1. Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap
Workshop 4: C4I/Sensors
Montréal, March 9-11, 2010
Volume 1. C4I/Sensors Report
Department of National Defence
Defence Research and Development Canada
Industry Canada
September 15, 2010
2. Acknowledgements
The Department of National Defence (DND), Defence Research and Development Canada
(DRDC), and Industry Canada (IC) would like to acknowledge the contributions and support
provided by the IC Special Events team that organized the C4I/Sensors workshop venue,
logistics, and accommodations; the Soldier Systems TRM C4I/Sensors Technical Subcommittee
and co-chairs, and the Executive Steering Committee for sharing their time and expertise; the
Strategic Review Group Inc., for facilitating the workshop; and the participants from across
Canada, the United States, and abroad, who contributed to making the workshop a success.
Special thanks to those who presented at the workshop, for sharing their time, energy, and
knowledge.
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3. Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... vii
Preface: C4I/Sensors and The Soldier Systems TRM ..................................................... 9
About the Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap (TRM) ......................................... 9
C4I/Sensors and the Roadmap .............................................................................. 10
The Workshop Process .......................................................................................... 12
C4I/Sensors Workshop Introduction .............................................................................. 13
Introductory Presentation Abstracts ........................................................................ 13
Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap Development and
Implementation Phases, Mr. G. Nimmo (IC) ......................................... 13
Soldier Systems Modernization Effort Update and Return on Power/Energy
Workshop, LCol M.A. Bodner (DRDC) ................................................. 14
Overview of DRDC R&D Strategy and Program, Dr. G. Vézina (DRDC).......... 15
Focus Days Program and Process, Return on Visioning Workshop:
C4I Elements, Mr. P. Carr (SRG) ......................................................... 15
Part I. Soldier Systems C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers,
and Intelligence) ................................................................................................... 16
1. Soldier Systems C4I Deficiencies, Vision, Themes/Needs and Goals .................... 16
C4I Session 1 Presentation Abstracts .................................................................... 16
1.1 Overview of Current Soldier Systems Equipment and
C4I Deficiencies, Capt. A. Dionne (DND) ............................................. 16
Demonstration of the Need for C4I in the Field ................................................ 17
1.2 Future Soldier C4I Capabilities Requirements,
Mr.P. Comtois (DND) ........................................................................... 20
Luncheon Speaker: Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS): Trends
and Initiatives for Infantry C4I Systems, Mrs. S. Torfin (USMC) ........... 20
C4I Breakaway Session 1. C4I Needs—the Vision ................................................. 21
Inputs to C4I Working Session 1 ............................................................................ 21
Results of C4I Working Session 1 .......................................................................... 24
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4. IC Analysis Placeholder 1 (Summary) ............................................................. 25
2. C4I Objectives, Driving Elements, Barriers, and Technical Challenges .................. 26
C4I Session 2 Presentation Abstracts .................................................................... 26
2.1 Overview of Army IM Strategy and C4IST Concept,
Mr. S. Hoag (DLCI-3) ........................................................................... 26
2.2 Soldier C4I Systems Development Trends & Technical Challenges:
an Industry Perspective, Mr. L. O'Neill (Industry Co-Chair) .................. 26
C4I Breakaway Session 2: The Challenges & Functionalities ................................. 27
Inputs to C4I Working Session 2 ............................................................................ 27
Results of C4I Working Session 2 .......................................................................... 28
Other Presentations ............................................................................................... 30
Collaboration Tool (ICee) Presentation, Mrs. M. Huard (IC/DND) .................... 30
Overview of IRB Program, Ms. Nathalie Couture, Senior Manager,
Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy (IC) ......................................... 30
3. Potential Solutions/Options and Related Technologies .......................................... 31
C4I Session 3 Presentation Abstracts .................................................................... 31
3.1 NATO LCG1 Soldier C4I Architecture & Symbology,
Mr. C. Lemelin (DND) .......................................................................... 31
3.2 Soldier Communication & Software Radio Technologies:
State-of-the-Art Overview, Mr. J. Schelsak (CRC) ............................... 31
3.3 Applications of Novel Biometrics Technologies to Soldier
C4I Systems, Dr. Q. Xiao (DRDC) ....................................................... 32
3.4 Soldier Navigation Technologies in Complex Environment:
State-of-the-Art Overview, Mr. J. Bird (DRDC) ..................................... 32
3.5 Human Factors Lessons Learned about C4I Interfaces for Soldiers,
Maj. L. Bossi (DND), Ed Nakaza, Sr Consultant, HumanSystems
Incorporated ........................................................................................ 33
Luncheon speaker: NSERC: Overview of NSERC Research Partnerships
Programs, Mrs. M. Michalska ............................................................... 34
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5. C4I Breakaway Session 3: C4I Technologies/Solutions ......................................... 35
Inputs to C4I Working Session 3 ..................................................................... 35
Results of C4I Working Session 3 ................................................................... 37
4. Technology Gaps and Collaboration Opportunities................................................... 40
C4I Session 4 Presentation Abstracts .................................................................... 40
4.1 Unattended Ground Sensors: State-of-the-Art Overview,
Mr. B. Ricard (DRDC) & Mrs L. Lamont (CRC) .................................... 40
C4I Breakaway Session 4: Priorities and Collaborators .......................................... 41
Inputs to C4I Working Session 4 ..................................................................... 41
Results of C4I Working Session 4 ................................................................... 41
5. ICee Contest Winner Presentations ......................................................................... 47
Rapid Intervention Tracking System, 3D RFID TAC ........................................ 47
innUVative Systems, Mr. Mike Meakin ............................................................ 47
MicroDAGR, Rockwell Collins ......................................................................... 48
Newtrax, Low Energy UGS Mesh Networks for Persistent Surveillance
in Remote Areas .................................................................................. 48
Part II. Soldier Sensors Systems............................................................................... 49
Introduction to Soldier Sensors ..................................................................................... 49
Introductory Presentation Abstract ......................................................................... 49
Return on Lethal & Non Lethal Weapons Effects Workshop:
C4I Related Considerations, Mr. D. Compton ...................................... 49
1. Soldier Systems Sensors Deficiencies, Vision, Themes/Needs, Goals,
Objectives, Desired Systems Performance, Barriers, Technical Challenges........... 50
Sensors Session 1 Presentation Abstracts ............................................................. 50
1.1 Future Soldier Sensors Capability Requirements, Drivers,
Challenges and Gaps, Capt O. Sylvain, DND ...................................... 50
Demonstration of the Need for Sensors in the Field ........................................ 51
1.2 Overview of Soldier Sensor Systems Development Trends &
Challenges: an Industry Perspective,
Mr. Rick Bowes (Industry Co-chair)...................................................... 54
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6. Sensors Breakaway Session 1. The Vision & Challenges ...................................... 55
Inputs to Sensors Working Session 1 .............................................................. 55
Results of Sensors Working Session 1 ............................................................ 56
2. Potential Solutions/Options and Related Technologies .......................................... 62
Sensors Session 2 Presentation Abstracts ............................................................. 62
2.1 See Through Wall Sensing Technologies: State-of-the-art Overview,
Mr. Pascale Sévigny (DRDC) ............................................................... 62
2.2 Emerging Sensing Technology Overview, Mr. J. Maheux (DRDC) ....... 62
Luncheon speaker: Overview of Precarn Programs on Intelligent and
Communication Systems, Dr. H. Rothschild ......................................... 63
2.3 Physiological Status Monitoring Technologies: State-of-the-art
Overview, Dr. S. Stergiopoulos (DRDC) ............................................... 63
2.4 Nano/Micro Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Technologies:
