As the Soviet military might continues to outstrip that of the NATO forces, Kurt Fleischmann reports on how Western technology can redress the balance.
In the bow and arrow age of warfare, what mattered most was a strong arm, so that the arrow would reach the enemy; good eyesight so that the warrior could see the foe; and a good brain which could quickly discern the adversary's weaknesses and capitalize on them. In a manner of speaking, this is still what really matters today in the jet and nuclear age of warfare--except that man is now aided by sophisticated machines. Take, for example, what Marconi Space and Defense Systems Ltd (known to insiders as MSDS), call the 'Full-Solution'; a fully integrated Improved Fire Control System or IFCS.
This, created by MSDS to the specifications of the British MoD (these acronyms get everywhere), is a fire control system providing the following important qualities:
A vastly increased hitting capacity on first or second try--at least in comparison to manually-operated Chieftain Battle Tanks.
An increased firing power by speeding-up the process of engaging the enemy.
The possibility, where necessary, of reaching further distances.
There is now less need for human judgment and decision-making and a greater likelihood of hitting the target as a result of greater speed and aiming ability, using the same British 120 mm and 105 mm tank guns.
These improvements are not idle boasts. They have been confirmed by experts watching Chieftains in action hitting two rather small targets (1m x 1.2 m) three times within 53 seconds at ranges of up to 2900 m using only nine rounds.
Auto-repair Circuits
When the arrow broke and/or when the primitive warrior ran out of bows and arrows, he had to look around for a suitable, pliable branch to make another bow and seek out and sharpen additional arrows. He was usually unable to finish this task, because his enemy would kill him while he was defenseless. In contrast, fault-finding and battle-time repair are made relatively easy for modern tank-users who also use IFCS. Checks are made by the computer automatically and constantly. In fact, fault finding and repair is part of the basic set-up by so-called first line test equipment; faults are traced to a specific module, which is immediately replaced within the tank. The second line test equipment goes even further by finding any fault within the module, rectifying it by complete replacement, if necessary.
Unlike its predecessor 'Simple-Solution' which only took into consideration such factors as distance, types of ammunition, so-called trunnion tilt, the effects of cross winds and soon, 'Full-Solution', it is claimed, takes account automatically of all aspects of projectile flight. These include full simulation for ballistic computation as well as Autolay, the automatic laying and tracking at the proper elevation offset in relation to particular battle conditions. Other features include digital processors which can be reprogrammed and easy two-handed operation control.
The Think Tank
Not for nothing do Marconi refer to IFCS as 'intelligent'; it is almost able to think for itself. Not only can the system's digital computer (when correctly programmed) decide on the proper ammunition and the correct way of using it, but it is also 'self correcting'--learning by its mistakes from sensors on the tank.
It does this using four main methods: through the Data-Handling Sub-System, or DHSS, the Tank Laser Sight (TLS), the Sighting Sub-System, the Sensors Sub-System and the Gun Control Equipment, or GCE. The DHSS has five specific purposes-ballistic prediction, lead-angle prediction, axes conversions, system control and data input and output--and is composed of four sections. The first is known as CIU (Computer and Inter face Unit); it contains the GEC-Marconi digital computer (its source of power) and the interface module. The interface module's function is to adapt data from other sub-systems to the computer.
Section number two goes by the initials CCMU (Commander's Control and Monitor Unit) and is positioned so that it enables the commander to manually feed data into the computer as well as obtain this, when required, from the computer.
Other uses of the CCMU include first line maintenance to diagnose and correct faults, make performance checks and help the gunner during long-range and indirect engagements.
The third and fourth sections, known as the Firing Handles, are used both by the commander 'and the gunner. Left-hand-operated, they activate the weapon and ammunition-type selectors as well as the laser and autolay demand switches and last, but not least, the firing switches.
Taking Aim
Next we come to the Sighting-Sub-System which has two eye-pieces for the gunner. The left eye-piece shows data displays for the status of laser and IFCS, the armament and ammunition chosen and the range as measured. The right eye piece shows the Muzzle Bore Sight (MBS) mark. This is initially used as the aiming and lasing mark in the IFCS system; then the computer takes over by electronically creating an elliptical aiming mark in the view field, containing the target as well as the MBS.
This aiming mark is an ellipse just big enough to surround the tank target. It changes in size inversely with the distance. As a result, the visual relationship between the ellipse and the target size ensures the gunner's confidence in his ability to hit any target, irrespective of distance. Moreover, once the relationship between target and ellipse is established, it is retained with the aid of the computer so that firing is successful; no matter what evasive action the enemy takes or at what speed or direction the tank moves.
