How tactical communications can keep pace with the changing world of heavy armoured vehicles

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As in any aspect of defense, the military vehicles of today are in many ways unrecognizable compared to their predecessors. In the face of the current global climate, several countries in Europe and elsewhere are investing in modernising their main battle tank fleets. This often involves the procurement of additional systems to fill short-to-medium term capability gaps, as well as looking at the development of future tank platforms to form the next generation of military vehicles. Such modernisation of fleets has knock-on effects on technology linked to them, such as communications and crew safety. Here the communication expert company INVISIO, ensures their hearing protection and communication solutions remain fit for purpose as the vehicles they connect to evolve.

Some may suggest that developments towards autonomous vehicles may remove or lessen the importance of tactical communications and hearing protection for crews on board. However, many military vehicles are likely to retain a degree of human control, at least for the foreseeable future, explains Rob Harrison, Senior Product Manager at tactical communications leader INVISIO. This is demonstrated in new platforms such as XM-30 and JLTV Hybrid, which retain human crews but integrate advanced technology to improve performance. The introduction of hybrid-electric propulsion helps to reduce fuel use and increase stealth during certain missions, allowing quieter movement and longer range where needed. Alongside this, tech advancements help to improve situational awareness, with the introduction of 360° vision systems, AI-assisted targeting and real-time battlefield data sharing, allowing almost instant communication between vehicles and command centers.

Modernisation for today's battlefield also involves improved protection systems, with lighter but stronger armour, as well as Active Protection Systems (APS) to intercept threats before impact, increasing crew survivability. Such wide-ranging improvements to vehicles can be seen in examples like the M2A4E1, an upgraded version of the Bradley IFV with enhanced power, mobility and survivability thanks to upgrades including a new engine and transmission and improved suspension. Similarly, the M1E3, a next-generation redesign of the M1 Abrams, is expected to be lighter, more modular, and feature a hybrid-electric drivetrain, advanced AI capabilities and a reduced crew size.

Improvements such as these serve to create what are seen as 'new' vehicle platforms that have evolved to meet the needs of the crews of today. Yet they are often based on legacy platforms dating back decades, such as the M1 Abrams and Bradley IFV, with additions adding weight as well as capability. The Leopard 2 tank, introduced in 1979, originally weighed 55 tons, but latest iterations can weigh 66 tons, while the M1 Abrams, introduced in 1980, originally weighed 54 tons but latest iterations can weigh 67 tons.

Additional weight may not seem problematic in its own right, but it can bring challenges - especially in communications, explains Harrison. “Heavier vehicles require larger engines, larger transmissions and more robust suspension - all of which can produce higher noise exposure levels for the crew on board, as well as higher vibrations. On top of this, the use of older vehicles that are being constantly upgraded means some elements can wear out, degrade or age, again having an impact on noise, both changing the noise profile and potentially adding higher exposure levels for crews. Even new electronics upgrades containing high-speed cooling fans can change noise profiles, adding to the acoustic noise crews are exposed to.”

Despite the advent of AI and unmanned vehicles or optionally manned vehicles, the likely presence of human operators for some time to come means the responsibility to protect crews - including hearing protection - remains. While current headsets have proven efficient in providing protection based on tried and tested noise profiles, these profiles change over time as improvements are made to the vehicles. Often, the requirements for headsets and communications equipment are forgotten or not adjusted accordingly, which means crew members may not receive adequate situational awareness and the correct degree of protection. Inadequate protection not only impacts hearing health in the long-term, but also has the potential to impact mission length, as well as impacting situational awareness and creating additional challenges of fatigue.

The changes within military vehicles means a one-size-fits-all headset may no longer be adequate. Crews need a headset that can adapt across a diverse fleet of vehicles, or over time as vehicles evolve, in order to ensure crews are protected and can maintain mission-critical communications regardless of the noise profile of the vehicle they're in, and as they switch between vehicles.

INVISIO's RA4000 Magna headset takes expertise garnered by Racal Acoustics, now INVISIO, whose history dates back to the early 1900s before tanks were even invented, meaning it has lived alongside the evolution of military vehicles right up to today. Such experience means INVISIO is well placed to address the practical issues of comms in military vehicles, providing uncompromised quality as well as hearing protection that addresses noise challenges associated with ageing fleets that are continually being adapted. A key element is the use of customised Active Noise Reduction (ANR) that allows the headset to achieve noise attenuation levels of 36dB SNR. The key advantage of digital software-defined ANR such as this is that it can address specific noise challenges, adapting from vehicle to vehicle and within certain vehicles as their own noise profile changes depending on additions and improvements or lifespan. The headset offers binaural hear-through for accurate situational awareness and high intelligibility binaural or monaural communications in high-noise environments. This helps reduce physical and cognitive burden, especially when noise levels are potentially increased due to additional weight in vehicles. Such software can also be upgraded over time. This means even if a headset was purchased some years ago, INVISIO can upgrade the software in that headset to fit with an updated noise profile, ensuring top quality hearing protection and speech intelligibility even if a fleet is upgraded or a specific vehicle's noise profile changes.

“An extra layer of benefit comes through the RA4000's compatibility with other equipment including new helmets which may require new attachment options,” adds Harrison. That means that as changes are made to fleets, the headset can remain compatible. This is also helped by INVISIO's cabling solution, which can be separated from the headset, ensuring longevity over time as communication system adaptations and additions are made to tanks or vehicles. The adaptability both practically and in terms of software means that a headset such as this isn't only suitable for the needs of today in terms of noise levels, hearing protection and tactical communications, but can adapt alongside the evolution of military vehicles in the coming years. This means it not only remains the right headset for the job but ensures ongoing return on investment and adaptability in the long-term.

For more information please visit:
https://invisio.com