State-of-the-Art Overview, Dr. F Wong (DRDC) ................................... 64
Sensors Breakaway Working Session 2: The Technologies ................................... 65
Inputs to Sensors Working Session 2 .............................................................. 65
Results of Sensors Working Session 2 ............................................................ 66
3. Sensor Technology Gaps and Collaborations......................................................... 69
Sensors Breakaway Session 3 ............................................................................... 69
Inputs to Sensors Working Session 3 .............................................................. 69
Results of Sensors Working Session 3 ............................................................ 69
Part III. Next Steps ....................................................................................................... 70
Ongoing and Upcoming Roadmap Activities ................................................................. 70
Ongoing C4I/Sensors Collaborations...................................................................... 70
Sharing Knowledge with the ICee Database and Wiki ............................................ 70
Upcoming Workshops ............................................................................................ 71
Appendixes
A. Workshop Agenda .................................................................................................. 72
B. C4I/Sensors Scope Definition ................................................................................. 76
C. List of Workshop Participants ................................................................................. 80
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7. D. C4I Working Session 1 Participant Input ................................................................ 90
E. C4I Working Session 2 Participant Worksheets ...................................................... 91
F. C4I Working Session 3 Participant Stickies—the Challenges ................................. 98
G. Sensors Working Session 2 ................................................................................. 139
H. C4I/Sensor Mind Maps ......................................................................................... 154
List of Figures
Figure 1. C4I/Sensors and the Soldier Systems TRM.................................................... 10
Figure 2. The Technical Roadmapping Process ............................................................ 12
Figure 3. Three sections of dismounted soldiers proceed through a village ................... 17
Figure 4. The sections are separated geographically, and the soldiers
can't all see each other ................................................................................... 17
Figure 5.The point man in section 1 encounters what appears to be a villager
with a weapon ................................................................................................ 18
Figure 6. Example of completed worksheet for C4I Session 2 ....................................... 28
Figure 7. C4I Challenges Determined from Breakaway Session 2
Participant Responses .................................................................................... 29
Figure 8. Example of a completed sticky from sensor working session 1....................... 36
Figure 9. Distribution of C4I stickies on the wall by challenge and
potential for progress ...................................................................................... 38
Figure 10. Distribution of C4I stickies on the wall by challenge and timeframe .............. 39
Figure 11. 40 Key Technologies to Research, and Suggested Key Players .................. 42
Figure 12. The sensors demonstration focused on observation post "Falcon's Nest,"
represented by the triangle in the graphic. .............................................................. 51
Figure 13. Distribution of Sensor Stickies on the Wall by Challenge and Timeframe ..... 67
Figure 14. Distribution of Sensor Stickies on the Wall by Challenge and
Potential for Progress ................................................................................... 68
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8. Executive Summary
This report describes the C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and
Intelligence) and Sensors Workshop held in Montréal in March, 2010—the fourth in a
series of technical workshops held as part of the Soldier Systems Technology
Roadmapping (TRM) initiative.
The Preface introduces the Soldier Systems TRM project, which involves industry,
government, academia, and other interested parties in working toward developing an
integrated system for the dismounted soldier. It places C4I and sensors in the context of
the project, and describes the process followed during the workshop to achieve the
ultimate goal of identifying research and development priorities and collaborations for
meeting the dismounted soldier's future C4I/Sensor needs.
Part I, Soldier Systems C4I, describes activities on days 1 and 2 of the workshop, which
focused on C4I and the dismounted soldier. It provides abstracts of the presentations
made on those days. It also describes four breakout sessions, during which participants
worked together to develop a vision for C4I and the dismounted soldier, identify the
challenges and key functionalities involved in realizing the vision, outline the
technologies to work on, and establish priorities and collaborations for working on those
technologies.
Part II, Soldier Systems Sensors, describes activities on day 3 of the workshop, which
focused on sensors and the dismounted soldier. As with Part 1, it includes presentation
abstracts and working session descriptions and summarizes the results of the working
sessions.
Part III, Next Steps, describes upcoming activities in the ongoing Soldier Systems TRM
project.
Appendixes to the report provide the workshop agenda, define C4I/Sensor terms, list the
workshop participants, and describe DND's soldier systems mind maps for C4I/Sensors.
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9. Preface: C4I/Sensors and The Soldier Systems
TRM
The C4I/Sensors Workshop held in Montréal, Québec, March 9-11, 2010, was one in a
series of workshops associated with the development phase of the Soldier Systems
Technology Roadmapping initiative.
About the Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap (TRM)
The Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap (TRM) project is a unique industry-
government collaboration to apply roadmapping principles and processes to develop a
comprehensive knowledge-sharing platform and identify technology opportunities in
support of the Canadian Forces Soldier Modernization Effort.
Participation in the Soldier Systems TRM is free and voluntary and open to Canadian
and international manufacturing, services, and technology-based companies of all sizes,
and to researchers and other experts from academia, government, and not-for-profit
research organizations from Canada and around the world.
The focus of the Soldier Systems TRM—the soldier system—is defined within NATO as
the integration of everything the soldier wears, carries and consumes for enhanced
individual and collective (small unit) capability within the national command and control
structure. It centers on the needs of the dismounted soldier, who is often away from the
supply network and must be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours.
The overarching goal of the Soldier Systems TRM is to understand how today's
technology—and tomorrow's—might contribute to a superior soldier system that
increases capacities and operational effectiveness for the individual soldier in the five
NATO capability areas of Command, Control, Communications, Computers and
Intelligence (C4I); Survivability; Mobility; Lethality; and Sustainability.
The Soldier Systems TRM exercise is governed by an Executive Steering Committee
made up of government and industry representatives, and includes technical
subcommittees dedicated to each capability area.
For information about any aspect of the Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap project,
visit http://www.soldiersystems-systemesdusoldat.collaboration.gc.ca
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10. C4I/Sensors and the Roadmap
C4I/Sensors1 was the fourth workshop held as part Figure 1. C4I/Sensors and the
of the development phase of the Soldier Systems Soldier Systems TRM
TRM. (Figure 1. C4I/Sensors and the Soldier
Systems TRM). The first two days of the workshop 1.
focused on C4I, and the third day on sensors. Visioning & Future Capabilities
(Held in June 2009)
C4I/Sensors and the Soldier System
As with all of the Soldier Systems TRM workshops, 2. Technical Workshop:
Power/Energy/Sustainability
the focus of the C4I/Sensors workshop was on the
needs of the dismounted soldier. C4I and sensors
play a critical role in meeting those needs with a
soldier system. They are the key to providing 3. Technical Workshop:
networked situational awareness at the dismounted Weapons: Lethal & Non-Lethal
soldier and small team level.
This, in turn, is critical for precise navigation;
4. Technical 5. Technical
information exchange, storage and retrieval; target
Workshop: Workshop:
acquisition; and intra and interconnectivity between C4I Sensors
soldiers, leaders, weapons systems, and a range of
factors associated with awareness of what is
happening in the field. 6. Technical Workshop:
Survivability/Equipment/Clothing
C4I and sensors can be defined in different ways. & Footwear/Load Carriage
To ensure that participants came to the workshop
with a shared understanding of the workshop's
7. Technical Workshop:
purpose and scope, and of key definitions related to
Human & Systems Integration
C4I/Sensors, participants were sent basic definitions
and other information in advance of the workshop.
The full information is provided in Appendix B,
C4I/Sensors Scope Definition. A brief summary of 8.
the information follows. Roadmap Integration
1
C4I stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence.
