Indra and GMV have moved forward in the development of the Future Soldier System (SISCAP), after carrying out an operational demonstration at the Toledo Infantry Academy.
The solution will outfit soldiers with a vision system attached to their helmet. Augmented reality will allow soldiers to visualize routes to follow and the see the position of their companions, and to receive different tactical indications about threats and identified targets.
The Future Soldier System will also have both day and night vision, visible and thermal cameras to gather images, and an advanced military radio. The radio will position soldiers by satellite and allow them to transmit voice and data, whilst setting up different groups for improved coordination.
Enhanced Fire Efficiency
The solution’s assault rifle will incorporate its own viewfinders and cameras that extend the range and accuracy of fire, and will support the possibility of non-line-of-sight fire.
This will allow the image captured by the weapon’s viewfinder to also be seen in the helmet’s vision system, avoiding potential exposure when turning a corner or entering an enclosed area. It will also incorporate controls to handle communications, without having to release the rifle or to prevent friendly fire.
The platoon leader will be able to use a tablet connected to the battlefield management system (BMS) used in the rest of the Army, which will integrate the unit into the chain of command.
Modularity & Open Architecture
The modularity of the system allows for the addition of electronic aids to distinguish between friendly and enemy forces, infrared cameras, laser designators or image magnifiers, as appropriate, to the fire effectiveness system.
In the case of more complex missions, soldiers can even be equipped with palm-sized micro-drones to reconnoiter the area and minimize risks. SISCAP’s open architecture will allow the incorporation of new functionalities in the future, such as the use of artificial intelligence for target discrimination, checking the status of combatants and facilitating system maintenance.
Indra & GMV – SISCAP Development
Indra and GMV aim to equip combatants with advanced technologies for use in digitalized theaters of operations, where they will have to operate in network operations with systems adapted to the new Spanish Army combat cloud concept.
In a group of exercises held recently at the Toledo Infantry Academy, a platoon evaluated the system by simulating a reconnaissance mission and other day and night surveillance missions. They also conducted various day and night shooting tests.
The next and final test that SISCAP will undergo in the coming months will add the presence of the 8×8 Dragon armored vehicle, which will act as a communications node between the unit and its headquarters.
Indra and GMV’s goal is to close this first development phase this year, delivering the first seven functional prototypes in platoon-leader configuration.
As a result of an R&D program funded by the Ministry of Defence through the Sub-Directorate General for Planning, Technology and Innovation (SDG PLATIN), the progress of this new development is being supervised by the Directorate General for Armaments and Material (DGAM).
The manager of the UTE at Indra, Gregorio González, explained; “The system will provide soldiers with the most advanced digital capabilities and will provide them with a situational awareness of the highest level, by giving them a vision capacity enriched with the information collected by all their colleagues and other deployed means.
“One of the great advantages of the system is that it is modular and scalable, which allows it to be adapted to the mission being carried out, ensuring maximum ergonomics and minimum weight.”
