PFED, LWTFDS and GDU-R: you want tactical handhelds? We've got tactical handhelds!

The revolution of information technology continues at a rapid pace, and the needs and expectations of the commercial consumer have grown in kind. The same demands logically have carried over to warfighters and, correspondingly, have generated greater technological and program challenges for the materiel development community.

Within this context, the effects systems acquisition professionals under the Project Manager for Intelligence and Effects (PM IE), Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, have been working on a fast-track family of new tactical handheld digital devices that will improve the capabilities of our light and early entry troops dramatically and lay the foundation for the next generation of weapon systems. Several of these palm-sized devices are for forward observation and ballistic calculations.

In spring 2000, the PM identified a replacement for the aging handheld terminal unit (HTU) that no longer would be available or supported under the Army's Common Hardware/Software II contract. During the past several years, the Army had fielded the HTU to meet the lightweight forward-entry device (LFED) requirement. Although this newer replacement called the ruggedized handheld computer (RHC) could meet many customer requirements, its form, weight, power consumption and unit cost made it only marginally desirable for dismounted warriors.

The Effects Systems Office at Fort Monmouth decided to take advantage of fast-paced commercial market developments to find solutions for dismounted users. The PM garnered multi-service support and engaged the faculty of the US Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, New York, to conduct a 45-day non-parochial market survey. USMA reviewed the latest commercial-off-the-shelf handheld personal digital assistants in 2000 based on common and mission-essential tactical requirements.

Fire Support Handhelds. While the hardware systems examined during the survey were not mature enough to meet all requirements, the PM initiated software coding for both a handheld dismounted forward observation system and a replacement for the backup computer system (BUGS) used in technical fire control ballistics. A year and a half after coding started, these beta version software packages were ready for developmental testing. During the same time, the commercial handheld market had gone through almost three technology refresh cycles resulting in hardware capable of running the beta version software.

Since an initial software demonstration in February 2002, the PM has worked with hardware and software vendors to produce a materiel solution that has exceeded customer expectations with an initial unit cost that suggests a "throwaway" logistical support strategy. The hardware platform, which contains one of the latest unmodified commercial Windows CE-based 400 MHz motherboards, is the baseline for the PM's three ruggedized handheld products: the pocket-sized FED (PFED), the lightweight technical fire direction system (LWTFDS) and the gun display unit-replacement (GDU-R). The Army and Marine Corps have memorandums of agreement to co-manage the accelerated acquisition of these devices.

PFED. The AN/PSG-10 PFED is the closest of the three tactical handheld devices to materiel release, beginning in the Fourth Quarter of FY03. The PFED is joint-capable and uses hardware independent C++ software code with an intuitive graphical user interface.

It measures 5.75 inches x 3.5 inches x 1.5 inches and weighs 1.2 to 2.9 pounds, depending on the battery configuration. The weight of the PFED is a significant improvement over the weight of AN/ PSG-9 LFED and the AN/PSG-7 FED, which weigh 8.3 and 11.4 pounds, respectively.

The PFED supports the sensor link protocol (SLP) and interfaces with current laser ranging systems, such as the Vector 4 and 21 and the digital mini-eyesafe laser infrared observation set (MELIOS). The PFED also interfaces with either an external precision lightweight global positioning system (GPS) receiver (PLGR) or the new internal OPS card-based products being acquired for joint GPS systems to accurately calculate target position location, direction and speed.

The PFED uses standard two-way tactical communications and messaging, including the military standard (MIL-STD) 188-220 protocols with either tactical fire direction system (TACFIRE) or variable message format (VMF) messages. This allows the PFED to interoperate with the advanced Field Artillery tactical data system (AFATDS) and legacy fire support command and control systems.

Although a "bluetooth" untethered remote handheld device has been developed to replicate data with a junction box wired to existing forward observer (FO) equipment, the first fielded configuration will be cabled to the laser rangefinder (LRF). Bluetooth allows a device to wirelessly transmit for short ranges to other devices, allowing it to serve multiple purposes; bluetooth is the industry standard for wireless personal area networks (WPANs).

