SOFTWARE, LAUNCHED
System and software engineers at AVMC re-architected and rede- signed the HIMARS launcher software, adopting an open system architecture and modern design that enables them to upgrade and add capabilities, without the traditional limitations of its previous design. Troughout development, the Army conducted Soldier touch points and user juries to ensure maximum usability and functionality for the warfighter. Soldier feedback identified which operations the user performed most frequently, then the software interface was designed so that the keys or buttons for these operations would be readily available on the home screen. Feedback also included using green, yellow and red colors to aid the user with both operational and caution alerts.
“We updated the user interface from a human factor standpoint as the software intuitively guides the Soldier through the conducted mission,” said Marsh. “We strive to make the interaction with the software as easy and intuitive as possible for the end user.”
TROOP TRAINING
Soldiers receive additional HIMARS launchers and training from the STORM Project Office. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kendra Thomas, 18th Field Artillery Brigade)
HIMARS will share a commonality of hardware and software with the tracked Multiple Launch Rocket System M270A1/A2 by using its redesigned software for the Common Fire-Control System. Te result will be 85 percent of the software being reused across the HIMARS and M270A1/A2 launcher platforms, further reducing the cost for the Army to maintain, while increasing the capability of both weapon systems. Te software is designed with a modular architecture to support scalability and future modi- fications.
COST SAVING SOLUTIONS Te government-developed, designed and owned software solu- tion reduces life cycle costs at a rate of approximately $12 million per release—sizable cost savings for the Army, when it is noted that software is released every 18-24 months. Te AVMC team uses Agile and Development Security Operations (DevSecOps) principles to make launcher software updates, which enables rapid delivery of capability to the Soldier through flexible contracts that focus on iterative feedback loops with direct customer and user involvement, while applying rigor through DevSecOps automated testing to produce software that is safe, survivable and relevant in today’s mission field.
FIELDING UPGRADES
The S3I Directorate fields the Universal Fire-Control System version 7.11B and 8.2 software upgrades to more than 40 U.S. Army, Marine Corps and National Guard Multiple Launch Rocket and HIMARS units. (Photo by 1st Lt. Kendra Thomas,18th Field Artillery Brigade)
“We are currently in the middle of fielding updates for the HIMARS software to field artillery Soldiers and Marines in the field,” said Michael Murray, operations, fielding and training lead for DEVCOM AVMC S3I. “Tey are already proficient with the current launcher software, and the latest software update enables units to employ the Insensitive Munition Propulsion System rock- ets. “Te differences the user will see in the updated fire-control
22 Army AL&T Magazine Summer 2022
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