f-insas update report - june2012

F-INSAS : AN UPDATE

Soldier Modernisation India 2012

11 - 13 September 2012, New Delhi, India

www.soldiermodindia.com

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/


CONTENTS

Page 1




Introduction 2 Overview 3 Blue Sky Modernisation 4 F-INSAS Updates: Lethality 6 Mobility 9 Sustainability 11 Communications & Situational Awareness 13 Survivability 15 RFI Archive 18 Future Soldier Programmes Worldwide 19 Soldier Modernisation India 2012 22 About Defence IQ 23

© Defence IQ

Photo (p5): Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images AsiaPac


INTRODUCTION

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As the world awaits to see the results of India’s first phase completion for its Futuristic Soldier As a

System (F-INSAS) programme, Defence IQ casts an eye over the new features set to revolutionize Indian infantry. Much of what we know about the development and decisions concerning the F-INSAS project is notoriously speculative given the importance of the subject. As such, this report looks to summarise all aspects of F-INSAS knowledge, including what we know, what we do not know, and what we are most likely to see. Sources for information have ranged from Indian government and military, defence conferences, equipment and strategic analysts and open source news. While this report provides an update on the programme, the most comprehensive first-hand insight and information on F-INSAS will be provided this September at Soldier Modernisation India, where senior leaders will assemble to discuss modernisation efforts in India and across the world. Among the distinguished list of decision makers, the conference will see presentations from both Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia, Director General of the Indian Infantry Directorate and his Deputy Director General for Equipment Brigadier Ashok Ambre, and Lieutenant General Sumer Singh, Director General of the Army’s Directorate of Perspective Planning. In addition, commanders and future soldier project managers from allied nations, such as Israel, the Republic of Korea, and the USA, will also be in attendance to update the delegation on their own ongoing modernisation programmes. We hope that you find this report useful and hope to see you at the event. Kindest regards, Simon Wigfield Production Director Defence IQ







The first phase of India’s ‘Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System’ programme as a system is due for completion in 2012. F-INSAS will offer advanced infantry weapon and survivability equipment, as well as a fully integrated communication capability to plug the soldier directly into the heart of the battlefield information network. We look at what has been rumoured, confirmed and what may even be available further into the future. Here’s the snapshot…





ULTIMATE CAMOUFLAGE A breakthrough announced in early 2012 declared that researchers have made progress in efforts to produce a metamaterial capable of cloaking objects from microwaves. Months earlier, BAE revealed their thermal cloaking technology for vehicles, rendering them invisible to thermal detection. Other recent efforts involve networks of tiny cameras built into material, simultaneously filming behind the object and projecting in front, thus creating a clothing capable of distorting vision. Surely it is only a matter of time before the invisible future soldier appears (or rather, does not) on the battlefield.

BLUE SKY MODERNISATION …LOOKING EVEN FURTHER INTO THE FUTURE

BULLSEYE EVERY TIME Not content with the Israeli Defence Force’s CornerShot rifle that allows the user to fire around corners while remaining shielded, DARPA has been developing EXACTO (Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance) programme in an effort to see into action guided small calibre bullets. These smart rounds are to be maneuvered mid-flight by a laser guidance system capable of changing trajectory up to 30 times a second, ensuring the target is found even in high wind conditions. Currently, the capability is limited to .50 calibre rounds, but has passed the proof of concept phase and could be delivered by 2015. Clearly, the next step is to see even smaller calibre rounds benefit from the same technology.

STARSHIP TROOPERS Powered exoskeletons to enable humans to lift far more than normal are being put through the paces today by several companies and research labs worldwide. The long list of obstacles, including heavy weight, low flexibility, and huge mobile power demands, leaves the emergence of real life Iron Men still a distant dream where military operations are concerned, but finding a solution remains a priority into which several agencies and militaries are investing funds.

BLADE RUNNING Cybernetics remains a relatively immature field when it comes to the battle space, but progress has been made in recent years across other national future soldier programmes, wherein the chief aim is to better integrate the soldier with the overall C4I of theatre. France’s FÉLIN system essentially allows computerised audio conference calling while in battle, reducing the limitations of single network radio. It is theorised that voice command of remote units and realtime battlefield imaging can soon be standard.


