Portable C2 system - Continued tests with motorized infantry company

Authors:

  • Jonathan Svensson

Publish date: 2022-10-11

Report number: FOI-R--5344--SE

Pages: 40

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 presented suggestions of system configuration for soldier-worn and vehicle mounted command and control systems. The systems have been tested during two time periods. During March to June 2021 tests were conducted in a motorized infantry platoon within a motorized infantry company at P7, Revingehed with results documented in a previous report. During September 2021 to May 2022 tests were conducted in a whole rifle company at Livgardet in Kungsängen, with results detailed in this report. In total 17 soldier-worn systems were assigned to the company commander, acting company commander, three platoon commanders, three acting platoon commanders, and the nine squad commanders. Five vehicle-mounted system were installed in the vehicles of the company commander, the three platoon commanders, and the vehicle of rear company command (L3). 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. The vehicle mounted test system used MilDef DT13 ruggedized computers with software Systematic SitaWare Frontline. This study has not considered security solutions regarding IT, cyber, electronic warfare or enemy access to the system. However, user opinions on these questions have been collected. The results from the questionnaires and group discussions suggest a perceived large benefit from having the system, by means of more precise, confident and flexible navigation, lessened need for radio communication regarding own positions, a higher tempo in manoeuvres, and an improved situation awareness. The use for command and control was rated higher in the upper echelons specifically for company and platoon leaders, which is based on a wide usage also at squad leaders and rear company command vehicles. Risks and problems mentioned by the users regarded overly relying on the system and focusing too much on the display, which need to be countered by training and SOP's. The users expressed needs for higher resolution and details in maps, more robust security functionality, shorter cabling, lower light emission from the display when used in darkness, and improved radio communication distance and radio battery life.