AFV Swarming Tactics

Recent improvements in information and armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) technologies have introduced new directions in development of electronic devices for vehicle control and a new tactical approach for the use of AFVs in battlefields.
Vetronics (Vehicle electronics) is becoming a key feature of both new AFV developments and upgrades of existing vehicles. In general, the architecture of the vetronics system includes some of functional subsystems [1]:
i. fire control system; ii. vehicle control; iii. active suspension; iv. engine control and monitoring;
v. sensors control & signal distribution; vi. data collection and distribution systems; vii. communication systems.

AFV upgrade projects could use all or only some of the sub-systems listed.

1. AFV Swarming Tactics

In order to enable AFVs (main battle tanks, APCs, scout vehicles etc.) acting as swarmers, it is necessary to integrate the C2 system and the Battlefield Management System (BMS) on an AFV. An AFV without vetronics can be equipped with a BMS but this allows it to have only inter-vehicular information exchange. Vetronics enables both inter- and intra-vehicular information exchange which enhances the overall effectiveness of the AFV.
II. AFV VETRONICS SYSTEM STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS

AFV vetronics system architectures are still under growth. The key activities are in the field of interface developments and related software developments. Some development results are already applied in new and upgraded AFV projects. A generalized AFV vetronics system is illustrated in Fig. 2. AFV vetronics architecture tends to integrate vehicle power, physical properties, control software, data transfer and human factors.

Fig. 2. AFV vetronics generalized architecture
The requirement of the vetronics fitted onto an AFV needs to be assessed in terms of [6]: -
i. mobility (automotive vetronics); ii. lethality (fire control and SA integration); iii. survivability (system and crew

All these features would not be viable without a vetronics system that links the vehicle systems to the BMS.

III. SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

An integrated vetronics suite requires the use of systems architecture to define the overall structure of the system, its internal protocol as well as its internal and external interfaces.
The vetronics architecture design concept should be adaptable, flexible, sustainable, scalable, responsive and robust. In most cases, the vetronics architecture is also based on an open system which promotes crossfleet commonality as well as the ease of upgrading and system enhancements. The basic split of architectures in AFV Vetronics [8] is shown in Figure 3.

Fig 3. Basic Split of AFV vetronics

One key attribute of vetronics architecture design is adaptability i.e. the ability to adapt to changing operational environments or requirements, handle new technology insertion, and manage legacy systems while incorporating new systems. This is an important parameter as computing technology changes rapidly, and the architecture must be able to adapt to new inputs without rewiring the entire vehicle