F-INSAS UPDATES

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LETHALITY

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Out With the Old

In August 2011, the MoD released a statement in

response to a public query, admitting that INSAS (Indian small arms system), the Army’s standard assault rifle, was prone to operational failings and had been under deep consideration since 2009 to be replaced with urgency. The release reported on a rising accident and defect record for the rifle over the past three years, from 68 incidents in 2009, 69 in 2010, and 41 at the time of writing, with 9 personnel suffering minor injuries in total. While some of the accidents have been blamed on improper handling, other issues have been linked to “improper heat treatment and material” at the manufacturing phase. Prior to 2003, a serious defect in the rifle’s mechanisms had been occasionally causing oil to spray directly into the eyes of the user and required immediate modification, alongside other concerns over ammunition and storage. When initial calls for the overhaul of INSAS emerged two year ago, some senior officers criticised the decision to issue a global tender for its replacement, claiming that modifications had already transformed it into a “good weapon”. However, there have also been criticisms of the rifle’s apparent lack of stopping power, with one reported defence of the system attempting to explain instant lethality as a less preferable option

to serious injury. In this scenario, it was theorised that more troops are forced to leave the battlefield in their efforts to evacuate the injured. On top of this, use of the weapon during the 1999 Kargil conflict revealed other early-phase manufacturing flaws, such as the polymer magazines cracking and jamming in cold weather, and accounts of the three-round burst function not working. Reportedly, the rifle was so unreliable that the Army imported 100,000 AK-47s to cope under high altitude conditions. Details of the rifle’s record may come as a frustration to the Royal Army of Oman, who confirmed orders for the INSAS last year as part of the India-Oman 2003 defence agreement. The exact number of weapons on order has not been revealed, but Bhutan and Nepal both use the weapon, the latter holding 23,000 in its stocks. So, What’s New?

Failings of the INSAS weapons will be remedied

within the Futuristic Indian Soldier as a System (F-INSAS) programme, and given its status as the ‘first objective’ of the entire modernisation effort, will begin to see real progress in 2012. The aim is to acquire modular, multi-calibre weapons, consisting of a rifle able to fire 5.56mm, 7.62mm and 6.8mm rounds, with potential for an Underbarrel Grenade Launcher (UGBL). It had been thought by some analysts that the Indian Government’s reluctance to offer private


http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=74106







tender and instead rely on its own DRDO had slowed the process for modernisation considerably, and fears of losing local industry opportunities have arguably hampered innovative competition. There has been conflicting opinion since the end of 2011 on whether the indigenous approach will still be undertaken, as it had been reported in India’s national press that the government had issued global tenders for its F-INSAS rifles and close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, while previous reports had already suggested that the DRDO had developed a new carbine called ‘Milap’ set to begin field trials and presumably intended for Indian infantry. That which is known for certain is what India believes its rifles should exhibit as ‘future weaponry’ given the publically accessible Request For Information documents released in the past few years. Among these were the hopes to entice bidders to developing a multipurpose and rugged general purpose machine gun for Indian Special Forces, as well as a rifle with the capability to shoot around corners. Defence IQ confirmed in an interview with Amos Golan, the inventor of the Israeli CornerShot rifle, that the company is indeed providing this capability to Indian Forces and holds the international patent on the core concept. CornerShot has already been supplied to India’s National Security Guard. Both the new 7.62mm and assault rifle are planned to include thermal imaging and digital video relay, with the assault rifle also exhibiting a Passive Night Sight (PNS). Desired operational temperatures sit between -10C to +45C, while every new weapon is expected to be lighter than previous versions, and with longer range. It has been estimated that each advanced INSAS

rifle will cost approximately 50,000 INR (£570 – £640) per unit. Beyond standard soldier rifles, a new RFI has been released for development of a Sniper Rifle under the F-INSAS designation, but within its general specifications does not reveal much in the way of ‘special’ advancements. In further intriguing developments, India’s infantry and weapons directorates have issued far more specific call outs for information on recoverable troop-launched Mini UAVs, for use in “real-time surveillance and reconnaissance, detection of enemy movement, target detection, recognition, identification and acquisition, and Post Strike Damage Assessment (PSDA)”. Learning from Allies

