14 minute read
The Technical and Operational Effectiveness of Next Generation Tactical Intercom Communication Systems
Mikael Westerlund, CTO, Savox Communications
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, fl exible 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 fi ghting 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 infl atable 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 battlefi eld. And with the dynamics in today’s theatres of combat involving more sophisticated weaponry, sensors,
DISMOUNTED TROOPS ABOUT TO RE-MOUNT THEIR IFV Onboard an IMP-installed vehicle, each crew member has their own wearable PCU, rather than a platform-mounted central control unit. Each PCU is a lightweight, ergonomic device and, aided by voice menu prompts, gives each man full connectivity into the onboard IMP network and instant access to communications both inside the vehicle, as well as into the wider external radio network.
electronics and communications systems than ever before, greater demands are placed on every soldier. This makes it imperative for everyone – crew and commander alike – to be able to rely on a C3/C4I-enabling solution that not only keeps them up to date with what’s going on around them, but enables each man to feedback real-time info on the tactical situation through the tactical combat net, if required.
Operational Resilience One of the most important factors to consider in a new tactical intercom installation is the battle damage resilience of the system. This is the ability of the installation and equipment to withstand technical malfunction and battleinflicted damage and remain operational. Its system architecture is one of the key defi ning factors that will determine the level of battle damage resilience the system displays, something that must be designed into it from the start; it can’t be added as an afterthought.
In the past, vehicle intercom systems have typically relied on a master control unit installed somewhere on the platform. Communications and all data functionality is disseminated from this centralised unit to different crew stations installed elsewhere on the vehicle, or boat, each of which has its own user controls to select radio access, VOX and other features. The drawback with such a ‘star’ confi guration is that, should the master control unit fail, or suffer combat damage, then the whole C3/C4I installation will fail and be ineffective.
To improve the battle damage resilience of an onboard system, getting away from a master control unit makes sense. Providing the crew with a solution that gives each of them their own personal control unit (PCU) with user-selectable
functions to control access to the platform’s radios and intercom makes greater sense. It allows each man to plug into a distributed onboard system via universal interface ports mounted at strategic points around the vehicle. Each becomes an independent, fully-functioning intercoms and radio unit in its own right, while at the same time operating co-operatively to form the platform’s overall communications infrastructure. If one module fails for whatever reason, or part of the distributed cable is cut at any point on the platform, the rest of the system will carry on working. This allows the platform to maintain its operational capability for as long as possible – a graceful rather than sudden degradation – and even if all but one operative have been neutralised by enemy fi re, the one remaining combatant will still have C3/C4I capabilities via his own remaining personal communications unit.
Space Matters While AFVs will require larger tactical intercom installations, the cabs of B-vehicles such as Pinzgauer, MAN or Oshkosh support vehicles can be crowded places and practical installation and space constraints mean intercom systems need to be compact. That doesn’t mean a compact C3 system need be any less capable, in terms of functionality, than a larger suite installed aboard an AFV. Indeed, new compact systems, which combine the comprehensive capabilities of larger intercom/C3 systems, but housed inside much more compact physical designs, are now available. This is a breakthrough, considering that logistics fl eets have long been neglected in this regard; but today as never before they need to be as connected as any other vehicle on the battlefi eld if they are to operate in an optimum way to support their A-vehicle counterparts.
THOR INSIDE PATRIA IFV As with core IMP modules, Universal Interface Ports (UIPs) and Universal Radio Ports (URPs) are both fundamental interfaces holding any IMP/IMP-CH network together and to which individual PCUs connect, so each mounted soldier is connected to the vehicle C3 network.
Tight Fit Ergonomics In the cramped interior of a typical military vehicle, mounting options can often be diffi cult to fi nd. The smaller a C3 system is and the fewer controls it has, therefore, the better. This can also have the additional benefi t of making an installation easier and less costly. But the most important factor is the usability of the system by the crew, bearing in mind that what works on the drawing board may not necessarily work in reality. Not only does it have to be installed in the right place, but using the system must be easy and intuitive; controls must be simple to operate and within easy reach, especially under extreme conditions. Everything from the initial equipment design to mounting options must be aimed at reducing stress and crew fatigue, which, in turn, will improve overall operational and combat effi ciency. 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. This is where the PCU comes into its own and forms an integral part of new compact C3 system designs from certain vendors. These units sit on a soldier’s chest with all the controls needed readily accessible for switching between internal intercom and external tactical frequencies and offering at least two-radio access without a user having to switch from one piece of equipment to another. This allows users to monitor a frequency without actually being an active participant in any radio traffi c. And while all these attributes have graced the turrets and real estate of AFVs and larger fi ghting vehicles for many years, the same functionality and sophistication, though in more compact physical and ergonomic form, is now available to equip the oft-neglected, B-vehicle community in the future.
The Marine Environment When it comes to maritime vessels, from the smallest Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats (RIBs) to the largest naval vessels, the scenarios in which these craft operate place exceptional demands on the kind of C3/C4I-capable solution needed aboard. On an RIB, for example, operating in extreme conditions of high speeds, high seas, water everywhere and often under cover of darkness, the commander needs an intercom system that allows him to communicate with all his team and interoperate with all of the tactical radios in use onboard. The system also needs to integrate with the increasing range of navigational and battle management systems often in use on such craft. As a result, the trend is towards adopting modular, advanced digital intercom systems, versatile and adaptable enough for installation and confi guration in even the tightest RIB environment where space is always an issue. To some extent, most modern command and control systems on the market are modular, with some relying on a master control station module for system control and power, while user modules provide lesser functionality needed by the crew. Other systems, on the other hand, build full functionality into the individual modules, so that each is a fully capable C3/C4I unit, as long as it has power. The overall system architecture inside a platform can be expanded easily through the simple addition of more independent modules. Being software-defi ned is also a huge benefi t of these new systems, enabling upgrades and modifi cation without the need for expensive hardware changes. One further advantage of such intercom systems is that a greater number of users and tactical radio technologies – analogue, digital, fi xed frequency and frequency-hopping – can be supported compared to systems with centralised architectures.
