100 SOW (Acquisition) Annex a - Part B - Operational and Support Concept Document

100 SOW (Acquisition) Annex a - Part B - Operational and Support Concept Document

L17-07-RFT-SPHPart 3

PART B TO ANNEX A TO SOW

operational and support concept document

(selfpropelled howitzer (sph))

Table of Contents

1Introduction......

2mission overview......

3mission essential functions......

4mission system Organisation......

5common mission system Scenario attributes......

6generic mission SYSTEM scenarios......

7system constraints......

8system solution description......

9Support Concepts......

1Introduction

1.1Aim

1.1.1The aim of theOperational and Support Concept Document (OSCD) is to provide a basis for common understandings by all stakeholders and system developers. It details the following in relation to the Mission System and Support System:

a.Describes the characteristics from and operational perspective,
b.Facilitates an understanding of the overall system goals, and
c.Details missions and scenarios associated with operation and support of the Indirect Fire System (IFS).

1.1.2Mission System. The Mission System is that element of the capability that directly performs the operational function. For LAND 17 the Mission System is considered to consist of Battle Management System-Fires (BMS-F), Delivery Platforms and modular charge systems. The delivery platforms shall be based on the two platform capabilities as endorsed at GovernmentFirstPass, that is,SPH and lightweight towed howitzers.

1.1.3Support System. The Support System is the organisation of hardware, software, material, facilities, personnel, technical data, processes and services required to enable the Mission System and the Support System to be effectively supported so that the Mission System can meet its operational requirements. The Support System embraces the Commonwealth, In-Service contractors and In-Service subcontractors.

1.2Purpose

1.2.1LAND 17, Artillery Replacement Project, seeks to enhance the indirect fire support capability of the ADF. The project will replace and enhance Army’s Indirect Fire System (IFS). Specifically, the LAND 17 Mission System will address the tactical joint fires artillery command and control system (BMS-F) and delivery platforms requirements of the IFS. The project will also meet the various integrated logistic support (ILS) requirements including training support, facilities and all aspects of Through Life Support (TLS).

1.3System Boundary.

1.3.1The five sub-systems of the IFS are:

a.Ammunition,
b.Target Acquisition,
c.Command and Control,
d.Delivery Platforms, and
e.Combat Service Support.

1.3.2Each of these subsystems is applicable to the IFS although the extent to which they are impacted by LAND 17 will vary. LAND 17 will seek enhanced performance by either replacement or enhancement of each sub-system (or elements within it). Specifically for the ammunition sub system enhancement will be through increased range provided by increased calibre and chamber capacity in the delivery platform and its associated modular charge system. For the Target Acquisition sub system; Joint Offensive Support Team (JOST) target location, designation and digital terminal control devices will be acquired, however, other Target Acquisition devices such as the WeaponLocating Radar (ANTQP 36), Ground Surveillance Radar (AMSTAR) will not be acquired.

1.4Acquisition Boundary

1.4.1LAND 17 is to interface with existing and planned enhancements to ADF capability. These are detailed below. In particular, LAND 17 will not seek to acquire:

a.General natures of artillery ammunition (these will be acquired under the Medium Artillery Replacement Ammunition Project (MARAP)).
b.New target acquisition systems (except for Forward Observer target location and designation devised and digital terminal devices as outlined above), although it is accepted that the legacy or planned target acquisition systems will be integrated into the capability to be delivered by LAND 17 (as applicable).
c.New communication systems, noting that an improved artillery command and fire control system must inevitably rely on the underlying communications links established using existing and planned tactical communications capabilities (e.g. JP2072 Tactical Communications System). Provision may need to be made for the acquisition of additional quantities of communications equipment should the LAND 17 solution require additional radios above the numbers currently provided to the artillery organisation. Additional communication equipment may be acquired as part of subordinate target acquisition equipment.
d.New logistic systems beyond the level of the artillery regiment, although improvement to logistics capabilities within the regimental structure (notably munitions handling, reporting and tracking systems) may be considered a viable enhancement option.

