Aerospace & Defense Technology - April 2022 - 25

S
oldier modernization programs
take on new urgency as
funding priorities shift and
operational demands increase.
There are many challenges posed by
resource constraints and changing
operational environments. Defense
connectivity solutions offer new
capabilities and innovative, economical
approaches to help soldiers and
commanders at every level make better
decisions faster - when observing,
orienting, deciding and acting
(OODA) in unforgiving operational
environments.
There is no doubt that military forces
worldwide are adapting their equipment
and operating models to new levels
of operational intensity. As the US
Army Vision describes, forces are refocusing
on " high-intensity conflict [...]
in dense urban terrain, in electronically
degraded environments and under constant
surveillance. " 1
Advanced Digital Technologies
Today's modernization efforts are
increasingly focused on optimizing the
ability of individual soldiers and small
units to share and process information
using advanced digital technology. The
digital " revolution in military affairs " is
happening as four key technologies
have matured: artificial intelligence,
augmented reality, miniaturized inexpensive
sensors, and efficient wearable
power supplies.
These four critical technologies
create unprecedented demands
for connections capable of handling
massive amounts of data
with minimal power and weight. The
four revolutionary technologies are evident
in the US Army's Integrated Visual
Augmentation System (IVAS), recently
approved for production. IVAS needs all
four technologies to deliver its full
capability, and the rush is on for effective,
modular solutions to complement
the massive latent capability of this
new system. In the US, Army acquisition
authorities are searching for soldier
modernization solutions including
" body-worn systems, hand-held devices,
smart lightweight electronic components
and information processing to
increase soldier maneuverability and
protection through on-soldier sensing,
remote sensing and knowledge management. " 2
But
what advantages will these revolutionary
technologies bring on the battlefield?
Unlike a new warhead with
easily measurable qualities like accuracy
or penetration, soldier-worn systems
Accelerating tactical
decision-making
cycles...
OBSERVE
ORIENT
require a different yardstick. These systems
connect soldiers with many types
of information, and their advantage is
measured in the quality and speed of
decisions - those made by individual
soldiers, and by commanders at every
level. To take full advantage of revolutionary
technologies, soldier-worn technology
must collect and distribute
information - that is, this technology
must gain and maintain " connectivity "
at each stage of the decision-making
cycle.
OODA - Observing, Orienting,
Deciding, Acting
It is key to meet these new requirements
with solutions that enhance connectivity
at every phase in the OODA
decision-making cycle. Soldier-worn
technology has to contribute to rapid
information processing, and a critical
component to that is providing technology
solutions to move information
...presents new challenges....
Integrate multi-source sensors
for real-time data capture
Present data in soldier-usable
formats for fast analysis
DECIDE
Connect soldiers, units and
leaders reliably across the
chain of command
ACT
Move and communicate with
confidence
...with new solutions.
Easy connections for multiple
soldier-worn devices
Tactical hubs and connected
vests integrate data and power
between EUD and other bodyworn
devices
Data and power connectors
and cable assemblies deliver
reliable connections in harsh
environments
360° connectivity and direct
routing of cables minimize
snag hazards, reduce weight
and enhance mobility
Aerospace & Defense Technology, April 2022
www.aerodefensetech.com
25
ADT Feature 5 - Cabling, Connectivity 0422_1.indd 25
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Aerospace & Defense Technology - April 2022

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