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11. C4I/Sensors Definitions
The acronym C4I stands for "command, control, communications, computers, and
intelligence".
Command and control is about decision-making, the exercise of direction by a properly
designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of a
mission. Information, computers and communications technologies support command
and control, and are used to achieve information superiority. C4I systems provide also
tools to improve commanders with situational awareness—information about the location
and status of enemy and friendly forces.
Command and control (C2)—The exercise of authority and direction by a properly
designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the
mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of
personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a
commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in
the accomplishment of the mission.
Command—The authority that a commander in the Armed Forces lawfully exercises
over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment. Command includes the authority and
responsibility for effectively using available resources and for planning the employment
of, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling military forces for the
accomplishment of assigned missions and meet the commander intent.
Computing and communications—Two pervasive enabling technologies that support
C2 and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Computers and communications
process and transport information.
Control—Authority which may be less than full command exercised by a commander
over part of the activities of subordinate or other organizations. Physical or psychological
pressures exerted with the intent to assure that an agent or group will respond as
directed.
Intelligence (I)—The product resulting from the collection, processing, integration,
analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of available information concerning foreign
countries or areas. Information and knowledge about an adversary obtained through
observation, investigation, analysis, or understanding.
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12. The Workshop Process
The goal of the C4I/Sensors Workshop was to:
1. Identify and validate the future C4I and sensor capabilities required by the
dismounted soldier.
2. Identify the functionalities that can meet those capabilities, and the challenges
associated with developing them.
3. Identify the technologies that must be developed to meet the challenges and
address the needed functionalities.
4. Identify R&D priority areas and collaborations to be the focus of technology
development efforts in the context of the Soldier Systems TRM.
To achieve this goal, the workshop followed a carefully designed process (Figure 2. The
Technical Roadmapping Process) using a series of presentations and working sessions.
This document summarizes those presentations and the results of the working sessions,
following the structure of the workshop agenda (See Appendix A. Workshop Agenda).
Figure 2. The Technical Roadmapping Process
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13. C4I/Sensors Workshop Introduction
The workshop started with a series of introductory presentations designed to familiarize
participants with the technical roadmapping process and with soldier systems.
Abstracts of those presentations follow. The full presentations are provided in Volume 2,
C4I/Sensors Slide Decks, Day 1 of 3—C4I. They are also available in the Innovation
Collaboration and Exchange Environment (ICee) tool, which is accessible from the
Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap web site: http://www.soldiersystems-
systemesdusoldat.collaboration.gc.ca
Introductory Presentation Abstracts
Soldier Systems Technology Roadmap Development and Implementation
Phases, Mr. G. Nimmo (IC)
Defines and provides an
overview of the technology
roadmapping process.
Describes other Canadian
roadmapping experiences.
Outlines the Soldier Systems
TRM Project, including its
objectives and the roles of
industry and government.
Describes Soldier Systems
TRM project enablers, including
the workshops, the Innovation
Collaboration and Exchange
Environment (ICee) database
and wiki, and roadmapping software.
Lists project stakeholders. Outlines the governance framework and lists the C4I
technical subcommittee members. Describes roadmap activities and schedules. Makes
clear that roadmapping is about better planning, and is not part of the procurement
process. Provides success snapshots associated with the Soldier Systems TRM to date.
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14. Soldier Systems Modernization Effort Update and Return on Power/Energy
Workshop, LCol M.A. Bodner (DRDC)
Describes C4I technologies
evolution. Outlines next-
generation soldier needs.
Provides definitions of C4ISR
and soldier systems, including
the C4ISR NATO Definition:
The provision of information
and intelligence that enables
decision superiority necessary
to execute the Commander's
Intent, along with the
appropriate level of situational
awareness, to the point of
achieving the desired effect.
Describes Canadian Forces Objective Force 2028 Vision. Outlines C4I/Sensor
initiatives, future capability vision, and army strategy. Describes the soldier
modernization effort and the integrated soldier "system of systems." Outlines soldier
systems R& D history.
Describes core C4I/Sensor
capabilities and future
requirements.
Places the soldier system in the
context of the world stage.
Summarizes global market
opportunities. Places the
Soldier Systems TRM project in
the context of the preceding
soldier systems efforts.
Describes outcomes of the
Power and Energy Workshop
held Sept 21-23, 2009.
Summarizes future soldier systems challenges. Describes the pre-eminent place of the
soldier in Canadian Forces combat systems.
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15. Overview of DRDC R&D Strategy and Program, Dr. G. Vézina (DRDC)
Outlines the "Canada First"
strategy of DRDC (Defence
Research and Development
Canada) and the Land R&D
Program. Outlines the strategy
direction. Describes Defence
R&D Canada partners.
Explains how science and
technology can help solve
defence and security problems.
Outlines technologies that can
lead to advantages or
disadvantages. Lists defence
S&T partner groups, thrusts,
and themes. Describes new
related DRDC initiatives.
Focus Days Program and Process, Return on Visioning Workshop: C4I
Elements, Mr. P. Carr (SRG)
Defines a technology roadmap
(TRM). Outlines its principles.
Describes its three phases.
Provides an overview of the
TRM process.
Describes the objectives of the
C4I/Sensors workshop.
Outlines progress made in past
Soldier Systems TRM
workshops. Outlines the
logistics of the workshop,
including the working session
process.
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16. Part I. Soldier Systems C4I (Command, Control,
Communications, Computers, and
Intelligence)
1. Soldier Systems C4I Deficiencies, Vision,
Themes/Needs and Goals
This chapter provides abstracts of the presentations that focused on C4I deficiencies,
vision, needs and goals, and describes C4I Breakaway Session 1. The Vision.
C4I Session 1 Presentation Abstracts
1.1 Overview of Current Soldier Systems Equipment and C4I
Deficiencies, Capt. A. Dionne (DND)
Points out that critical
deficiencies exist in the area of
C4I, and that deficiencies in this
and other areas must be
addressed holistically.
Describes the communications
equipment available to the
soldier of today. Outlines
deficiencies/gaps in the areas
of command, sense, and action.
Describes the scenario of a
platoon of soldiers entering,
passing through, and exiting a
village, and the C4I issues they
face along the way (see "Demonstration of the Need for C4I in the Field," on the next
page). Concludes with a description of the Future "GAP" in the 2015-2020 timeframe.
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17. Demonstration of the Need for C4I in the Field
Included in Captain Dionne's
Figure 3. Three sections of dismounted soldiers
presentation was a proceed through a village
demonstration of the scenario. It
followed the progress of a team
of soldiers entering, passing
through, and exiting a village.
The team, led by Captain
Dionne, whose call signal was
"One One," was divided into
three sections with call signals
"One One Alpha, One One
Beta, and One One Charlie". A
commander for each section
was chosen from the workshop
participants.
The platoon commander Figure 4. The sections are separated
described how the platoon would geographically, and the soldiers can't all see
progress through the village— each other
entering from the southwest,
passing through the main
square, and exiting to the south
east. The sections were
separated by about 5-10 meters
distance between soldiers.
Captain Dionne described how
the soldiers in the sections,
separated as they are by
distance and buildings, have
limited situational awareness.
Their information is limited by the
briefing at the start of the day,
the map provided to them, and what they can see based on their order in the sections.
Captain Dionne described the situation of the point man at the head of section 1—in a
busy village, with people nearby, children trying to get candy from him, mopeds passing
him, and other activity taking place around him.