Once fielded with a bluetooth enabled LRF, the bluetooth handheld FO devices will transmit and receive in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band available globally with frequency hopping to avoid electromagnetic interference. Connections will be point-to-point or multi-point. The devices will transmit encrypted data at a rate of one megabit per second over a maximum range of 10 meters.

Once all the peripheral devices are enabled by bluetooth, the need for wires and junction boxes will be eliminated.

LWTFDS. The LWTFDS uses the same PFED hardware and weighs 1.2 to 2.9 pounds, depending on the battery configuration. Eventually, it will replace the battery computer system (BCS) hosted on the lightweight computer unit (LCU) and the BCS light hosted on the HTU, which weighs 31 and 8.3 pounds, respectively.

The initial product offering was split into two software build releases to allow for an expedited urgent materiel release to cannon artillery users. The initial software release will replace the obsolete BUCS and perform ballistics calculations using the NATO Artillery Ballistics Kernel (NABK). This software can provide a second independent check for AFATDS technical fire control or be used as a stand-alone early entry device.

LWTFDS will be a stand-alone device with no communication capablities. LWTFDS also will support FA computational safety procedures.

LWTFDS will be released starting in 2004. Subsequent releases of LWTFDS will allow it to interoperate with the GDU, GDU-R and Paladin.

GDU-R. The GDU-R is another Army and Marine co-managed product that will replace the obsolete and unsupportable GDU. The GDU-R will leverage the hardware and software solutions of the PFED and LWTFDS development efforts.

The GDU-R will use hardware-independent C++ software code with a more intuitive graphical user interface. It will support GDU communications and data protocols and interoperate with AFATDS, LWTFDS and BCS.

Future releases of the GDU-R will use a bluetooth network of connected devices for wireless operations at the howitzer, eliminating the time-consuming setup required to dig and bury cables around the gun. GDU-R will support the gunner's reference card and section chief's report.

Similar to the rationale used on the LWTFDS, the initial GDU-R fielding will be split into two software builds to expedite release of a core capability to cannon units lacking GDU spares. The initial release is projected for 2004.

Without LWTFDS or the GDU, these units would be forced to use manual gunnery techniques. Subsequent releases will support the Excalibur munition and muzzle-velocity sensor (MVS).

Handheld Challenges. Effects system professionals encountered several technical and program hurdles along the fast-track acquisition of its new family of ruggedized handheld devices.

The GDU-R will serve as an interim solution for towed artillery digitization (TAD) on the joint lightweight 155-mm howitzer.

Security and Information Assurance. Some of the biggest challenges are security and information assurance of wireless data exchange in the handheld tactical device environment. Wireless handheld devices can pose potential security risks based on their increased computing power, large quantity of software applications and various data-exchange capabilities with other handheld devices. Information assurance concerns range from those about hardware and software applications to the underlying operating systems.

Information assurance security officers (JASO) in gaining units must ensure the risk mitigation procedures outlined in the Security Features User's Guide and the security policies in the System Security Architecture Report are enforced.

The data in the PM's family of wireless handheld products will be encrypted and require a password to authenticate the user. The products will come with an anti-virus application to scan data files both in resident memory on the wireless handheld device and on any external connected memory cards. The commercial, off-the-shelf suite of security tools selected by PM IE will support predefined administrative settings to automatically enforce many security features and policies. Bluetooth provides a lower risk of detection over the larger radio frequency (RF) footprint and eliminates the need for cables in the dismounted devices. These are the result of its low transmission power and increased band availability in the ISM band while using frequency-hopping spread-spectrum technology.

Bluetooth also uses a challenge-response protocol to authenticate other devices. The family of ruggedized haudheld devices will reject connections from devices not specifically bonded during device setup.

Bluetooth data is encrypted using a "shared" key between devices. In addition, all the devices will use an "unshared" key to protect all data stored on the device.

Finally, all PMIE wireless solutions will have a cabled configuration when there is an electronic warfare (EW) threat or a host country policy prevents use of the ISM band.