1.4.2LAND 17 will seek to acquire 52 calibre modular charge systems and enhanced performance munitions (such as Artillery Delivered High Precision Munitions (ADHPM) in the form of Course Correcting Fuses (CCF)). The enhanced performance munitions will be acquired at a later phase of the project. Other forms of ADHPM such as Trajectory Corrected Munitions (TCM) and Sensor Fused Munitions (SFM) will be purchased under other Major Capital Projects.

1.5Contract Boundary

1.5.1It is likely that the acquisition will seek to achieve a range of contract deliverables including:

a.Provision of an enhanced BMS-F able to coordinate all forms of joint fires and integrating all components of the system into an efficient, networked structure. This will include the integration of land based offensive fire support assets with Offensive Air Support (OAS) and Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS). The Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) has been selected as the LAND 17 BMS-F (C2).
b.Provision of upgraded or new delivery platforms, able to deliver indirect fire support to ADF manoeuvre units at greater ranges, and with enhanced efficiency, protection (self-propelled platforms only) effectiveness and responsiveness.
c.Integration of the munitions, the delivery platforms, and the BMS-F which involves the interfacing fire control system with the target acquisition system and the tactical command, control and communications systems.

1.5.2Figure 1describes the project scope as detailed above.

Figure 1: Land 17 Project Scope Diagram

1.6Existing Assets to be integrated into the IFS

1.6.1The following existing (and planned) assets are to either interface with, or be integrated into; the IFS are detailed in Table 1below.

Existing (or Planned) Asset / Function/Relationship with IFS
Medium Artillery Replacement Ammunition Project (MARAP) / MARAP proposes the acquisition of a new family of 155mm ammunition. Project MINCS (L) 40.10 seeks to deliver this ammunition to the ADF.
AN/TPQ-36 Weapon Locating radar (WLR) / The WLR is a ground-based, weapons locating radar, designed to acquire and locate threat indirect fire systems. ProjectLAND 58 Phase 3 seeks to upgrade and extend the life of type of this system
Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) / The TUAV is an airborne sensor to provide real time imagery for surveillance and target acquisition. Project JP129 seeks to deliver this equipment to the ADF.
M113A1 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) / The APC is used by mounted manoeuvre units, and by some JOST, within the land battlespace. Under Project LAND 106, quantities of the current fleet will be upgraded to M113A3 standard.
Battlefield Command Support System (BCSS) / BCSS is a computer based command support system employed in support of manoeuvre commanders at certain levels (generally unit and above). It is primarily an operational planning tool, providing a level of situational awareness. Currently being delivered under Project LAND 75, the system is still evolving with the intent of providing a vehicle mounted BMS capability in the future.
Combat Net Radio (CNR) / CNR is a tactical communications bearer. It provides the primary communications links used to transfer targeting data and all other command and administrative information within the indirect fire support system. Project JP2072 seeks to deliver an enhanced tactical communications capability, including new CNR.
Artillery Orienting System (AOS) / AOS is a secondary inertial navigation system used to orientate and fixate delivery platforms and WLR. Project MINCS (L) 42.15 seeks to deliver this equipment to nominated artillery units.
Marwin Meteorology system / Marwin provides meteorological data used in the computation of ballistic firing data.
Lightweight Utility Vehicle (LR110) Fitted For Radio / These vehicles are used by manoeuvre units, and by artillery command elements, within the land battlespace. ProjectLAND 121 Overlander seeks to deliver a new fleet of vehicles.
Utility Vehicles (Medium and Heavy) / These vehicles are used by manoeuvre units, and by artillery elements (for the purpose of towing firing platforms and logistics), within the land battlespace. ProjectLAND 121 Overlander seeks to deliver a new fleet of vehicles.
Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) / The ASLAV is used by manoeuvre units, and by some JOST, within the land battlespace.
CH-47D Chinook / The CH-47D is a rotary wing aircraft used by the army to transport cargo and personnel. It may also be used to transport elements of the IFS during operational and tactical deployments, subject to load restrictions. An operational requirement will introduce a Ballistic Protection capability to the CH-47D that will result in a reduction of the cargo capacity of the airframe.
C-130 Cargo Aircraft / The C-130 is used by the RAAF to transport cargo and personnel. It may also be used to transport elements of the IFS during strategic, operational and tactical deployments, subject to load restrictions.
C17 Globemaster Aircraft / AIR8000 Ph2 will acquire a heavy battlefield aircraft suitable for carrying payloads (up to 60 tonne) well in excess of the current C-130 fleet. The C17 Globemaster may also be used to transport elements of the IFS during strategic, operational and tactical deployments subject to load restrictions.