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18. A confrontation
At this point, a volunteer dressed in battle gear took the role of the point soldier, who
knows the rules of engagement and has to determine what is a threat and what is not as
he leads the section through the
Figure 5.The point man in section 1 encounters
village. what appears to be a villager with a weapon
When a villager approaches
carrying what appears to be a
weapon, the soldier sends the
radio message that he has made
contact, and shouts at the villager
to show his hands.
Section 3 only gets a portion of
Section 1's message, because of
obstacles to transmission
involving direct line of sight—they
hear "One One Alpha" and know
only that something is happening.
Section 2 stops, but doesn't see
what is happening.
Section 1 is taking position to help the point man do his job. The point man is trying to
engage the villager, asking him to show he is not a threat. The soldier knows he could
be dealing with a member of the civilian police force, a local employee of a security
organization, or a possible threat. He continues to try to get the person to respond.
When he gets no response to several attempts, he shows a more aggressive posture
and tells the villager to put his rifle on the ground. The villager then pulls out a handgun
to try to shoot the soldier, and the soldier is forced to take action to neutralize the target.
Throughout the encounter, Section 2 had no visual, so it doesn't know what has
happened. They will try to get as close as possible to assess the situation. The section
leader has to see what is happening and what might happen in order to build a plan and
communicate it to the soldiers in his section, to Sections 1 and 3, and to headquarters.
At headquarters, someone is trying to determine exactly where the soldiers are, and
what is happening. The platoon commander knows he has one section engaged, and
has to reach the third section and pass along that information.
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19. What is happening?
All of the soldiers are asking "What is happening?"
To answer that question, they need information. Where is everyone? What are they
doing? Where are they going?
The section leaders, who can feel very alone and can be faced with long lead times to
get assets, have to anticipate what the platoon commander will be asking, and what the
plan will be to respond to the situation.
The need for C4I
Captain Dionne summed up the demonstration by emphasizing the need for better C4I
capabilities to operate more effectively in the demonstration situation and similar
encounters. It set the scene for the questions that workshop participants would be asked
to address over the next three days:
What needs does the soldier have that this demonstration points out?
What is the C4I vision for the soldier?
What functionalities must the soldier have?
What technologies can provide those functionalities?
What research and development must be done to develop the needed
technologies?
Who has the capabilities to do the work?
Who can work together to realize the vision?
How long will it take?
More to come ...
Captain Dionne concluded by pointing out the triangle at the bottom of the first
demonstration slide (Figure 3. Three sections of dismounted soldiers proceed through a
village), and promising that it would be explained in a further demonstration, later in the
workshop (See "Demonstration of the Need for Sensors in the Field, in Part II. Soldier
Sensor Systems).
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20. 1.2 Future Soldier C4I Capabilities Requirements, Mr.P. Comtois (DND)
Provides a vision statement for
C4I. Describes constraints and
limitations associated with C4I.
Outlines C4I functional and
performance requirements in a
range of theme areas that were
described to workshop
participants in a handout.
Concludes that the C4I vision
and requirements are
continuously evolving, and that
solutions must involve many
disciplines and require
involvement by many
participants.
______________________________________________________________________
Luncheon Speaker: Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS): Trends and
Initiatives for Infantry C4I Systems, Mrs. S. Torfin (USMC)
Describes the Marine
Expeditionary Rifle Squad
(MERS) mission, and
methodology. Provides a
description of marine infantry
battalions, and a snapshot of
their deployment process.
Outlines current operations.
Explains the types of radios
deployed by MERS for various
missions. Provides feedback on
the quality of C4I from marine
infantry battalions. Outlines
future plans for C4I and soldier
systems.
______________________________________________________________________
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21. C4I Breakaway Session 1. C4I Needs—the Vision
The objectives of the first working session were to:
Discuss the overall vision of how DND/CF intends to meet the dismounted
soldier's C4I needs
Set a focal point for some of the C4I "theme" areas
Inputs to C4I Working Session 1
Working session inputs included the preceding presentations, and the participants pre-
existing knowledge based on their areas of expertise.
Before working session 1, participants were asked to sit with people from other
organizations, with a maximum of 3 non-industry participants at each table (coloured
cards indicated non-industry participants and helped ensure the required groupings at
each table). Participants were also asked to choose a leader and a recorder for the
discussion that was to follow.
In addition to the presentations that preceded the working session, the workshop
participants were given the following inputs:
A description of C4ISR Vision and Future Capability Requirements
A copy of participant input from the C4I/Sensors Visioning Breakout Session at
the Soldier Systems TRM Visioning Workshop held in June 2009
A vision statement
Instructions to follow during the discussion
Each of these is included on the following pages of this report.
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23. Participant Input from the Visioning Workshop Held in June, 2009 (continued)
Page 23 of 159
24. A Vision Statement
The following vision statement was provided to workshop participants prior to working
session 1:
In the next 10 to 20 years, the soldier should be capable of obtaining a complete
relevant picture of an operation based on the current situation with 99% confidence
in the information accuracy in near real time within a transparent solution from a
weight, volume and cognitive load perspective.
Working Session 1 Instructions
The workshop participants were give the following instructions:
After introductions, please spend about 20 minutes on each exercise:
1. Answer the question: Is the C4I vision sufficient? (i.e., is there an important
dimension that hasn't been mentioned? Is it ambitious enough?)
2. Have your table pick two of the C4I "themes" that were discussed. Develop a
"vision" for one theme, and then again for the other (e.g., With respect to C4I, in
3 years, the dismounted soldier would be able to...; in 5 years, the dismounted
soldier would be able to ...; in 10 years...). Be as precise and quantified as
possible.
For report-back purposes, summarize your table's discussion on the flipchart
provided. Also summarize the discussion on the laminated sheet provided at each
table.
Results of C4I Working Session 1
Following the table discussions, a facilitated report-back was held, during which selected
tables presented their results and participants were invited to comment and ask
questions.
The laminated sheets that each table filled out to summarize their discussions were
collected. A summary of their contents follows.
Page 24 of 159
26. 2. C4I Objectives, Driving Elements, Barriers,
and Technical Challenges
This chapter provides abstracts of the presentations preceding the second working
session, and describes Working Session 2: The Challenges.
C4I Session 2 Presentation Abstracts
2.1 Overview of Army IM Strategy and C4IST Concept,
Mr. S. Hoag (DLCI-3)
Outlines the scope and
strategic environment evolution
of land forces C4ISR.
Describes key gaps.
Summaries strategy to 2028,
including four main thrust
areas—Governance and
compliance, Institutionalization
and sustainability, Capability
development and integration,
and Interoperability—and how
each will be addressed.
2.2 Soldier C4I Systems
Development Trends & Technical Challenges: an Industry
Perspective, Mr. L. O'Neill
(Industry Co-Chair)
Provides an industry
perspective on Soldier Systems
C4I. Describes what industry is
hearing, technical challenges
for information exchange—
including the soldier as a
sensor, easy connectivity,
support for standard interfaces,
and more. Describes what
industry needs to know.
Page 26 of 159
27. C4I Breakaway Session 2: The Challenges & Functionalities
The objectives of the second working session were to discuss:
The functionalities required to "move forward" within a theme area
The technological barriers/challenges to moving forward in that theme area
Inputs to C4I Working Session 2
Prior to the second working session, the workshop tables were organized by these six
themes:
1. Communication
2. Human interfaces
3. Geo-location
4. Integration
5. Interoperability
6. Security
Participants were asked to choose a table that corresponded to their domain of expertise
or interest.
Working Session 2 Instructions
The following instructions were provided to guide the discussion:
1. For your theme, set out some of the main "vision" characteristics.
2. To achieve that vision, what functionalities need to be provided to the soldier?
What would be a quantifiable objective for that functionality?
