Soldier Systems

Give fighters the tactical edge in military operations

• Equipping soldiers for modern warfare means providing the technological edge they need for mission success. Personal networks, sensors, and C4 communications need to be fully integrated with the power to manage each system. All soldier systems must be connected in a reliable and easy-to-use manner.

As a leader in connectivity, TE Connectivity (TE) can help you create soldier systems with the features you need and the durability and adaptability that today’s digitized battlefields demand.

Modularity:

• Compatible modules and components allow for easy integration of different subsystems
• Permit multiple mission-specific configurations
• Balance loads for easier wearing

Weight and Space Savings:

• Advanced cables and composite components help reduce weight
• Compact connectors and embedded antennas save space

Rugged and Flexible:

• Able to withstand the hazards and environmental conditions of the modern battlespace
• Provide the flexibility needed for mobility

Performing in challenging operating environments requires soldier systems that are rugged but also easy to use and maintain. TE offers a broad range of cables, assemblies, and connectors that are easy to engage and disengage, offer rugged reliability, and save space and weight where every ounce counts. In short, we can help you create soldier systems that are wearable and bearable.

TE is a leader in composites, with a wide selection of corrosion-resistant, molded enclosures that are stronger, lighter, and smaller than metal enclosures while also permitting cost-effective integration of conductors, shielding, antennas, and other features.

Compact Connectors:

• Microminiature and nanominiature connectors help designers of current and future soldier systems to pack more and more capabilities into smaller packages. The subminiature-D connector gave way to the microminiature-D. Today, nanominiature connectors offer even more dramatic space and weight savings in applications where maximum space and weight savings are crucial design factors.

Advanced Cable Materials:

• Cross-linked polymers for thinner, lighter, tougher insulation and jackets. High-performance cables are lightweight, flexible, and wear- and scrape-resistant, which makes them ideal for use in harsh operating environments.

Composites:

• Carbon- and glass-filled composites, custom-tailored to achieve the optimal weight, strength, and electrical characteristics. For example, composite enclosures are extremely rugged, corrosion resistant, and up to 50% lighter than aluminum enclosures and highly customizable with fully integrated wire traces, antennas, and connectors. Conductive composites offer plating options for grounding and EMI shielding.

Rugged Embedded Antennas:

• Multiband and wideband antennas and arrays are available in zero-profile, form-fitting conformal designs to meet a soldier’s needs without adding unnecessary weight or bulk to the soldier system.
  

Dismounted soldier systems are defined as the collection of devices a soldier wears on their head and body, carries in a backpack, and attaches to a weapon system. These integrated systems typically rely on modular components that are tailored to the individual soldier and the specifics of the mission.

The heart of a soldier system is a tactical computer connected to a personal area network (PAN) that interconnects the various electronic devices and sensors used to inform and direct the soldier while monitoring his vital signs on the battlefield. Soldiers also depend on reliable radio and headset systems to maintain real-time communication with their team and commanders. Rifle-mounted systems improve a soldier’s accuracy at greater distances than conventional firearms. All these systems require a dependable power supply to ensure the soldiers maintain the highest possible levels of situational awareness during military operations.

NATO is considering a set of standards for future soldier systems. No single optimal solution is currently available. The following trade-offs must be considered in any soldier system design:

• The advantages of increased functionality must outweigh the disadvantages of increased physical and cognitive burden on the soldier.
• The choice between a centralized and decentralized system is the trade-off between weight and flexibility and robustness and reliability.
• “One-size-fits-all” systems simplify manufacturing and logistics, while a tailored solution limits the size, weight, and power consumption because every piece of equipment is relevant for each soldier’s specific mission.Future soldier systems are likely to be integrated soldier system solutions built on an open platform system. So, instead of buying complete systems from a single supplier, a nation’s defense department will act as a system integrator that procures the necessary modules or components from various suppliers.

• Equipping soldiers for modern warfare means providing the technological edge they need for mission success.
• Performing in challenging operating environments requires soldier systems that are rugged but also easy to use and maintain.
• TE offers a broad range of cables, assemblies, and connectors that are easy to engage and disengage, offer rugged reliability, and save space and weight in applications where every ounce counts.
• As a leader in connectivity, TE can help you create soldier systems with the features you need and the durability and adaptability that today’s digitized battlefields demand.