Integrated Digital Soldier System (IDSS)
The key to success in any military operation, from war fighting to humanitarian aid, is the ability for soldiers at the combat level to manage and control their environment and directly influence their situation in real time through decisive actions based on sound situational awareness (SA).
IDSS provides a fully integrated Combat Management System that allows dismounted soldiers to monitor and control to the current situation, no matter how chaotic it may appear, through supply of accurate SA, planning, and orders. Cobham’s IDSS provides a modular C4I solution tailored for all levels of combat troops. The basic elements of each are:
- Display unit, allowing the user to monitor and report the current situation.
- Radio(s) to enable both voice and data communications up and down the command chain.
- Interface unit to control power, GPS, and other sensors
- Load carriage
CDC has a range of Display units which can be matched to the command level of the soldier. All displays operate using relevant elements of the BattleHawk C2 software.
- For the individual soldier within the section, CDC has two options:
- GPS attached to the radio as a tracking system, with no user display
- Wrist display with a small text screen giving his position, SA on all section members on a grid, or data from his commander.
- For Section leaders, a rugged PDA allows a map background to be superimposed with blue force positions and other command overlays. The user can send map details or text messages to other force elements.
- For Platoon commanders, a miniaturized laptop computer (Soldier Data Terminal) with touch screen enables the user to plan the actions of his men and distribute those details.
- Company commanders may use the same display described in 3. Above or static command installations may use a full size laptop computer with touch screen to prepare high level orders, boundaries, LODs, routes etc for distribution within the Company.
CDC Interface units (SIU) have the option of containing any or all of the following elements.
- High sensitivity GPS to establish the position of the user
- Digital Magnetic Compass (DMC) to identify the direction the user is facing.
- Inertial navigation system for use in areas where GPS reception is poor
- Main system battery and Power management.
- Audio mixer for multiple radios and warnings.
- Data inputs/outputs for other sensors such as Laser Rangefinders, security tags etc.
The CDC IDSS has the capability of interfacing to most modern radios, allowing data transmission from two separate radios (long range and short range) and voice integration to ensure two separate channels of voice can be heard from a single headset. CDC will interface with customer’s existing radios if these are data capable or will recommend (and supply) a mix of radios to match the Customer’s requirement.
CDC has established relationships with webbing and cable manufacturers and can supply off-the-shelf load carriage solutions for all levels of IDSS. We’ll also work with customers to design and supply customized load carriage solutions. Off-the-shelf solutions are available for carriage on belt, vest and backpack.