3. Identify the main technological obstacles/barriers/challenges that need to be
overcome, so that the functionality can be provided to the soldier.
A laminated working sheet was provided for each table to record the results of their
discussion.
Page 27 of 159
28. Results of C4I Working Session 2
Following discussions at the tables, a facilitated report-back was held, during which
selected tables presented their results. Participants were invited to comment and ask
questions.
The laminated sheets that participants completed (see example) were collected from
each table.
Figure 6. Example of completed worksheet for C4I Session 2
Based on the discussions that took place during the breakaway sessions, and the
collected input, fifteen main technical challenges were identified, grouped into the six
theme areas. The content was retained to be used in the next working session, during
which participants would propose potential solutions to address the challenges.
Figure 7 lists the challenges associated with each theme area. The detailed participant
input used to generate this summary is provided in Appendix E, C4I Working Session 2
Participant Worksheets.
Page 28 of 159
29. Figure 7. C4I Challenges Determined from Breakaway Session 2
Participant Responses
For detailed content of the working sheets, see Appendix E., C4I Working Session 2
Participant Worksheets
Challenge Theme
1. Lack of UI configurability/usability C4I Human Interfaces
2. Overcoming infection/comfort-related to
C4I Human Interfaces
C4I equipment
3. Denied signal environment Communication
4. Inability to scan and use a range of
Communication
frequencies
5. Spectrum availability Communication
6. Effective language recognition (including
C4I Human Interfaces
language/cultural AI)
7. Lack of standards/agreed guidelines Interoperability/Integration
8. Power/energy limitations
9. Poor signature management Communication
10. Detecting and overcoming
Security
jamming/spoofing
11. Inability to configure C4I devices to context
C4I Human Interfaces/Integration
(functional)
12. Inability to configure C4I devices to context
Interoperability/Security
(cross-domain, interoperability, security)
13. Over-reliance on technology solutions (no
C4I Human Interfaces
longer training the fundamentals)
14. Poor bandwidth/capacity management Communication
15. Lack of High Performance User Interface
C4I Human Interfaces/
Characteristics
Page 29 of 159
30. ______________________________________________________________________
Other Presentations
Collaboration Tool (ICee) Presentation, Mrs. M. Huard (IC/DND)
Provides an overview of the
Innovation Collaboration and
Exchange Environment (ICee),
a database and wiki that
supports the Soldier Systems
Technology Roadmap and can
be accessed at the roadmap's
web site. Explains the
objectives and concepts of the
ICee. Defines the wiki and
explains its importance for the
Soldier Systems TRM. Outlines
advantages for participants.
Describes steps that
participants can take to start using the ICee.
Overview of IRB Program, Ms. Nathalie Couture, Senior Manager, Industrial
and Regional Benefits
Policy (IC)
An update on offset policy in
Canada. Describes
enhancements to Canada's
Industrial and Regional Benefits
(IRB) Policy. Explains that the
program is client-driven and
market-driven. Outlines the
rationale for policy review.
Describes alignment of the key
drivers. Provides background
on the updating of Canada's
Offset Policy, the direction of
the policy, policy enhancements, and IRB opportunities under the Soldier Systems TRM.
______________________________________________________________________
Page 30 of 159
31. 3. Potential Solutions/Options and Related
Technologies
This chapter provides abstracts of the presentations that preceded the third breakaway
session, and describes Breakaway Session 3: Potential Solutions and C4I Technologies.
C4I Session 3 Presentation Abstracts
3.1 NATO LCG1 Soldier
C4I Architecture &
Symbology, Mr. C.
Lemelin (DND)
Summarizes NATO's approach
to Soldier Systems. Explains
the key is interoperability.
Describes interoperability
challenge, and the NATO
outlook to 2035. Outlines
lessons learned. Lists reasons
to migrate to XML as a
standard. Outlines a solution in
the making, including addressing systems architecture and security.
3.2 Soldier Communication & Software Radio Technologies: State-of-
the-Art Overview, Mr. J. Schelsak (CRC)
An overview of soldier radio
communications, including
description of tactical mobile ad-
hoc network, target
characteristics, and current
soldier radio communications.
Describes challenges
associated with design, key
technologies, radio spectrum.
Discusses adaptive radio and
adaptive channel aggregation,
MIMO systems and measured
channel MIMI capacity.
Page 31 of 159
32. Provides overview of networking techniques to support advanced radio. Discusses
software defined radio (SDR) and interoperability and implementation challenges.
3.3 Applications of Novel Biometrics Technologies to Soldier C4I
Systems, Dr. Q. Xiao (DRDC)
Describes biometric basics.
Outlines CF/DND biometric
activities. Describes common
access card (CAC) and its five
core areas. Describes
automated biometric
identification system (ABIS),
biometrics automated toolset
(BAT), and handheld
interagency identity detection
equipment (HIIDE). Outlines
US Navy biometric system and
describes future USN biometric
device. Describes smart gun.
Outlines possible biometrics to be embedded within the future soldier system.
3.4 Soldier Navigation Technologies in Complex Environment: State-of-
the-Art Overview, Mr. J. Bird (DRDC)
Describes soldier navigation in
complex environments, and
why it is so difficult. Provides
information about global
navigation satellite systems
(GNSS), the new military M-
Code GPS signal, and GNSS
limitations. Discusses
integration with other sensors.
Provides overview of NATO
RTO study. Describes a
number of systems and
devices associated with soldier
navigation.
Page 32 of 159
33. 3.5 Human Factors Lessons Learned about C4I Interfaces for Soldiers,
Maj. L. Bossi (DND), Ed Nakaza, Sr Consultant, HumanSystems
Incorporated
Describes human factors
lessons learned and C4I
requirements with regard to
human factors. Discusses
digital maps, messaging, and
reporting, visual display
hardware alternatives, and
tactical cuing at night.
Describes possible input
devices and weapon-mounted
controls. Introduces potential
future soldier C4I control
devices. Describes future
soldier C4I interface research
needs.
Page 33 of 159
34. ______________________________________________________________________
Luncheon speaker: NSERC: Overview of NSERC Research Partnerships
Programs, Mrs. M. Michalska
An overview of the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and
its partnership programs. Outlines its budget, strategy for partnership and innovation.
Describes a four-point plan for industry-university collaborations, seven strategic target
areas. Outlines a range of grants available through NSERC, including interaction grants,
engage grants, and collaborative R&D grants. Discusses eligibility requirements.
Describes NSERC-related research chairs in Canadian universities. Explains "idea to
innovation (I2I)" concept.
______________________________________________________________________
Page 34 of 159
35. C4I Breakaway Session 3: C4I Technologies/Solutions
The objectives of the third working session were to discuss:
The specific technologies to work on to solve the C4I technical challenges
The time horizons for developing those technologies
Inputs to C4I Working Session 3
Before working session 3, the technical obstacles and challenges that each table of
participants described on laminated forms during working session 2 were analyzed and
used to define the challenges (see figure x) with the themes under which they apply.
Instructions to Participants
One of the walls of the conference room was divided into a grid, with the fourteen
challenges along the top, and time periods (5 years, 10 years, more than 10 years)
along the side.
Participants were provided
with pre-printed sticky notes
to fill in, like the example
shown here, and asked to
stick them on the wall under
the challenge they
addressed.
