Konstanz, 25 March 2019. Like no other vehicle, the PUMA infantry fighting vehicle stands for how the army’s capability profile has changed. The digitalisation of the command and control process has been implemented in an exemplary manner in the PUMA IFV. ATM ComputerSysteme GmbH ensures the core capability “command and control” in the PUMA IFV with its IT system solutions.
Command on the digital battlefield
ATM developed the structure of the IT command and control components required for the command capability on the basis of cross-functional and flexible system solutions. As the interface between vehicle, operator and external communication participants, the focus is on maximum efficiency and ease of operation by the PUMA crew. Enabled by ATM’s IT equipment, the connection of all important networks to the weapon and fire control system (FüWES) consisting of the army command and information system (FüInfoSysH) and the combat units’ integrated management and weapon deployment system (IMIS) generates a digitised battlefield from the analogue one.
Backbone of vehicle IT
The centrepiece of the command and control equipment is the ATM CENTURION i7 vehicle computer. The CENTURION i7 is flexibly configurable and can be expanded to include project-specific functions through the use of plug-ins. Form, fit and function with regard to the compatibility of future CENTURION equipment are ensured. Connected to the CAN bus of the PUMA IFV, the CENTURION i7 constitutes the information technology backbone. Installed on the CENTURION i7 are the army command and information system and the software application for the Future Soldier Enhanced System (IdZ-ES). The applications are visualised on the MDU15 touch display, which is centrally located between the squad leader and the weapon system troop commander. This way, the CENTURION i7 is used to exchange command information within the crew of the PUMA IFV. Data is exchanged with external communication participants via the KommServer connected to the vehicle network.
Tactical router as communication node
As a universal communication centre, the ATM KommServer serves to seamlessly transmit voice and data over different types of command and control resources. As a tactical router and central intelligence, the KommServer connects existing and planned heterogeneous, narrow and broadband radio and wire networks of different technologies as well as the corresponding applications. The KommServer processes the interoperable exchange of information from user to user. As a core element in the communication network, the KommServer establishes a self-organising, mobile ad hoc network. It integrates all transmission resources in it into a homogeneous and fundamentally IP-compatible network.
With the aid of dynamic network management, the KommServer finds an optimum route through all networks and links any connected (sub)networks to a superordinated meta-network. In this “network of networks”, it is enough to know the (tactical) destination like on the civilian internet, as the KommServer handles everything else. The KommServer is able to detect and compensate for network failures itself.
On the digital battlefield, the KommServer ensures special handling of such things as blue force tracking, VoIP telephony, transmission of analogue and encrypted digital voice via VHF and UHF, as well as video and file transfer in real time.
The KommServer is what makes the communication technology infrastructure available in the first place. The KommServer proves to be the backbone of tactical communication for network-centric operations. Its high modularity and the open system architecture allow the KommServer to easily adapt to future communication media and software functionalities.
One interface for different systems
The squad leader and the weapon system troop commander receive a uniform and programmable MMI to support the handling of the PUMA control units. Designed as a central operating and display unit, the ATM system control unit (SBG) allows you to operate, retrieve, or configure vehicle or device-specific functions. This allows you to centrally manage and control other applications in the vehicle from the control station. The periscope or the weapon optics are connected to and controllable by the SBG, for example. The integrated testing system also displays fault messages and suggests countermeasures. The SBG reduces the number of control units to be integrated from an ergonomic point of view, thus simplifying the command and control process.
Control safety-critical functions
With ATM central control unit (CCU) located between the squad leader and the weapon system troop commander, the crew controls the active protection systems and weapon functions in close dialogue with the system logics of the PUMA. These include the various operating levels, weapon and ammunition selection, operation of the MUSS active soft kill system or control of the MELLS guided missile system.
The CCA controls safety-critical functions that pose an enormous risk to people and the environment in the event of a technical failure, faulty execution or incorrect operation. For that reason, ATM developed the CCU according to the international safety standard IEC/DIN EN 61508 (Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems). By applying this standard, ATM systematically performs all tasks necessary to achieve the required safety integrity level (SIL) for the safety-related systems.
Secure functions and announcements
In the event of a voltage drop or total failure of the vehicle’s on-board voltage network voltage, the ATM PowerPack guarantees a short-term uninterrupted power supply for system-critical components. The PowerPack allows the user to continue with his work for the moment, close the applications and perform the secured shutdown of the connected systems. Safeguarding with the PowerPack prevents physical damage caused by an abrupt power failure.
The ATM MiRec adapter integrates a mission recording function between the intercom system and headset in order to record voice announcements via the front loudspeaker or communication via the on-board intercom system. The MiRec adapter forms the interface to the connected computer.
Focus on the system as a whole
From the idea to the development and all the way to the integration ATM offers central system solutions for the PUMA weapon system from a single source, ranging from C4I command components to communications and operator and display units with safety functions. The systems are optimally tailored to the PUMA and allow the operator to control the PUMA efficiently. The operational flexibility of the PUMA is reflected in its IT command and control equipment, which is specifically geared towards the dynamics of a wide range of operations.