Vehicle Architecture before and after: Previously situational awareness was in the mind of the operator who operated vehicles with independent controls. In-vehicle semi-automation is now possible through electronic architectures using integrated sensors and communications. Basically these produce controls similar to aircraft pilots where some system autonomy is possible.

Integration is complete when independent systems are replaced by a workstation[iii] with a removable device to provide situational awareness which can be used to affect an exit. An example often given is the situation when a coalition ground vehicle is stuck by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) constantly in use in modern theatre. A rapid but safe egress from the vehicle necessitates situational awareness and therefore the use of a removable, remote device that can still relay images and data from the functioning parts of the vehicle or other nearby reconnaissance sources – even basic GPS for air support and evac.

Electronic Architecture (EA) should processes should govern all data exchanges and power management optimising battery life. Software and hardware components can be integrated with additional interfaces for health and monitoring station and crew stations, i.e., display and input data. External integration can be achieved through the use of common data exchange which is another subject in its entirety. A key factor identified is Usability which means the soldier’s ability to operate the vehicle. Reconfigurability, enhanceability, logistics and sustainability are also considerations for the EA design process.

System of Systems architecture, basic SOS can be defined in operational lingo as the “way I fight”. In the Vehicle Before-World of Electronic Architecture all systems including vehicle platforms and networks impinge on the soldier, but not on each other. New architectures allow vehicles to communicate with each other without the person, systems talk to each other allowing decisions to be made by battle management software. The human remains at the centre in an informed state but without the workloads of continuous manual intervention. Networking can be constituted of voice, data, video etc. with a strong emphasis on how humans will interpret the data. Testing on information transfers between platforms and soldiers is achieved through wargaming simulation identifying costs and risks leading to mitigation and trade-offs being heavily emphasised. In conclusion, FRES program will benefit from this information and analysis.

Editor’s Conclusions from the 2nd Military Aerospace Electronics Conference & Exhibition:

General trends within Vehicle Technology point towards the development of hybrid military vehicles with obvious advantages for the transfer into civilian freight vehicles.

All Electric Vehicles are not confined to the ground but are also a key objective in the skies.

‘Thinking Machines’ are in a state of rapid development reinforcing the maxim that war progresses technology along with it. The spin-offs for civilian applications will continue to develop the global economy.

Questions about concepts and doctrine flowing down into operations. Response involved description of concepts of requirement.