A computer, ingenious as it is, is but a machine. So a great deal of information must be fed into it manually (or pre programmed), such as gun jump or a computation for gun wear; through the Sensors Sub-System vital information for ballistic computation, computer turret control and gun position can be continuously and automatically adjusted for optimum results.
All that is necessary is for the gunner and the commander to get the target into the view-finder and use two hand controls, one for activating the firing handle, the other the thumb controllers.
Artillery Aid
Another electronic aid the Army will make use of in any military engagement is known as BATES (Battlefield Artillery Target System). In the past, artillery control was voice-based-orders were transmitted by radio. But this was a time-consuming process, one which had been speeded up when FACE (Field Artillery Computing Equipment) was first used. FACE speeded up ballistic and weather calculations. It had little effect on order-passing. But speed is of the essence because the West in general, and Britain in particular, is hopelessly outnumbered in most conventional weapons (including artillery), by Warsaw Pact nations. So they have to make up in quality what they lack in quantity.
This is recognized by Britain's NATO partners and they are dealing with the problem in their own way. Where the British answer to the problem--BATES--differs, is that it will be a so called distributed system. Artillery deployment will not be centralized in character, but will be called upon as and where and by whom it is needed; be it company, division, regiment or other level.
This means BATES can never be used by any unit in its entirety; although some (especially non-British) military men consider this a disadvantage. Moreover, according to British thinking, the greatest disaster is the complete destruction of the en tire centralized unit, which can never happen with BATES.
A Tall Order
The BATES designers, Marconi and Scicon, had to over come mutually antagonistic problems. BATES has to be tough, since wartime conditions are never a picnic. It has to be small enough to be easily transportable in Army trucks and operable in small fixed locations. It also has to be easy to use and repair because its de-centralized nature means that no specialists are likely to be around; it must also be capable of withstanding possible nuclear radiation as well as attempts by the enemy to attack the system electronically.
As with most machines for the military, BATES has one other problem which is of vital importance: that of making it usable by other systems, or in conjunction with them, on an international, NATO (or at least UK/USA) basis. Specifically, it can be used with the American TACFIRE and to some extent with Britain's own tactical computer aid, WAVELL, as well with some other artillery equipment either already in operation or shortly to be made available. Thus it has been decided, as a result of a study group's findings, that BATES should have a number of common modules, together with some special inter face units.
------ Edge hinges on each side of the case render the Philips Callpac
radio exceptionally accessible for servicing and repair.
When closed, the unit is nonetheless hermetically sealed and can withstand water immersion to a depth of one meter.
The units will receive inputs from instruments measuring muzzle velocity and from weather radars. The former will be in touch with trunk systems, CNR and line systems. Two main types of modules will deal with so-called remote cells--observation posts or groups detached from the main body which need to put in, transmit, and receive information over the CNR or line interface units and units on the battlefield, where the gun or missile is in actual operation. These units provide the data needed by those manning the weapons, and information from the front which may be needed back at the control post.
Of course, not only these remote cells but all the others in the system require processing ability. It has been decided that a multi-microprocessor is most suitable, as this is more flexible than a mini-computer.
Power Problems
Another problem is finding a source of power for equipment which must function in a variety of conditions, some of them rather primitive or chaotic. The only power supply available to a communications officer in the trench will be a man-pack battery and even a tactical HQ in a remote part of the desert may not be much better off. In other situations mains electricity may be available, and BATES is designed so that it can work from a 24 V DC supply, with the aid of a float-charged battery, if for some reason the mains supply is interrupted. Of course, BATES cannot work directly off the mains supply but only through a transformer, which is part of the system.
Basically, then, BATES will be used to enhance control.
Despite improvements in existing weapons and greater efficiency in communications generally, use must be maximized in the sense that no available target should be permitted to escape.
This is where BATES should have a radical and revolutionary impact on the development of artillery in the British Army.
The Loneliness of ...
Soldiering has at all times been a rather lonely occupation, despite attacks usually being mounted in groups and soldiers sticking it out together in trenches for a considerable time. The sense of loneliness is caused by the fact that in the last resort, the soldier fights and dies alone-being too busy keeping the enemy at bay to know what even his next trench neighbor is doing at any given moment, let alone the brigade a hundred yards away.