Communications and Messaging. The communications protocols and VMF message parser are coded to permit reuse among the PM's suite of handheld devices with additional reuse opportunities throughout the Army as Windows CE devices come to fruition. The currently supported communications protocol is MILSTD-188-220 that has been tested over all SINCGARS models and wire line.

The family ofruggedized pocket digital assistant (R-PDA) handheld tactical devices uses a personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) modem to connect to the radio, a modem that is used throughout the FA community. The projected fielding of Taclink 3000 with the supported protocols flashed into memory on the modem would eliminate a 35-second load time for the communication protocols. Because the Microsoft Pocket PC operating system on the handheld devices is designed for no boot time, these devices can temporarily power down and instantly power back up once the load time for the protocols is eliminated.

The NABK acts as a server for the LWTFDS application and, potentially, the GDU-R. A set of application program interfaces (APIs) encapsulates technical fire direction functionality to allow any user interface to consistently access and process information.

Different NATO countries have their own compiled versions of NABK. By correctly implementing the user interfaces with the NABK APIs, other NATO countries can benefit from LWTFDS and GDU-R applications by substituting their own dynamically linked NABK.

Software and Hardware Modularity. One hardware design consideration included component reuse across multiple systems. The modular approach was adopted, allowing the greatest flexibility from both reuse and field repairable perspectives. As the need for a different mission configuration presents itself, these ruggedized devices can be modified in the field to conform to the new mission. A removable external battery and a single/dual PCMCIA sleeve are among current changeable configurations.

Future configuration options include the addition of a PLGR-based GPS scheduled for fielding in late 2003 and an anti-spoofing module based on GPS in 2004. This modular approach permits a single ruggedized hardware design to fill requirements across a gamut of both commercial and military systems.

Conclusion. In December 2002, PM IE and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) System Manager for FA Tactical Data Systems (TSM FATDS), Fort Sill, Oklahoma, coordinated an airdrop test of handhelds using soldiers from the 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The test entailed placing ruggedized handheld tactical devices in a soldier's rucksack in both inside and outside pockets. The soldier then jumped with the device, which was tested after he hit the ground. In all cases, the ruggedized devices survived the jumps. These systems are undergoing environmental and operational testing within the context of an urgent materiel release process to ensure soldiers receive quality products in the fastest time possible.

The PM designed the software applications to run on both ruggedized and commercial devices to make them more cost-effective for lower priority Department of the Army master priority list (DAMPL) units. In addition, the software application technology building blocks contained in these systems can be reused, royalty-free, by follow-on Department of Defense hand-held development activities. The PM has already engaged in collaborative discussions on applying the capabilities and functions contained in its new family of handheld ruggedized devices to forward air controller (FAC) functions, mortar fire control and Special Operations non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missile planning/management.

The PM IE effects systems professionals are focused on the warfighters' need for lightweight devices with simple, intuitive human-computer interaction in its suite of handheld devices. While these initial products are an exciting start, there will be opportunities to improve the efficiency, accuracy and effectiveness of these devices to create a seamless integration of fire support assets from the FO to the howitzer crew.

Paul C. Manz is the Director of Effects in the Project Management Office for Intelligence and Effects (PM IE) at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He manages fires and effects automated command and control projects with a life-cycle management cost of more than $1.5 billion. He is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and a Level Ill member of the Army Acquisition Corps (AC).

Jeffrey L. Weiss is the Product Director for the Lightweight Forward Entry Device (LFED) and the Packet-Sized Forward Entry Device (PFED) in PM IE. He has an MS in Computer Science from Monmouth University in New Jersey and is a Level Ill member of the AC.

Captain John A. Landmesser, Army National Guard (ARNG), is a Computer Scientist for tactical handheld devices in PMIE. He holds an MS in Computer Science and is a certified Software Engineer from Villanova University, Pennsylvania. He is a Battalion Fire Direction Officer in the 1st Battalion, 109th Field Artillery, 28th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Artillery, Pennsylvania ARNG.