENABLING TACTICAL INTERCOM SOLUTIONS
Essential Features When Buying and Selling New Systems in the 21st Century Don McBarnet, Staff Writer
As military historian Michael Howard has observed, sound procurement decision making requires a “triangular dialogue between ... operational requirements, technological feasibility and financial capability.” 18
C Exposure to high noise levels may, in the long run, also cause an irreversible hearing loss
OMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, like much other military equipment, continues to pass through a rapid technological revolution, where the operation of Moore’s Law, that sees the number of integrated circuits double approximately every two years, works as a powerful force for continuing upgrades to retain technological advantage. However, despite the demands for ever better software, there are high practical hurdles for providers of military intercom systems or other communication equipment to overcome.
Despite the demands for ever better software, there are high practical hurdles for providers of military intercom systems or other communication equipment to overcome
Protecting the Military User of Communication Equipment The battlefield during combat is a noisy place, but for dismounted or mounted infantry the noise levels are much higher because of the persistent noise levels of vehicles which are designed for maneuverability or force protection or other factors, not a silent ride. Military vehicles can be extremely noisy working environments and noise impairs vehicle crews in various ways, for instance, through its effect on speech intelligibility and the audibility of other useful sounds. Exposure to high noise levels may, in the long run, also cause an irreversible hearing loss. An overview of interior noise levels in different types of military vehicles and aircraft shows that (extremely) high noise levels are prolific throughout the armed forces of NATO.19 During combat, crew members in military vehicles need to be able to communicate effectively and swiftly. Radio channels and intercommunication systems are relied upon to quickly and efficiently exchange information, between crewmembers and with the outside world. If speech intelligibility becomes too low, dangerous situations may arise. In coalition warfare where English may not the first language of all soldiers, clear communication becomes an even higher priority. So first class intercom systems are essential. 22 | WWW.DEFENCEINDUSTRYREPORTS.COM
The Marines Raise Critical Issues for Communications Capability in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) “I’ll be honest with you. We haven’t solved the problems associated with urban combat. That’s a bloody one; it’s hard to solve. If it were easy we’d probably already have done it. We’re going to keep working it.” Major Lee G. Offen Military operations in an urban terrain (MOUT) are extremely challenging especially for clear communication between dismounted members of a patrol and their vehicles. Unless this problem is overcome, the US armed forces will be at parity or even at a disadvantage in a complex 21st century urban battlefield. Researchers in the Marines identify 36 critical capabilities on their communications wish list, and three of these are highly relevant to this discussion: enhanced situational awareness for individuals/ leaders in MOUT – improved squad radio – effective in MOUT; precise position location inside buildings; and a combat ID system – effective in buildings.20 And as Major Lee G. Offen describes it, the critical need is for a radio that works for MOUT. “We’re going to have to come up with a soldier intercom that can be tailored to the