Table 1: Assets to be integrated into IFS

1.7Context

1.7.1The IFS capability will function within, and interface to, a wide range of existing and planned Army, joint and coalition capabilities. It will also be influenced, both during acquisition and during in service employment, by a variety of factors and constraints.

1.7.2A context diagram, illustrating the relationship of the IFS to other capabilities and projects is atFigure 2below. It shows:

a.The sources of Strategic Guidance that impact on the definition of the capability to be acquired;

b.The Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FIC) to be addressed during the capability assessment process;

c.The Coalition environment in which the IFS must operated; and

d.Projects with which the IFS must interface. These include Land, Sea, Air Force and Joint projects.

Figure 2: LAND 17 Context Diagram

2mission overview

2.1Tasks

2.1.1The mission for the IFS is to establish such fire supremacy in the battlespace that threats can neither interfere with friendly operations nor effectively develop their own. To achieve this mission, the system must complete two essential tasks. Those tasks are to:

a.Coordinate joint fires and provide indirect fire to support the close battle.

b.Coordinate and employ joint fires and indirect fire to shape the battlespace.

2.1.2The Operational Concept Graphic for the IFS is illustrated inFigure 3below:

Figure 3: IFS Operational Concept Graphic

2.1.3The Graphic illustrates the manner in which all elements of the IFS are linked across a Fire Control Data Grid and through it to the common operating picture. Coalition and ADF joint assets are able to interface with the IFS through data gateways into this Data Grid.

2.1.4The Graphic also illustrates the proposed fire planning functional structure represented by JOST positioned well forward with the supported manoeuvre elements, and Joint Offensive Support Coordination Centre (JOSCC) located at unit and formation headquarters.

2.2Support the Close Battle

2.2.1The IFS is required to suppress neutralise and destroy enemy targets in support of the land forces in close battle. These are tactical engagements that will occur at close ranges and with little warning. In these cases, the generation of fire supremacy will need to be responsive. Essential to these engagements is the coordination and delivery of Joint and Coalition lethal and non-lethal effects in both time and space against targets that are often in close proximity to ground forces and of immediate concern.

2.2.2The IFS supporting the close battle must possess either; similar mobility and protection as the supported force, and/or sufficient range to obviate the need for redeployment in order to support ground forces, thus supporting the commander’s ability to create tempo.

2.3Shape the Battle Space

2.3.1In shaping the battlespace, IFS must be able to destroy point targets such as air defence systems and headquarters, and area targets such as massed forces, individual armoured vehicles and hostile indirect fire units. This task requires the coordination and delivery of precise and discriminate Joint and Coalition lethal and non-lethal effects that can be generated beyond the immediate battle.

2.4Operational Policies and Constraints.

2.4.1Ottawa Agreement. The Ottawa Agreement seeks a global ban on the use of anti-personnel land mines. Signatories of the agreement were to stop production and use of anti-personnel land mines. Australia is a signatory of this agreement and thus declares it will not use anti-personnel land mines.

2.4.2For the purposes of this agreement an anti-personnel land mine is a “munition placed under, on or near the ground or other surface and is designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person”.

