C4I ENABLING TACTICAL INTERCOM SOLUTIONS
The Technical and Operational Effectiveness of Next-Generation Tactical Intercom Communication Systems Mikael Westerlund, CTO, Savox Communications
It makes no sense if a soldier has to operate switches on a C3 box placed under a seat, or has a display that needs to be read but is at the wrong angle to be seen WATERCAT M18 AMC EQUIPPED WITH IMP Savox received a contract in 2014 to supply and install IMP systems aboard the Finnish Navy’s new U700-class amphibious assault craft, Watercat M18 AMC, 12 of which are being delivered to the Finnish Navy’s Marine Infantry troops by Marine Alutech during the 2014-2016 timeframe. The Savox IMP system will enhance the interoperability of radios, communication amongst the crew and passengers of these assault craft in all operating environments and mission types, providing a versatile, flexible and reliable communications tool for the user. Under the contract Savox has provided the onboard command and control system with intercom capabilities and radio interconnection to a number of commercial as well as Government Furnished Radios and is also providing total life-cycle support and spare parts for these systems.
Introduction In almost every conceivable operational scenario in today’s uncertain world, individual military and security combatants need to be connected. They need to be networked effectively with colleagues, vehicles, supporting units and upper echelons, in order for the two-way exchange of critical tactical and situational information to take place. For this to happen, a versatile next-generation tactical intercom solution is needed, one that is capable of providing C3/C4I capabilities to individual operatives aboard any platform, on land, or at sea.
Operational Effectiveness Intercom systems have been around for a long time, keeping crew and commanders aboard tanks and self-propelled guns, armoured personnel carriers and armoured recon vehicles in
touch with each other at all times. They also have enabled the commander to switch to the tactical combat net beyond the vehicle, too. But it’s not only armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) that need a sophisticated tactical intercom C3 system to deliver an improved level of both intra- and extravehicular command, control and communications. B-vehicles of every description, whether ammunition resupply wagons, towed-artillery limbers, tank transporters, or jeeps, all need a C3/C4I solution. Maritime platforms, too, from the smallest, fastest rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RIBs) right up to littoral patrol craft and larger deep sea vessels have the same requirement – in almost every conceivable scenario, they all need a C3 system that connects the man to the platform and the platform to the battlefield. And with the dynamics in today’s theatres of combat involving more sophisticated weaponry, sensors, WWW.DEFENCEINDUSTRYREPORTS.COM | 3
