C4I ICS for Hawkei vehicles tested

The incoming Australian Army Hawkei vehicle has had its new C4I Integral Computing System (ICS) put to the test during a demonstration at the Monegeetta Proving Ground.

The ICS will use a generic vehicle architecture and a central computing concept to host various C4I systems and communications to optimise and centralise the flow of information to the user, enabling rapid decision making and multitasking at levels not previously achievable on land based platforms. The ICS will enable the vehicle operator to manage radios, sensors, the battle management system (BMS) and weapon systems all through a common interface.

The initial baseline of the C4I ICS will be available on low-rate initial production Hawkei vehicles from 2018.

The demonstration allowed the Land 121 Phase 4 project team, under which the Hawkei vehicle is being delivered, to show off a number of new vehicle features, including the ICS command vehicle installation, BMS operating on Windows 10, the advanced field artillery tactical data system, digital terminal control station, interactive electronic technical manuals, force protection electronic counter measures, rocket propelled grenade cage, remote weapon station and manned weapon mount.

During the activity a Project Charter for the ICS was signed, guiding the interaction and collaboration between the Department of Defence and the nine contractors involved in delivery of the ICS: Thales Australia, Cablex, Elbit Land Systems Australia, Esterline, Harris Australia, Kongsberg, Raytheon, Rockwell Collins and Thomas Global Systems.

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