While most nations with the scope to undertake

a weapons modernisation programme will be looking to enhance the obvious attributes – lighter load, increased range, higher stopper power, et cetera – the most interesting developments being looked into by other powers are in evolving infantry small arms into multi-capable systems. Having been working with Israel on small arms R&D, it is thought that India may piece together lessons from the Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) development of the Tavor TAR-21 assault rifle, which underwent three years of testing with the IDF before its contract agreement in 2003, and was designed to be an “organic” and lightweight extension of the warfighter. The weapon is currently in the stocks of India’s Special Forces. The method of developing the Tavor was to ensure that it can adapt with time to the changing requirements of combat and, as well as being compact and mobile, also accommodates >>





user-friendly features such as a sight that does not require the shooter to close their eyes, and the capacity to integrate with a variety of advanced accessories. Crucially, it s interchangeable for both right- and left-handed users, overcoming a traditional shortfall of many weapons. Also worth noting is that the Tavor can accommodate a grenade launcher kit, which Indian programme developers wish to include on its own upgrades. The US has seen several contenders in recent years to succeed its current infantry and special forces weaponry, including ongoing efforts to replace the M249 light machine gun and the M4 Carbine through open competition. American developments, however, have focused on enhancing usability – such as reduced cleaning and interval stoppage times – rather than striving for revolutionary advancements into digitization or guided munitions. Meanwhile, Russia – which has benefited from India being its second largest market for defence equipment – is currently planning “deep modernisation” of the iconic and hugely influential Kalashnikov, and will include an optical sight and a flashlight.





Taking the Weight Off

One of the chief aims of F-INSAS is of course to

lighten the load for the soldier in battle, which will subsequently enhance survival rates and operational effectiveness. Developers are working on retaining ballistic protection through a tactical vest that includes cover to the legs, groin, neck and collar, but does not chafe in hot and uncomfortable conditions nor impede the soldier’s movement. Developers have been under pressure to reconcile a lighter load with the ‘soldier as a system’ concept, including the need to weave cabling and battery packs into clothing. Specifically, India’s intention of providing Palmtop computers, fire proof undergarments, health monitoring sensors, and integrated respirators and sensors for chemical protection will all add to the ‘on board’ hardware requirements. Looking at the positives, an advance in new ‘micro’ technology, such as smaller communication devices and tablet PCs, should counter this in the long run, provided that systems remain flexible enough to make fast upgrades after the programme is finally rolled out into the battlefield. The Indian soldier’s helmet will be made of a lighter-weight composite material so that it balances out the additions of the added, visor, camera and internal communication system, but still protects from 9mm carbine rounds and shrapnel.

It is possible that armoured clothing could include a shear-thickening capability that not only disperses the impact of a gunshot or blast, but could potentially harness and transfer that energy for its own internal energy system. Simpler modifications are also being implemented to standard issue clothing to make the soldier more manoeuvrable, such as “modular” gloves that can be adapted for any type of weather and enable easy handling of a weapon. Back at the Ranch

When it comes to survivability, most major

militaries are anticipating a continued rise in urban and irregular warfare, which in turn is calling for a rising prioritisation for mobility over general protection. Exo-skeletal suits, a popular concept currently being evaluated by R&D teams worldwide are not believed to be an aspect of F-INSAS. Such suits – or ‘Lower Body Units’ (LBUs) – are intended to enhance a soldier’s strength by providing a form-fitting machinized frame that augments the muscle power of the wearer. Integration of solar panel and nanotechnology systems to lighten the load has already been explored by British Armed Forces in tests to convert kinetic, solar and thermal energy into electricity, but admit that thermoelectric (TE) solutions could still be 5-10 years from incorporation into clothing, and longer still from seeing the battlefield. However, key to the planning phase of TE solutions is the concept of >>

MOBILITY





“building in redundancy” so that lightweight clothing, which is likely to tear, will simply see its electricity re-routed rather than severed. The US Future Force Warrior programme has entertained secondary applicable shear-thickening solutions to armour in order to enhance capability without adding to the load. One product looks to provide a spray-on option that stiffens on impact with the round in enough time to disperse the force, but testing and development remains ongoing, as it does with related ceramic and ferrofluid smart materials.


