US Army tests possible vehicle upgrade

The US Army has been experimenting with a new capability designed to give greater situational awareness to soldiers as they exit armoured vehicles in the battlefield.

The army's Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) developed the solution, which is designed for installation in existing armoured vehicles to enhance soldiers' understanding of their surroundings prior to and during vehicle exit.

TARDEC outfitted two M2A3 Bradley fighting vehicles with cameras outside and set up tablets in the infantry sitting area inside. The tablets displayed up to four video feeds and an area map. Both vehicles could access each other's camera feeds.

Maj. Stephen Tegge, special project officer, TARDEC, said: 'When the ramp drops on the Bradley, there is a moment of disorientation. You need to be able to tell where you are; similar to being blindfolded, spun in circles, taking the blindfold off, and orienting yourself. What we are trying to do is to reduce that [disorientation] by getting more information into the back of the vehicle.'

The tablets' touch-screen and telestrator functions were used by the leaders to draw out plans, identify buildings and show soldiers their sectors before lowering the ramp and exiting the vehicle. The project was conducted by TARDEC in partnership with other organisations.

Staff Sgt. Michael Sabo, mounted section leader, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, said: 'We are able to see real-time pictures and able to break down overlays to the lowest level. We could draw it up right then and there. [The squad members] actually see it happening live, and if I tell them I need them to go to this particular building, they know which one I’m talking about.'

TARDEC is also working with the army's Training and Doctrine Command to assess if the developed prototype can benefit the army on a larger scale.