IMP UNIVERSAL INTERFACE PORT Aboard larger vessels such as coastguard cutters, IMP can be installed over several decks of the ship, with UIPs to which crew PCUs connect, each of which can perform as an independent sub-system.
The space constraints of an RIB can, however, narrow the choice of tactical intercom system further once the number of crew, their seating positions and their individual communications requirements to support their roles aboard, are considered. Some crew may only need intercom capabilities at their station. Others may need full intercom and C4I-connectivity to integrate with various onboard sensors and systems. Either way, the system installation needs to be physically achievable so that each man has the connectivity they need.
Aboard larger naval vessels such as coastguard cutters, destroyers and even up to aircraft carriers, an effective new-generation tactical intercom C3/C4I-enabling system should be capable of delivering a multi-deck, resilient and fl exible solution. It should be able to offer advanced digital features and functionality to suit the demanding and high-tech operational needs of even the largest maritime vessel, including interoperability with the multi-radio technologies typically found aboard advanced ships. That said, such a versatile system still needs to be easy to understand and use for all members of a crew.
The Savox IMP ® and IMP-CH Systems – A Solid Pedigree Savox Communications has proven capabilities in the design, development, deployment and integration of onboard communication solutions for use in a wide range of land-based and maritime platforms. Its IMP, C4i-capable platform intercom system is a next-generation, lightweight, digital communications solution, which has been designed with many of the attributes described above, delivering the C3/
C4I-enabling needs of AFVs with its intercom, radio and data transmission capabilities in one solution; IMP solutions have been adopted by a number of high-profi le defence users around the world.
Innovative Technology At IMP’s core is a digital Ethernet backbone providing high-capacity voice and data throughout an installed platform, whether land vehicle or marine craft. This ensures that the IMP family of products remains fully compliant with the needs of customers for platform digitisation and meets all the concept requirements for effective ‘Network-Centric Warfare’.
Onboard an IMP-installed vehicle, each crew member has their own wearable PCU, rather than a platform-mounted central control unit. Each PCU is a lightweight, ergonomic device and, aided by voice menu prompts, gives each man full connectivity into the onboard IMP network and instant access to communications both inside the vehicle, as well as into the wider external radio network. The soldier is effectively the communications interface. The PCU incorporates a headset connector and can be used with a variety of different Savox and 3rd-party headsets. Unlike other systems, the PCU has two external radio PTTs to enable the operation of multiple radios and instant access to two radio networks; it also has a menu switch and an intercom PTT, as well as an optional CNR/ NBC connection facility.
For smaller installations such as B-vehicles and RIBs, Savox has developed a compact IMP, or IMP-CH. Both IMP and IMP-CH have been designed to integrate/interoperate with other
IMP-CH COMPACT INTERCOM SYSTEM Savox has standardised its IMP-CH compact intercom offering in a way that offers end users up to nine different variants of IMP-CH. As well as being suited to marmite platforms, through its versatile and compact format, IMP-CH has opened up full C3 connectivity on the battlefi eld to B-vehicle of all kinds, which previously had little or no means of onboard comms, or staying in contact with the AFVs they were meant to support.
onboard systems, such as Battle Management Systems, Navigation Systems, Engine Management and Video Systems.
An IMP-CH installation will also use components already found in an IMP installation, including PCUs and speaker control units (SCUs). As with core IMP modules, Universal Interface Ports (UIPs) and Universal Radio Ports (URPs) are both fundamental interfaces holding any IMP/IMP-CH network together. Depending on what confi guration of IMP-CH is required by any particular installation, one, two, or three UIPs and URPs can be provided. This highlights the different combinations and capabilities that can be achieved from a single IMP-CH module.
The IMP Intercom solution has achieved stringent ISO 9001-2000 standards and meets a number of US DoD standards for use in harsh environmental and EMC-related conditions, as well as other MIL-STDs.
Commercial Successes – IMP in Use IMP has already been installed aboard maritime vessels, including RIBs and offshore multi-role craft with military units around the world. In one of its largest installations to date, aboard a coastguard cutter, IMP has been installed over all decks of the ship, with UIPs to which crew PCUs connect, each of which can perform as an independent sub-system. The PCUs always stay with the same individuals as they move around the vessel or onto any of its tender boats. The specifi c confi guration of the Savox IMP system on the vessel has a unique system-level design for ultimate battle resilience. It provides intercom voice and radio communications command and control capabilities, as well as a data conduit for high-speed data transfer (100Mbit/s). It can also deliver enhanced C4I capabilities, if needed. The PCUs incorporate a range of controls including radio and intercom PTT buttons, volume control and menu switch.
The system also has a particularly small footprint onboard, which has made it easy to integrate into the ship’s design. On this particular vessel, the Savox system interoperates with up to 20 different types of analogue and digital commercial and military radio systems, including: maritime VHF, UHF, HF, TETRA, tactical military radios, SW and satcoms.
In its most recent implementation, IMP has been chosen as the command and control system for a Minelayer Upgrade Programme. Factors about IMP, which secured the contract despite major competition, include IMP’s ease of integration and installation, and the ability to update, upgrade and expand the system through its software-defi ned design. Installation work is scheduled to be completed in 2017.