2.4.3The impact of the agreement is that the IFS cannot plan or support missions that use anti-personnel land mines to deny ground to adversaries and non-combatants such as the Field Artillery Scatter-Able Minefield (FASCAM).

2.5Personnel Interfaces to System

2.5.1The IFS will interface with personnel across the following:

a.Joint Task Force (JTF). The JTF staffs provide high-level operational management of the IFS. This includes coordination of IFS assets and the creation and distribution of joint fire plans. The staff require interfaces to ADF and coalition target acquisition, fire support and command support systems employed across the JTF organisation, as well as timely situational awareness, fire planning tools, and weapon system availability information in order to manage the IFS at the operational level. The essential outcome is coordinated and networked joint and coalition fires to support the commander’s operational plan;

b.Ground Elements. The IFS must interface with those ground forces so that requests for fire support can be passed efficiently to the IFS, together with the necessary situational awareness, to ensure that the fires are delivered in a coordinated manner at the required time and place and in the required fashion. The practical interface between the ground forces and the IFS is detailed below:

(i)Artillery Organisation HQ. Artillery command groups will normally be co-located with the JTF, Battle Group and formation level HQ in order to establish JOSCCs. In addition to providing formal fire planning and coordination activities, these personnel also provide advice on indirect fire capabilities and employment of all forms of joint and coalition fires that are available to the respective ground commanders. They require timely situational awareness, fire mission planning tools and system availability information in order to provide tactical coordination of joint and coalition fires.

(ii)JOST. JOST (FO Parties) will be detached from artillery organisations and allocated to elements of the supported ground force. In addition to providing formal fire planning and coordination activities, these personnel also acquire targets, provide advice on the capabilities and employment of all forms of joint and coalition fires that are available to the ground commander. They require local situational awareness and fire mission planning tools in order to efficiently and accurately coordinate and call for fire as well as the tools to reduce Target Location Error and designate targets for laser spot trackers or laser guided precision weapons. The JOST will enable the conduct of All Arms Call For Fire (AACFF) missions by virtue of its communications suite and situational awareness through collocation with the manoeuvre force. JOSTs will monitor the AACFF mission and assume control (by request) if the mission exceeds the complexity threshold (for the AACFF observer) that sees continued terminal control by the manoeuvre asset as detracting from its ability to concentrate on its tactical responsibilities and prosecution of the close battle.

c.Delivery Platform Positions. The delivery platforms (guns) may be located individually or grouped (usually in troops of two guns each), and may be in isolation or within established positions occupied by elements of the ground force. The delivery platform’s site will also typically include the immediate logistics element and local C2 nodes. The crews will be required to deploy, survey, re-supply and then operate the delivery platforms while providing their own protected areas. Where possible local protection for the delivery platform should be provided from under protection with a remotely operated weapon station with a day and night sighting mechanism.

d.Logistic Elements. Indirect fire and target acquisition units and sub-units require substantial logistic support (specifically ammunition and maintenance). Support logistic staff will require situational awareness and automated system status information in order to provide pro-active and efficient support.

3mission essential functions

3.1.1The Mission Essential Functions (MEF) have been derived from the Operational Concept Document (OCD) and Function and Performance Specification (FPS). They do not negate performance requirements.

3.1.2Any malfunction that would result in the inability of the IFS to perform one or more of the MEF to the level described below will be assessed as a mission failure.

3.1.3At all times throughout the specified Mission Profiles, the IFS shall be able to:

3.2Deploy Strategically

3.2.1The IFS must be capable of deployment from the National Support Base (NSB)[1], in a barracks environment, to the Area of Operations.

3.3Plan Offensive Support

3.3.1The IFS must be capable of planning the delivery of Offensive Support in support of the operational requirements of the land force commander.

3.4Manage Target Data

3.4.1The IFS must be capable of providing a connection to surveillance and target acquisition capability for managing target data in support of the operational requirements of the land force commander.

3.5Deploy Tactically

3.5.1The IFS must be capable of tactical deployment and redeployment in support of the operational requirements of the land force commander.