They were also given red and
green coloured sticky dots,
and these instructions:
Use the sticky notes
and go up to the wall
and populate the
columns with
―solutions‖ for that column, contributing technologies and their time horizons
Page 35 of 159
36. You have 3 sticky notes:
o Fill them in at your table
o Using the coloured dots supplied, colour-code them to indicate your 1st,
2nd and 3rd, indicating relative ―potential for progress":
Green = highest potential
Red = second highest potential
articipants were also asked to summarize the results of the sticky
notes for their table, using a laminated form provided:
The questions they were asked to address using the stickies were:
1. What technologies need to be worked on to overcome the challenges?
2. What would be the relative ranking of these technologies in terms of potential for
progress?
3. What would be the time horizon for developing each technology?
Figure 8. Example of a completed sticky from sensor working session 1
Page 36 of 159
37. Results of C4I Working Session 3
The stickies were collected and used to plot the distribution shown in Figures 7 and 8.
Figure 7 shows distribution by challenge and potential for progress. From left to
right, the columns for each challenge area represent high potential for progress,
medium potential for progress, and potential for progress left blank
Figure 8, shows distribution by challenge and timeframe (by the years 2015 and
2020) and includes a third column where no timeframe was specified
For detailed contents of the stickies used to generate these tables, see Appendix F., C4I
Working Session 3 Participant Stickies.
Page 37 of 159
38. Figure 9. Distribution of C4I stickies on the wall by challenge and potential for progress
From left to right, the columns for each challenge area represent high potential for progress, medium potential for
progress, and potential for progress left blank.
Page 38 of 159
39. Figure 10. Distribution of C4I stickies on the wall by challenge and timeframe
From left to right, the columns for each challenge area represent the time frame in which progress can be expected: by
2015, by 2020, and timeframe left blank.
Page 39 of 159
40. 4. Technology Gaps and Collaboration
Opportunities
This chapter provides abstracts of the presentations that preceded the fourth breakaway
session, and describes Breakaway Session 4: C4I Priorities and Collaborations.
C4I Session 4 Presentation Abstracts
4.1 Unattended Ground Sensors: State-of-the-Art Overview, Mr. B.
Ricard (DRDC) & Mrs L. Lamont (CRC)
Describes unattended ground sensor (UGS) technology. Explains what UGS is, why it is
used, and its benefits. Provides a state-of-the-art overview of UGS, including sensing
and networking aspects. Describes multi-hop ad hoc networking and clustering. Outlines
development trends, technical challenges, and gaps to fill. Presents a multi-day scenario
for UGS technology and the dismounted soldier.
Page 40 of 159
41. C4I Breakaway Session 4: Priorities and Collaborators
The objectives of working session 4 were to:
Choose the highest priority technologies to work on
Identify collaborators that should be involved in working on the technologies
Inputs to C4I Working Session 4
The workshop participants were asked to answer two questions:
1. Which technologies does it make sense to work on first? Why?
2. Whom would it make sense to involve in that collaboration for any variety of
reasons?
To provide their answers, participants were instructed to:
1. Highlight three (3) lines on the tables they had completed in working session 3, to
indicate these are the highest-priority technologies to work on
2. List the collaborators they believe should be involved in working on these priority
technologies
Results of C4I Working Session 4
The following table summarizes the participant input from the breakaway session. To
reiterate, this content is the result of
It indicates 40 technology focused projects that should be undertaken in priority to
address the technical challenges identified in session 2. Some of the key players or
collaborators that could contribute to the development of these technologies have also
been indicated.
Page 41 of 159
42. Figure 11. 40 Key Technologies to Research, and Suggested Key Players
Number, if
Noted More
Technologies than Once Key Players
1. Wireless Networking Industry
General Dynamics
Lockheed Martin
Regent Technology
2. Mobile Ad-Hoc network (TLR 3) Industry
Radio Systems Developers
Network System Developers Ericsson
Communications Research Centre
Network / Research Centres of Excellence
3. Satellite with frequency scanning 2 Wireless Industry
to send out multiple frequencies - Mining Industry
user's interface also scans Geomatics Industry
IT Security Industry
UAV Industry
DRDC
4. Frequency agile transceivers Research labs
Universities
Government
5. Software development (TRL 3) 4 DND
Mobile Device Developers
Militarized Display Companies
6. Speech recognition 2 Nuance – speech software manufacturers
Commercial GPS Providers
Military GPS Providers
7. Voice/Language recognition 4 Universities
software (TRL 5). Software developers
Radio developers
8. Adaptive radio frequency 2 Spectrum Regulators
Radio Manufacturers
Spectrum Users
Academia
9. Artificial Intelligence , simulation, DND
machine learning (TLR 5-6) Militarized Display Developers
Mobile Device Companies
Page 42 of 159
43. Figure 11. 40 Key Technologies to Research, and Suggested Key Players
Number, if
Noted More
Technologies than Once Key Players
10. Flexible rollable OLED display Samsung
Fujitsu
Panasonic
Large LED Manufacturers
11. Optical communication (ad hoc). Thales
(TRL 3). Tulmar
Optical communication companies /
researchers
12. Optical interface, tactile interface. Academia
End-Users
User Interface / Output / Display Hardware
Developers
13. Know what standards already Universities
exist and are relevant (TRL N/A) Industry
Government
14. Development of AI content of C4I DRDC Valcariter
to perform coarse GUI Universities
adjustment with operator fine Subject matter experts
adjustment (TRL 7)
15. Optimization algorithms with Communications Research Centre
robust cost functions (TLR 6) Rockwell Collins
Harris Corporation
Telecommunication companies
16. Network monitoring dynamic Communications Research Centre
priority based allocation (TLR 8) Rockwell Collins
Harris Corporation
Telecommunication companies
17. Tactical micro UAVs, improved Communications Research Centre
MANET solutions matched to Rockwell Collins
SWRs (TRL 6) Harris Corporation
Telecommunication companies
18. Laser rangefinder, target locators Thales
with covert comms (TRL 6). Communication researchers
Optics researcher
SAGEM
Page 43 of 159
44. Figure 11. 40 Key Technologies to Research, and Suggested Key Players
Number, if
Noted More
Technologies than Once Key Players
19. Digital fused visible & near IR Night Vision Laboratories
and possibly thermal DRDC Valcartier
technologies L3
Laval University
20. Li Battery, solar, bio-mech 4 Research in Motion
generation and capacitors + to Motorola
store defined energy level. Rockwell Collins
21. New material development + Groupe CTT
(organic). Photo voltaic organic Hydro-Quebec
material. (TRL 2). Solar Energy Harvesting Companies
22. Fuel cell, wireless power 4 Energy / Power Research Institutions
(electromagnetic radiation). Power Generation Industry
23. MIMO – Multiple Input Multiple Academia
Output Government
Industry
Military
24. Fielding the capability within the Research in Motion
acquisition timeframe – Motorola
obsolescence avoidance Rockwell Collins
25. Alternative Energy Source Solar, Protonex
Biochemical Processes, Energy Ballard Power
Harvesting of motion and Texas Instruments
residual heat Analog device producers
26. Algorithm Fractal Application DRDC Valcartier
Mapping Awareness Universities
Subject matter experts
27. Artificial intelligence for detecting DRDC Valcartier
user context and info push Universities
Subject matter experts
28. Active RF Power Control Commercial wireless manufacturers
Military
Academia
Industry
Page 44 of 159
45. Figure 11. 40 Key Technologies to Research, and Suggested Key Players
Number, if
Noted More
Technologies than Once Key Players
29. Higher degree of soldier hw Academics
system integration continuing Power / Electronic industry
miniaturization efficiency in Battery producers
components
30. Make content and context based DRDC Toronto
security filters which can be C4I companies
accepted and certified by NSA
and NATO
31. Power combination: chemical- Research Institutes
battery-bio-kinetics-low power Electro-textile companies
computing Space Agencies
Companies developing / using mobile
energy
Wireless power developers / researchers
32. Micro nuclear energy reactor Research Institutes
Electro-textile companies
Space Agencies
Companies developing / using mobile
energy
Wireless power developers / researchers
33. Bidirectional neural interface Electro textile companies
Research Institutes
New material developers / processor
companies
34. Sustainable Power Generation Industry
Tech Textile companies
Universities
Research Organizations
35. Data centric comms. Software Developers
Universities
Research Organizations
Banking Industry
36. Open source approach (std) CLS
Innovation Collaboration Environment
WSC
MIP
Page 45 of 159
46. Figure 11. 40 Key Technologies to Research, and Suggested Key Players
Number, if
Noted More
Technologies than Once Key Players
37. Smart Power Management Battery Companies
Fuel Cell Companies
Power Harvesting Companies
IT Companies
INTEL
Raytheon
ITT Corporation
Harris
Rockwell Collins
General Dynamics
CHI Systems
Draper Labs
Honeywell
38. Visual display WDR Camera Physiological Researchers
Physio - Physical Researchers
Display Manufacturers
39. Meta-data exchange/practice Academia
40. Defining intelligent default: PDA Apple
I-Phone type platform with robust DND
development frameworks Mobile Device Companies
Militarized Display Companies
Page 46 of 159
48. MicroDAGR, Rockwell Collins
Describes the MicroDAGR
handheld GPS, including
current features and potential
future enhancements. Provides
overview of the front, back, and
sides of the MicroDAGR. Shows
the main menu, as well as
pages for present position,
compass, map, mark waypoint,
planning, and setup.