SUSTAINABILITY

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Power on the Go

Given that Indian infantry equipment is

transitioning from being a fairly rudimentary consideration to a highly advanced mechanised system, there comes with it the same problem of sustaining power in the battlefield that troubles vehicles, aircraft and all other electronic tools of the warfighter. F-INSAS troops will need to carry power packs to ensure their internal cooling systems, life monitoring sensors and communications are not rendered redundant or hinder the time and effort of the soldier. Such a thing can only exist if the power lasts for extended periods and is easily rechargeable, as any alternative would involve carrying a heavier load and potentially endangering the soldier if caught on a prolonged mission. This requirement for sustainability could involve several different sources of power in one. Chief of these appears to be a focus on solar energy, harnessed by a series of photovoltaic panels on both the soldier ’s clothing and on particular pieces of kit, including the tablet computer, which will presumably eat most of its energy in video display and data exchange with the network. The other key avenue is kinetic. According to Surendra Kumar, former director of India ’ s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), “the weapons system will function on light-weight batteries that can be easily charged. Sensors fixed in the boots will be used to charge the batteries,” in a development

that would certainly be a huge step forward for both soldier system integration and sustainability. Many of the RFIs issued for the weapons and integrated weapon systems themselves include a suggested need for individual components to be powered with sustainable batteries as well as having backup batteries that meet strict weight and size limits. In addition, new call-outs for information on infantry-deployed mini UAVs suggests that the future soldier will be required to carry The alternative to spreading individual power source panels across the soldier system is to centralize all power to one pack, carried in the soldier ’ s backpack. Consolidation of power is making headway in the realm of small arms in particular, with India perhaps looking at an integrated power rail for its new rifles, removing the immediate need for separate cells and simply plugs in as part of the magazine or buttstock. Allies and Obstacles

The UK ’ s Defence Science and Technology

Laboratory (DSTL) believes that the increased need for power is being driven by the commercial market and could eventually help the British soldier system deliver 400-600wh/kg at a time through newly developed lithium sulphur batteries. DSTL is also experimenting with even more efficient methanol-based options, achieving levels of 649wh/kg. India does appear to be taking a leaf from the pages of the US infantry modernisation >>





programme when it comes to sustainable energy and the efforts being made by several private companies in the realm of boot-based biomechanical energy. Prototypes that have emerged feature an exostructure hinged to the rear of the heel and able to recharge AA batteries at a general walking pace of 3mph through the use of piezoelectric crystals rather than an electromechanical generator. However, these early designs are largely encumbering and heavy, while doubts remain whether regenerative power at the levels claimed by manufacturers can be sustained without constant or excessive walking, suggesting instead that stated optimal wattage can be misleading when applied to a soldier’s practical routine. Some infantry have argued that current “ sustainable ” battery packs are not a viable alternative to simply picking up some spare light-weight batteries at an outpost. This is however a dangerous train of thought, particularly as it has been shown that discarding batteries in the battlefield can be a serious hazard; for instance, providing insurgents with the means to build and charge makeshift IEDs, as discovered in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Australian soldiers are expecting to be outfitted soon with ‘ Sliver ’ solar cell technology developed by the Australian National University (ANU) as part of a $2.3 million defence contract. These take the form of remarkably thin sheets that can be moulded around the soldier’s uniform and be rolled up and stored if needed. In much the same way as boot-powered options, solar energy has a more obvious design flaw preventing it from being a sole source of power. Jungle or night combat, for example, would render the cells useless unless the power is

dispersed and stored, requiring definite need for the solider to carry at least one power pack with enough energy conserved to last for sustained operations and emergencies. The solution to overall power for the Indian infantry therefore currently lies in use of a single body-worn system harvesting a collection of small power sources, including a mix of solar, kinetic and traditional battery energy, with renewed emphasis being placed on bases and vehicles to supply outlets for manual recharging wherever needed. Militaries worldwide are also anticipating further commercial development and innovation into portable renewable power given the dramatic increase in mobile phones, music devices, tablet computers and other personal equipment.


