CTMA Project #: 142081
Problem: For the U.S. Army, the current vehicle design has all equipment and infrastructure connected using a wired system architecture. This core wired Ethernet infrastructure typically forms the backbone for data communications within a vehicle, which interconnects all the vehicle elements such as mission systems, Command, Control, Communication and Computers (C4), vehicle sensors, and the automotive network. A wireless Ethernet backbone could be integrated into ground combat vehicles to provide an Ethernet in-vehicle network with wireless capability for real-time and safety-critical systems, automotive CAN-based systems, and all computing resources within the vehicle.
Benefit: This initiative is using the U.S. Army’s next generation combat vehicle as a surrogate to industry to demonstrate how using a wireless Ethernet backbone can improve the performance of commercial vehicle fleets with the intent on lowering maintenance and sustainment costs throughout the vehicle and fleet lifecycle.
Solution/Approach: The intent of this initiative is to conduct a feasibility study to determine the operational and maintenance benefits associated with a vehicle wireless Ethernet backbone. This could represent a viable solution that can be integrated on a Next Generation Combat Vehicle, which delivers the maximal wireless Ethernet backbone capability to link up all field units and military personnel within the vehicle.
Impact on Warfighter:
- Enables predicative maintenance solutions
- Decease maintenance and sustainment costs
- Reduce electromagnetic and signature management risks
- Streamline vehicle and fleet design
- Increase warfighter communication, safety, readiness, and lethality
DOD Participation:
- U.S. Army Program Manager – Maneuver Combat Systems (PM-MCS)
- U.S. Army Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Cross Functional Team (CFT)
- U.S. Army Program Executive Office (PEO)-Ground Combat Systems (GCS) and sub commands (observer)
- U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), Integrated Logistics Support Center (ILSC) (observer)
- U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Program Manager Light Armored Vehicles (PM LAV) & PEO-Land Systems Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) (observer)
- U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Program Manager Family of Special Operations Vehicles (PM FOSOV) Advanced Ground Mobility System (observer)
Industry Participation:
- Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
- NCMS
Benefit Area(s):
- Cost savings
- Positive environmental impact
- Safety
- Maintenance management improvement
- Improved readiness
Focus Area:
- Reliability improvement