Some of this loneliness is reduced with the aid of modern military electronic communications equipment; by pressing a button it is now possible to know quickly what fellow-fighters are doing, where they are, and even where the enemy is. This is the main purpose and strength of communications systems, one of which (Philip's Callpac) will be discussed in some depth.
Callpac is described by its makers as a tactical radio device.
It can be carried with ease by individual soldiers, or operated from an Army truck or from more permanent army installations.
What is new about Callpac? First it uses microprocessor technology, and second it is cheaply priced--at least according to the makers! It also combines, in an unusual manner, qualities not so tar produced for military communications use.
The radio spans the whole HE band from 1.6 MHz to 30 MHz and also has the facility of covering both short and long range communications. It is not stopped by unfriendly territory or climatic conditions and is designed so that one does not have to be an expert to use the equipment efficiently. Callpac may be used in conjunction with other communication systems (eg the Philips Unicom Series and the British Army Clansman). As a result of microprocessor control, features include rapid keyboard control, automatic antenna tuning, instant recall of nine pre-selected channels, and one-hand operation.
... The Long Distance Soldier
Callpac also boasts a ground-wave range of more than 30 km; a power output that can be varied from 4 W PEP to 100 W PEP (the last with the aid of an amplifier); protection against unauthorized programming and a full remote-control and inter com facility through the use of a field telephone, as well as a local intercom facility between those that use the same transceiver.
Callpac receives its energy either from a NiCad rechargeable battery pack or from a DC source at the vehicle.
Callpac can work at least 10 hours continuously (with a duty cycle of 1:9 as regards transmission and reception) unaided.
After this the aid of the built-in battery charger is required. A Random Access memory retains any stored data if and when the power supply breaks down (which can easily happen under wartime conditions) or when the battery pack must be replaced.
Callpac is reliable due to the use of the latest micro miniature techniques and its tough plug-in modular design. The mean time between failures is estimated at 5000 hours, with an average repair time of 30 minutes. This is made possible by a system of exchanging faulty modules for working ones, virtually on the spot. It can be put to many uses as a result of being microprocessor-based and it can be worked in conjunction with Philip's PRC/VRC 4600 series of VHF radios.
--- Operator using the Callpac electronic communication system.
Day Of The Triffid
Another electronic aid to Army communications is known as Triffid. This is a tactical relay system which makes contact possible between Army command posts and field units, wherever they may be located. The Triffid equipment was first conceived when it became necessary to think of modernizing radios which were part of the Bruin trunk communication system. However, Bruin was to make way itself at the beginning of this decade for the Ptarmigan automated network, so designers had to construct Triffid in such a way that it could be used in Ptarmigan. This meant a seven-module construction with three frequency bands from 225 to 1850 MHz, using one of the RF heads.
Triffid, a joint effort of Marconi Communication Systems Ltd, AEG Telefunken, and Siemens AG, has the following advantages. Modules and antennas can be changed easily whenever frequency band changes are necessary; the modules are light and small enough to need no more than one operator and they are sufficiently self-contained to be exchangeable for each other. Triffid can operate in extremes of temperature and relative humidity, near other radios or radars, in fast vehicles on bad roads and even on the backs of lone soldiers. Moreover it is designed to withstand RDI (radio frequency interference) and even the effects of some nuclear attacks, since it is shielded against blast and flash by the vehicle in which it is carried.
A Signal Success
Over 200 Triffid sets are now used by the Signal Regiments in BAOR with more than 450 actual modules in the hands of the ultimate users. It has been found that non-specialists are easily able to get the best out of Triffid and can keep the equipment in top shape using the in-built test-diagnosis devices, even when subjected to the electromagnetic interference which can be expected when friend and foe are trying to keep in touch with their own units.
Triffid obtains its power in battle field conditions from a 24 V lead acid battery, charged by a petrol generator in conjunction with a power-conditioning unit.
DC voltages are regulated by a power-supply module in conjunction with a switching inverter, making sure that large voltage variations can be utilized and that overload can cause no damage.
Frequency can be varied by means of a frequency synthesizer, set by four front panel switches; there are three frequency bands, 225-400 MHz, 610-960 MHz and 1350-1850 MHz.
The equipment at once informs the operator if anything is wrong by an in-built alarm and monitoring system.
All told, the machines described above afford the modern Army the assistance which is essential if a numerically inferior NATO fighting force is to have any chance of resisting, let alone deterring, the armies of the Warsaw Pact Nations.
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Electronics Today (UK print magazine)
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