COMMUNICATIONS &

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

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Existing Kit

Back in 2007, the Indian Army signed an

agreement to be supplied with Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) standard secure radio systems, manufactured in partnership with Finmeccanica and the indigenous Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). BEL has also had a hand in India’s Army Radio Engineered Network (AREN) tactical area communications system that has been supplying ground forces with a secure capability since the early 1990s. This has involved the provision of a truck-mounted shelterised trunk exchange that allows up to 192 digitised voice, 256 teleprinter and 32 data channels, but can no longer cope with the huge growth in demand for high-grade information. AREN is to be replaced with the Tactical Communication System (TCS), while the Army’s Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) is being ousted by the Army Wide Area Network (AWAN)., connecting all services and installations within India. Modernising the System

A large-scale plan to include the TCS programme

into F-INSAS should see the development of a digital network connecting soldiers in the battlefield to command posts anywhere in the world. As AWAN seeks to integrate communication between all Indian services, the potential scope to build in interoperable allied

partner networks is also being studied. TCS will consist of “trunk nodes such as the key bandwidth carrier connection points, terminating at access nodes for Brigade-level communications”. This will then extend to command posts at Company level. In 2010, it was reported that TCS would cost around £1.3billion, with India consulting with major IT firms to develop not only a system that incorporates mobile technology and equipment sensors, but one that is secure enough to protect highly sensitive data. At that time, the government was looking to stoke competition between indigenous companies – including L&T, HCL Infosystems, Tata Power's Strategic Electronics Division, Wipro Technologies and Rolta India – with the winning contractor providing up to 80 per cent of the manufacturing within India and footing 80 per cent of the development bill. Aiding TCS development is India’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), which has launched “preliminary R&D”. Recent CAIR communication products have included Wireless Message Transfer Unit (WMTU) that enables transmission of IP packets over wired and wireless media using Mil Std 188-220 A protocol, and Programmable Communication Interface Unit (PCIU) that provides interconnectivity between a formation HQ LAN and a battlefield-wide WAN. The latter provides facilities for interfacing to Fibre optic modems, HDSL modems and Synchronous/Asynchronous modems. >>





Seeing the Big Picture

Palmtop devices are likely to be rolled out with

the new networking measures, offering GPS navigation and friendly force tracking. Some reports indicate that this technology is also being considered as a wrist mounted version so as not to encumber the troops and to minimize the risk of misplacing the device. Aside to this, the fusion of the new technology with an innovative helmet-mounted display (HMD) will also presumably improve communications, offering direct data and voice to the soldier on the battlefield. Soldiers may be able to look towards a mountain range, for example, and be able to automatically feed their point of view instantly by video to another unit, which can in turn assess for anomalies or targets, and rapidly communicate this information back to the tactical unit in order for the soldier to make an active decision. The HMD will not only include thermal, chemical and biological sensors, and night vision, but will offer the wearer the equivalent perspective of two 17-inch display screens. In addition, a 2012 RFI was released to fill a gap in fibrescope technology, issued under the observance of several directorates including the Directorate General of Infantry. Once a special operations technology, the fibrescope is essentially an optical wire that can be inserted through 10mm gaps in doors and other obstacles, relaying the image on the other side without detection. The scope is intended to be INFRARED capable, capturing and recording up to 10 hours of footage or up to 1000 black and white photos, which can be simply uploaded to a computer via a USB connection.

Learning from Allies

India may well be looking at the interesting

advancements in the US Army where the Signal Corps is developing its Micro-Cyber programme in an effort to deliver cheaper, lighter and more easily deployable communications devices, much of which is being based on COTS based SMART technology, such as tablet PCs. The US is also integrating communication networks into a single network, which should, according to the Chief Information Office, reduce the risk to data leaks by establishing a much smaller digital footprint. Considering the growing volume and rate of data needed in the field, all militaries of the future will have greater requirements than we are seeing today, and virtualisation is being factored in. In other words, while soldiers will have standard data packages on their personal equipment, such as maps and GPS, they will have access to the majority of information on a cloud server. Cybernetics is an area still in its infancy, but France’s FÉLIN system provides computerised audio conferences while on the battlefield, reducing the limitations of single network radio. The long-term future may well see efforts to allow voice command of remote units.


