Portable C2 system - Tests with motorized infantry platoon
Publish date: 2022-01-17
Report number: FOI-R--5248--SE
Pages: 23
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- command and control system
- C2
- navigation
- dismounted
- soldier system
Abstract
FOI has in the "Supporting evaluation of portable C2 system solution" project designed suggestions of system configuration for portable and vehicle mounted command and control systems, focusing on hardware. During March-June 2021 tests of these systems were performed in a motorized infantry platoon within a motorized infantry company at P7, Revingehed. The soldier-worn test system used a Samsung S10 smartphone with a ruggedized case, mounted to the soldiers' combat vest, and ruggedized cabling to Radio 1570. Software used for soldier-worn C2-system was Systematic SitaWare Edge 3.0. The vehicle mounted test system used MilDef DT10 and MilDef DS11 ruggedized computers. Software used for the vehicle-mounted system was Systematic SitaWare Frontline 2.5. The soldier-worn system was assigned to the platoon commander, acting platoon commander and the three squad commanders of the platoon. The vehiclemounted system was installed in three vehicles of the company commander, the platoon commander, and the acting platoon commander. Positions of the platoon's seven vehicles, as well as the company commander's vehicle, were transmitted by the vehicle radios. The results from questionnaires and group discussions indicate that the users could see usefulness of the system, mainly for navigation, mobility and coordination. The utility for commanding was rated highest for battalion, company and platoon command, while low for commanding within squads. Risks and problems that the users regarded as highest were if the system would fall into the hands of the enemy, radio signal emittance, and that resources need to be allocated to managing and supporting the system. The tests have continued during autumn of 2021 expanding to three infantry platoons and company commanders within a motorized infantry company.