Newtrax, Low Energy UGS Mesh Networks for Persistent Surveillance in
Remote Areas
Gives an overview of the
Newtrax L1 network. Describes
typical problems with UGS
deployments. Explains how L1
addresses the problems and is a
cost-effective solution. Provides
examples of deployment
scenarios, including a trail
scenario and waterfront
scenario.
Page 48 of 159
49. Part II. Soldier Sensors Systems
Introduction to Soldier Sensors
Part II describes activities on day 3 of the workshop, which focused on soldier systems
sensors.
Introductory Presentation Abstract
The day started with welcome and opening remarks from Mr. Geoff Nimmo of Industry
Canada, and with the following presentation.
Return on Lethal & Non Lethal Weapons Effects Workshop: C4I Related
Considerations, Mr. D. Compton
An overview of the results of
the Lethal and Non-Lethal
Weapons Effects Workshop
held in March, 2010. Describes
its purpose, number of
participants, and outcomes.
Summarizes key points,
including the vision for lethal
and non-lethal weapons.
Emphasizes the need for a
standard power rail.
Page 49 of 159
50. 1. Soldier Systems Sensors Deficiencies, Vision,
Themes/Needs, Goals, Objectives, Desired
Systems Performance, Barriers, Technical
Challenges
This chapter provides abstracts of the presentations focused on Sensor deficiencies,
vision, needs and goals, and describes Sensors Breakaway Session 1.
Sensors Session 1 Presentation Abstracts
1.1 Future Soldier Sensors Capability Requirements, Drivers, Challenges
and Gaps, Capt O. Sylvain, DND
An overview of soldier sensor
requirements, vision, and
scope. Provides key definitions,
including detection, recognition,
identification, location, tracking,
and engagement. Describes
current technologies, including
night vision and laser aiming
devices, binoculars, and sights.
Summarizes deficiencies.
Includes a demonstration of the
Need for Sensors (description
follows).
Page 50 of 159
51. Demonstration of the Need for Sensors in the Field
Captain Sylvain's presentation
included a demonstration—a
continuation of the mission
described by Captain Dionne
on day 1 of the workshop in his
Demonstration of the Need for
C4I in the field (See Part 1,
Chapter 1, soldier Systems C4I
Deficiencies, Vision,
Themes/Needs and Goals).
A workshop participant
volunteered to play the role of a
soldier for the demonstration.
Capt. Dionne equipped him with Figure 12. The sensors demonstration focused on
battle gear to demonstrate the observation post "Falcon's Nest," represented by
weight of the equipment the triangle in the graphic.
typically carried, the options for
the various sensors the soldier could choose to carry or not, and the difficulty of
choosing among the options and of carrying the selected sensors in a way that makes
them usable.
Capt. Sylvain reminded participants of the mission described during the demonstration
on day 1, in which a platoon of three sections of soldiers set out to enter, pass through,
and exit a village. The point soldier for Section 1 was confronted by an unidentified
armed person, and followed a recognized engagement process to confront that person,
including reporting the situation to the other sections and the platoon commander via
radio.
The sensor demonstration revisited that mission from the perspective of observation
post Falcon's Nest, located to the south of the village, indicated in the graphic by a
triangle. Captain Sylvain reminded participants that situational awareness among the
soldiers was limited by line-of-sight and radio communication. For the purposes of the
sensors demonstration, however, CCAN15—a small UAV—is available for support, and
may be available to the observation post.
Page 51 of 159
52. Situational stages
Capt. Sylvain described the typical stages involved in handling a situation (although, as
he pointed out, not all of the stages are involved in all situations):
Detection. The realization that an object is present (e.g., something is raising
dust).
Recognition. The type of object is discerned (e.g., the dust is raised by
someone walking along a path)
Identification. Specific objects can be discerned (e.g., the person walking along
the path is carrying a shovel, not a weapon). Positive identification goes further
(e.g., the person is using the shovel to remove weeds from a garden.) Often,
confirmation is needed from multiple sensors to reach this point.
Location. Where is the object? Can involve using a laser location, a GPS grid, or
a description (e.g., at the corner of building 18).
Tracking. Knowing the location over time—especially difficult if the object is
attempting to avoid detection.
Engagement. When appropriate, sighting a weapon and firing.
These steps are followed by an assessment phase, after which the process is repeated.
What to carry, and where to carry it
Capt. Sylvain pointed out that soldiers already have many sensors available to them,
including the "Mark 1 Eyeball," which is the best sensor available and shouldn't be
blocked by other sensors.
He went on to discuss sensor needs, and available sensor devices, including night vision
goggles, laser aiming devices, kite sight and maxi kite magnification devices, binoculars,
C79 and holographic sights, hand-held thermal imagers, and thermal weapon sights. He
also outlined requirements for target handover from one soldier and device to another,
and for sensors that can identify friendly forces quickly.
During the discussion, Capt Sylvain used the volunteer to point out the difficulty of
choosing among the sensors to carry on a mission, and the logistical problems of using
more than one sensor at a time. For example, when the soldier needed binoculars, these
were out of reach, attached to equipment on his back. Asked whether he would like the
binoculars integrated into the sight on his helmet, the answer was a resounding "yes."
Page 52 of 159
53. What the demonstration showed
The demonstration illustrated the sensor needs of the soldier in the field, the existing
technologies available, the limitations of those technologies, and the need to integrate
technologies and devices and provide new technologies and devices to meet soldiers'
needs. Currently, the soldier cannot carry all of the sensors available, and choosing the
right devices is impossible because upcoming needs cannot be predicted.
As Capt. Sylvain explained, what is needed is:
Integration—"fewer boxes; multi-spectral sights; everything in one box"
Integration of sensors with weapons—"the weapon sights and binoculars need to
be integrated"
Devices for recognition, identification, location, tracking, and beyond, all need to
be integrated
Devices that can see through walls, around walls, and more—all without adding
to the weight the soldier carries
Integration of sensor information—"We already have more information than we
can process. How do we process it? How can we pre-screen the information to
use the right information at the right time?"