SURVIVABILITY

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Worth Weighting For This is the ‘don’t be penetrated’ layer of the survivability onion. Other areas of the F-INSAS programme incorporate the ‘don’t be targeted’ and ‘don’t be hit’ sections, but when these two barriers are broken down the survivability aspect of a soldier’s kit becomes his first line of defence (see figure, p17). As with all survivability solutions, be they for man-worn equipment or military vehicles, the challenge in ensuring the maximum level of protection is achieved without compromising on weight and cost. Perhaps this trade-off is no more apparent than for the ‘body armour and individual equipment’ component of India’s F-INSAS soldier modernisation programme. Under F-INSAS, the Indian government is seeking a tactical vest that will protect the legs, groin, neck and collar from ballistic projectiles. The exact level of protection required has not been specified but following most Indian requirements to date the vest will likely be at least covered under NIJ Level IIIA, which will protect the soldier from a 0.44 magnum round. The helmet will only need to be resistant to 9mm rounds, so the cost:weight:performance ratio here will be far less problematic than for the vest. According to John Hegle, Senior Tech Director for the Assured Mobility Branch of the U.S. Army’s Manoeuvre Support Centre of Excellence, the optimal soldier assault load is equal to 30% of their body weight and the optimal marching load is 45%. With over half of U.S. Army soldiers suffering from long-term musculoskeletal injuries

due to overloading, with a significant portion of that weight laying in the body armour, the Indian government must develop innovative survivability solutions that retain high ballistic performance at a significantly lower areal density than those currently on the market. However, when you consider all the other capabilities the soldier of the future will need to have on his person – such as having solar panels to charge electrical equipment, the ability to resist the impact of a CBRN attack and storage for oxygen supplies – providing an adequate armour solution at an acceptable weight becomes difficult. Armouring Up The F-INSAS programme is calling for a ceramic armour solution but increasingly the industry is having to develop new materials to combat the weight problem. Ceramic is around half the mass of steel, but what the military really needs now is something that’s at least half that again. Although still many years in the lab, there are a number of R&D projects taking place that are seeking to achieve this weight saving. For example, scientists in America are currently looking into the mechanical properties of the mantis shrimps ‘fist’, which can destroy exoskeletons and resist over 50,000 high impact blows during the shrimp’s lifespan. It is thought the complex structure of the shrimp’s fist could reveal vital clues to improving the impact resistance of manmade materials, including ballistic fabrics for body armour. David Kisailus,

>>





assistant professor at the University of California’s Riverside’s Bourns College of Engineering, said that his aim with the research is to reduce the weight of body armour to a third of its current weight. As noted earlier in this report, it is possible that the ballistic material used for the vest would ideally not only protect the soldier from bullets and shrapnel, but also disperse the impact of a gunshot or blast and then harness and transfer that energy for its own internal energy system. A number of these ‘smart’ materials, or e-textiles, are currently in development with militaries around the world including the British and U.S. Armies. But with clothing it is not just ballistic integrity that needs to be considered for the soldier of the future, it is energy output, communications systems and CBRN protection too. In terms of the latter, the consideration of chemical warfare, though uncommon and not frequently prioritised by international defence ministries, is felt by some, including British Lt Gen (Rtd) Sir John Kiszely, to be at most risk of becoming the “hidden threat” given the increasing development of the IED and terrorism. According to reports the jacket must also be “waterproof yet breathable” and is likely to incorporate mosquito repellent fabric considering the regional environment. In a world of mines, mortars and bullets, it is important to remember that the mosquito continues to kill hundreds of thousands per year. As such, integrated medical sensors are being integrated into the soldier’s clothing to deal with all possible health hazards. These in-built real-time monitors will consist of a diagnostic suite enabled to measure vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, stress levels

and even physical impact, essentially allowing medics and doctors to know immediately where injuries are located and what needs to be done to stabilise the troop. There is also a notion of lacing the fabric on uniforms with blood-clotting fibres, which in could in theory be tied in with the “onboard” sensors. The medical sensor suite is likely to rank as one of the most costly features of the F-INSAS package and may require capability re-tailoring to meet the needs of both budget and practicality. Some reports from the earliest released RFIs on the subject pointed to ARDE exploration of counter-IED boots, which would enhance the chances of lower limb protection in the event of a soldier stepping on a landmine. How effective such technology can be in live theatre remains either a mystery or guarded secret, but it is known that the most damaging of non-lethal IED injuries (i.e. those requiring amputation) result from impact to the heel. F-INSAS boots may answer this by adding heightened absorption material to the sole, but whether this lends itself too much to an increase of weight, or indeed interferes with the aforementioned boot-based power cell, may cause decision makers to opt instead for a mobility approach over one of bulky protection.





