Leonardo’s next-generation battle management hardware successfully supported the Army’s M1A1 tanks during the recent Exercise Hamel.
The hardware provides the Army’s armoured cavalry units improved connectivity within the ADF as well as increased US and coalition battle management system interoperability in the field.
The system was featured for the first time in an operational exercise and connected the main battle tanks to the Army’s battle management network. Prior to integrating the battle management hardware, the tanks had not been able to communicate on the network.
“In close cooperation with the Australian Army, together we have provided a combat-proven system that gives commanders, leaders, and soldiers improved situational awareness and is a mission-critical tool to ensure success on the battlefield,” Jerry Hathaway, vice president and general manager of DRS Land Electronics business, said.
“DRS looks forward to leveraging our recent US$841 million US Army battle management system hardware award into integrated, scalable solutions for emerging Australian needs. These ultra-rugged computers are part of a long line of combat-proven hardware, for a wide range of platforms, we have provided our allies in the Australian Army.”
The Army is demonstrating the Leonardo DRS battle management hardware with the goal of showing that it is able to be used continuously in a complex, manoeuvre-intensive operational environment.
The system gives users the capability to run all battle management system applications, and integrate communications, cameras, and other sensors in one computer.
The BMS tablet capability was used by tank platoon leaders, 2ICs, and troop commanders on their tanks to conduct mission planning and digital rehearsals within the unit and present their plans to attached units.
The DRS equipment also helps provide future capabilities like the health and usage management system, weapons system integration, sensor integration, and future upgrades to the network architecture.