In short, the demonstration brought to life the sensor challenges and needs of the
dismounted soldier in the field, and challenged the workshop participants to address
them in the upcoming working sessions.
Page 53 of 159
54. 1.2 Overview of Soldier Sensor Systems Development Trends &
Challenges: an Industry Perspective, Mr. Rick Bowes
(Industry Co-chair)
Provides an industry
perspective of Soldier Sensor
Systems. Outlines soldier
requirements. Describes key
trends, focusing on the trend
toward delegating decision
making to lower levels of the
command echelon. Describes
key challenges, including
continuous force
transformation; adaptable
mission solutions; integrating
mounted and dismounted
operations; and reduced size,
weight and power (SWaP).
Page 54 of 159
55. Sensors Breakaway Session 1. The Vision & Challenges
The objective of the first sensors working session was to discuss:
The vision of how DND/CF intends to meet the dismounted soldier‘s Sensor
Systems needs
The functionalities required to ―move forward‖ within a Sensor Systems theme
area
The technological barriers/challenges to moving forward
This working session for repeated, for sensors, the process carried out for C4I during
working sessions 1 and 2 on day 1 of the workshop. Because participants were already
familiar with the process, having gone through it on day 1, the two C4I sessions from day
1 were condensed into one session for Sensors.
Inputs to Sensors Working Session 1
Participants were asked to choose a Sensors theme from this list:
1. Personal sensors
2. Crew sensors
3. Area sensors
4. Weapons sensors
5. Sensors Integration.
They were given the following instructions, and asked to spend about 20 minutes on
each question.
1. For your Sensor Systems ―theme,‖ develop a ―vision‖ (e.g., With respect to
Sensor Systems, in 3 years, the dismounted soldier would be able to …: in 5
years the dismounted soldier would be able to …; in 10 years …). Be as precise
and quantified as possible.
2. To achieve that vision, what functionalities need to be provided to the soldier?
What would be a quantifiable objective for that functionality?
3. Identify the main technological obstacles/barriers/challenges that need to be
overcome so that the functionality can be provided to the soldier?
Each group was asked to organize its discussion on a flipchart for report-back, and to
record the discussion on a laminated form provided to each table.
Page 55 of 159
56. Results of Sensors Working Session 1
Following the table discussions, a facilitated report-back was held during which selected
tables presented their results and participants were invited to commend and ask
questions.
The completed forms were collected. A summary of their contents follows in provided in
the five tables on the following pages. This information was used to identify fifteen main
technical challenges that would be addressed in the second working session.
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57. Theme 1: Personal Sensors (3 tables reporting)
Theme vision elements
Brain-sensor interface prototypes (5 years) and fielded systems (10 years)
Reach an extended vision/audio (within the next 5 years)
Body worn sensors. Have all body worn sensors integrated and able to communicate to a
soldier worn common display within 3 years. Within the 5 years range, those sensors would
communicate to ‗network‘. Within 10 years, there would be an expansion of ―body worn se
fused sensor suite‖.
Key Functionalities
Brain Sensor Interface Get a visual within 500m Common interface standards
functionality (―Thought Use a wide-angle and protocols for body worn
controls‖) vision/optics sensors
Directional hearing Enhanced navigation sensors
Expanded multispectral
sensors
Bio-Metric sensors (health,
environment, stress)
Environmental sensors
Technical Challenges/Drivers
Interpret brain signals Variable frequency ? Fault Tolerant Architectures
Improve brain interfaces Resolution sensors ? (Micro Electro Technical
(more precisely electro Merging of information Systems
enchephalo gram). from many cameras Submicron integrated circuit
Adaptable trainable High resolution display technologies
interface New sensor detection, New photonic materials
Train soldiers, while Image processing extending E-O sensor
considering human factors capability performance
of brain control. Multi-band Fault tolerant data
Algorithm architectures suitable for
Processing wearable applications
Power Artificial intelligence useful for
information fusion
Nano-material science
Other Barriers
N/A
Other comments
N/A
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58. Theme 2: Crew Sensors (1 table reporting)
Theme vision elements
Not provided
Key Functionalities
Long range ID of people in all lighting and weather line of sight, which is about 2 km
Non-line of sight ID – 500m (around the corners, in buildings, in coves)
Have an accurate location of targets –blue force – with one meter accuracy
Have an ability to share, record, and transmit pictures, video, target location within a section
and outside of section
Have small, lightweight, and low power consumption capabilities
Data have to be filtered / proceed in a way to avoid information overload
Technical Challenges/Drivers
Fuse multiple sensors (digital fusion) in order to be able to identify the threats at night
No sensors that can see through walls yet
Bandwidth
GPS denied environments
Information overload
Many electronic devices required for long-range surveillance purposes
Other Barriers
N/A
Other comments
N/A
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59. Theme 3: Area Sensors (2 tables reporting)
Theme vision elements
Deliver an accurate and timely sensor product to the soldiers and that it fits is current area of
interest
Within three years soldiers could access current existing ISR assets.
In five years those sensors could be fitted to organic interests
Within ten years, nothing less than available fused data.
The soldier deployed autonomous system (arial + crowd – RSTA system) must be situation
adaptable.
Key Functionalities
―Wide Area Visual Allowing Zoom by Allowing for observation and surveillance
Individual Soldier‖ through multi-sensor
Soldier Cueing‖ - wide area sensors (i.e. Endurance capability (72 hour mission)
acoustic) and by moving target indication. ―Threat Detection, Threat Elimination‖: data
―Declutter‖ information (from detecting, recognizing,
pursuing, to destroying)
Sensors reusability
Networked communication with other soldiers
and soldier knowledge generation
Technical Challenges/Drivers
Camera resolution insufficient (Mav – Weight
Bandwidth) The intermittent communications vs. no
Need for multi MAV solution communications reality
Building which lead to ground based Power storage
processing Choices of storage medium (conversion
Processing power devices, fuel cells, ICE…)
Need for additional power Data communications protocols
Weight Data display to soldier
Heat Intelligent data fusion and filtering
Integration to integrated to
existing displays
Artificial intelligence (to keep the soldier in
the loop) and the operator interface (easy
on the go identification of objects of interest)
Other Barriers
N/A
Other comments
The importance to have sensors that are passive.
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60. Theme 4: Weapons Sensors (2 tables reporting)
Theme vision elements
Within five years soldiers will have a single device that work as a rifle sight (day and night)
through a range of 0-300m and is integrated over standard power/data rail.
Within three years soldier would be able to transmit the sight picture to its section level (day or
night).
In five years, the section level will be networked with effective communication protocols.
Key Functionalities
Be able to detect and recognize identity (0- Power/data rail (being developed by NATO)
300m) in all light conditions. Image splitter on sight (exists)
Integrated targeting to enhance accuracy Data management system (under
Integrated geo-location to enable target development)
hard-over Transmission module
Networked interoperability
Combat I.D. to prevent fratercide
Technical Challenges/Drivers
Multi-spectral Integrated DMC in sight
High resolution
Low power sensor
Wide spectrum optics
Instantaneous zoom to range display
Size
Weight
Power
Night vision
―Boresighting‖ and ―parelax‖ for multi-sensor
ballistic solution for different ammo types
and moving targets
Bearing, range, elevation to accurately
target, and DTED data in order to allow the
soldier to locate accurately
Other Barriers
N/A
Other comments
This table also wrote a general ―challenge‖ statement in which they express that there is a need
to achieve industry teaming agreements. This would involve time and finances, and the
standardization of protocols.
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