The ‘Survivability Onion’


F-INSAS & INFANTRY RFIs

Page 18




Collated herein are all of the latest and most relevant Requests for Information (RFI) documents related to either the F-INSAS programme or Infantry Directorate upgrades and officially released by the Indian MoD. Read up on what the Army wants the defence industry to contribute to its future, as of 2009 - present:

General Purpose Machine Gun for Para – Special Forces

Cornershooting Rifle

Passive Night Sight

CBRN Infantry Equipment

Spotter Scope

Handheld Target Aquisition Device

Infantry Computer and Communications System

Thermal Imaging Sight for 7.62 mm Light Machine Gun

Thermal Weapon Sight for Assault Rifle

Night Sight for Carbine

Assault Rifle for Infantry

New Weapons Training Centre

7.62 mm Light Machine Gun

Sniper Rifle

Fibrescope

Mini Unmanned UAV


http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_GPMG




http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_weaponsystem_cornershooting

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_PassiveNightSight

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_CBRN

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_spotterscope

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_computersystem

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_commssystem

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_thermalimaging762mm

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_thermalweaponsrifle

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_nightsightcarbine

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_assaultrifle

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_weaponstrainingcentre

http://www.soldiermodindia.com/RFI_762lightmachinegun

http://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/RFI/281/MGO180512.pdf

http://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/RFI/285/FIBRESCOPE220512.pdf

http://indianarmy.nic.in/writereaddata/RFI/284/UAV220512.pdf

FUTURE SOLDIER PROGRAMMES

WORLDWIDE

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COMFUT (Combatiente Futuro) – SPAIN

First 12 units were delivered at the end of 2007, with a minimum of 7000 to be ordered between 2009-2013. Characterised by a realtime C2 system, including a portable computer and a digital link-up between the helmet and the weapon. Integrates with major armoured vehicles.

VOSS (Improved Operational Soldier System) - NETHERLANDS Greenlit in 2008, the programme is hinging on the crucial development of a ‘Smart Vest’, which contains a C4I module, a power supply, a load carriage backpack system and ballistic protection. 550 units to be fielded by 2014. A separate small arms replacement programme is to see procurement in 2015.

NORMANS (Norwegian Modular Arctic Network Soldier) – NORWAY

Purchased in 2011 on the concept designed and tested at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) over a 10 year period. The integrated soldier system was found to increase infantry efficiency by 40 per cent. Expected to be in service in 2012 having already been trialled in Exercise ‘Bold Quest’.

FIST (Future Infantry Soldier Technology) – UNITED KINGDOM Long gestating programme to ensure that communication capabilities are advanced and all equipment of the future soldier is integrated within an upgradeable system powered by pioneering by 2008.

sustainable technology. Originally projected to arrive by 2012. Current expectations cite 2015 at the earliest.

Land 125 Soldier Combat System – AUSTRALIA Otherwise known as Project Wundurra, this multi-phased close combatant update is improving radio, armour, weapon sights and networking. Key ethos is ‘integration’, and future modular upgrades are being factored in to keep system relevant until at least 2030. Completion currently estimated at 2015.

COBRA (COmbatente BRAsileiro) – BRAZIL Part of Brazil’s military-wide modernisation investment under consideration since 2007 to confront the asymmetric environment. Key components include a new 5.56mm rifle, ability to connect the soldier into newly acquired armoured vehicles. Two versions are to be delivered – “regular” COBRA and “Amazon” COBRA (jungle infantry). Initial delivery expected by 2013.

FÉLIN (Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés) – FRANCE First deployed on the frontline in Afghanistan in September 2010, a total of 31,455 units have been ordered to date. Includes major enhancements to ruggedize clothing and armour, an upgraded FAMAS assault rifle, and a cutting edge DECT-enabled radio system (known as RIF) that allows easy toggling between two simultaneous networks.

IdZ - GERMANY Initial development and delivery completed, with >>


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9lin




2,000 more enhanced variants (IdZ-2/‘Gladius’) reported to be fielded between 2010-2014. Most advanced components include a core computer interfaced through the soldier’s helmet display. Enhanced variant will allow connectivity with a vehicle when mounted.

Soldato Futuro – ITALY First deliveries began in 2011, with over 500 more due in 2012. Offers touchscreen command and control, GPS and GIS, along with updated protective gear for ballistic, stab, frag and CBRNE threats. Has been inspected by Russia.

Advanced Combat Man System – SINGAPORE Primarily concerned with supplying tactical units with advanced communications networking, centred around a personal computer that builds a digital battlespace picture from satellite images, weapon-mounted cameras and GPS trackers – all fed to the soldiers helmet display. Fielding began in 2010 after 12 years of development.

