ARMY AL&T
The weight of the DFCS components and their configuration on the weapon also factor in the operability of the weapon for emplace/displace and out- of-traverse functions. Close attention has been paid to the weight and balance of the system, and an acceptable config- uration has been determined and vetted with the user community.
Commonality Steps The first step in developing common hardware is to create a generic system architecture for towed artillery DFCS that meets all the associated platforms’ requirements. Hardware diagrams specific to each platform then have to be prepared. These diagrams have to synchronize software development schedules for each platform and the proposed funding for refresh and obsolescence. Road maps, then created for each LRU, will include requirements development, prototype development and testing, system level testing, and procurements.
Commonality is being executed using the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC) as the systems integrator. ARDEC is the current design author- ity for the M119A3 howitzer and will become the design authority for the DFCS hardware on the M777A2 as more components become common. ARDEC has an established artillery fire control software capability used by the M777A2 and Paladin systems. Using ARDEC allows the program to leverage digitization hardware from other exist- ing programs. In addition to systems integration, ARDEC will write the computer code using the M777A2 code as a baseline.
Proposed Common LRUs There are a number of planned common DFCS LRUs. The Muzzle Velocity System (MVS) will initially be a stand- alone system that will be integrated into the DFCS during a future software upgrade. The Power System and the
24 JULY –SEPTEMBER 2010
The first step in developing common hardware is to create a generic system architecture for towed artillery DFCS that meets all the associated platforms’ requirements.
Power Distribution System (PDS) will have a new power control and condi- tioning module, a power data hub, and new batteries. There will be a combined Mission Computer and Chief of Section Display; currently, these are separate LRUs on the M777A2. The digitized M119A2 will use a combined unit called the Fire Control Computer (FCC). Also, the Gunner’s Display, INU, radio, and Platform Integration Kit (PIK)/inte- grated PIK (iPIK) will be common.
LRUs that won’t be common between the digitized M119A2 and the M777A2 are the Laser Ignition System, the Electronic Thermal Warning Device, and the Hydraulic Power Assist Kit. However, the PDS and FCC will be designed to interface with these LRUs when implemented on the M777A2. The FCC used on the dismounted 120mm mortar achieves all requirements. Under the guidance to maximize commonality, the same computer will be acquired as part of the digitization package.
Current Status The solicitation for a common MVS has been released and includes all requirements for the M777A2 and the digitized M119A2 platforms. Bid sam- ple testing will be conducted in support of a procurement decision. A work- ing group has been established to write the power system specification and a draft currently exists. It is planned to build and test power system prototypes to this specification. The proposed M119A3 FCC solution was demon- strated on the M777A2 in January 2010 using modified software, and user assessment will be obtained after the demonstration. The proposed gunner’s
display was also demonstrated on the M777A2 in January. The M119A3 program is in the middle of a source selection for the new INU to meet specified shock requirements. After a down select, a compatibility study will be initiated to determine the steps needed for the INU to be retrofitted on the M777A2.
Both platforms currently use Advanced System Improvement Program (ASIP)- compliant radios. Since ASIP may be replaced in the near future, a study will be initiated to determine potential issues with integrating a new radio solution. The M777A2 currently uses PIK and the Defense Advanced Global Positioning System Receiver (DAGR). The M119A3 will use iPIK, which combines the functionality of the PIK and DAGR into one device. A study will be conducted to determine potential issues with integrating iPIK into the M777A2.
Possible commonality with the Paladin self-propelled howitzer is also being investigated. The same types of chal- lenges will be encountered as those between the two towed platforms. A commonality study will be conducted by the offices of the JPM LW155 and PM Heavy BCT.
JOSEPH LIPINSKI is the DFCS Manager for the M119 and M777 howitzers and the lead for DFCS commonality across towed artillery platforms. He holds a B.S. in mechani- cal engineering from Lehigh University and is Level III certified in systems planning, research, development, and engineering-systems engineering.
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