Warrior 2020 – FINLAND Concentrating on increased protection, situational awareness and weight savings of several kilograms. Much of this may be accomplished by modularity, allowing tailoring of the equipment depending on individual task. Procurement to begin in 2014 with delivery projected for 2018-2020.

IMESS – SWITZERLAND Incorporating over 700 military requirements and designed to be modular, expanding, and retaining as much of the current equipment as possible. Intended for covered, mounted and dismounted operations. Series production expected 2015-2016.

MARKUS – SWEDEN FMV is already satisfied with current equipment, so emphasis has been on modifications rather than new

systems, such as the upgrade of the AK5 (5.56 mm) to the AK5C. Also prioritising C4I with new next-gen Group Radio and C2 systems. Delivery projected for 2014 and further updates planned from 2017.

ISW TYTAN (Indivisual Warfare System Titan) – POLAND A combination of modernising current systems and introducing new protective gear and communications. The immediate version (‘Mini Tytan’), set to arrive in 2012, will see to urgent requirements, while the later the ‘standard’ B version will be designed for mechanised soldiers, and the most advanced C variant will supply recon and special forces. Includes new 5.56 mm rifles, personal computers and C4I system.

21st Century Soldier - CZECH REPUBLIC Due to enter service in 2012. Includes a helmet display and camera, offering digitized mapping, compass and voice/data transmission. A new indigenous assault rifle (CZ 805 BREN A1) also began delivery in 2011.

ISSP (Integrated Soldier System Project) – CANADA Requests for Proposals issued in 2012 to “provide the soldier with an integrated suite of equipment”. Development is taking place in conjunction with a Small Arms Replacement programme and a Sniper System programme, all of which should be deployable throughout the 2012-2020 period.

Future Force Warrior – USA Thought to be the likely replacement to the Land Warrior programme cancelled in 2007, FFW looks to capitalise on efforts made towards network-centric enhancements and overall survivability. Still in deep development despite some of the new components of LW being used in the Iraq campaign. Unknown delivery date, but expected to be highly advanced when ready.

>>


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projekt_TYTAN

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projekt_TYTAN

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Warrior

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Warrior




African Warrior - SOUTH AFRICA An incremental programme of smaller programmes, completing its ‘Warrior’ phase in 2011. Now in the stage of ‘Future Project 1’, looking at near term Command and Control system equipment. Future Project 2 will begin in 2014 and look at integrated helmet and sensor systems, with future upgrade phases to be added on when SANDF can confirm requirements and budgets.

RIFS (Romanian Individual Fighting System) – ROMANIA Test and evaluation to be completed by 2013, with the first 500 units to be purchased by the end of that year. Expected to be an all-round update including a new NATO calibre assault rifle and COTS technology, but not expected to be hyper-advanced owing to cost and soldier acceptance.





SOLDIER MODERNISATION

INDIA 2012

The Indian Army’s immediate and future infantry equipment investments are currently budgeted at $10Billion. Does your organisation have the insight into how and where this budget is being allocated? If you want to positively position your company and brand within the Indian Defence Market, then Soldier Modernisation India 2012 is your must attend event of the year. What makes this event different? 1. At no other forum will you find the key Indian Soldier Equipment decision makers from the Directorate Infantry, Directorate Weapons & Equipment, F-INSAS Programme and the DRDO under one roof presenting and discussing where their future requirement lies; 2. You have the rare opportunity to gain direct perspective on soldier modernisation requirements and networking opportunities with these senior-level leaders with Soldier Modernisation’s intense support and participation from international military and industry stakeholders within and outside India;

View the full programme

3. This event is the 2nd year running in close collaboration with the Indian Army to provide you with an exclusive opportunity to meet with 80+ Senior Indian Officers responsible for establishing requirements, future capabilities and technological developments necessary to ensure India has the optimum Infantry capability at its disposal.

11-13 September 2012, Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, India Join us at the 2nd Annual Soldier Modernisation India conference and gain the necessary technological updates, crucial operational feedback and critical insight into India’s procurement programmes to help your company optimise your understanding of this obscure yet lucrative market.


http://www.soldiermodindia.com/Event.aspx?id=754172



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f-insas update report - june2012

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