The Air-Deployable Amphibious Vehicle - Term Paper Example

Student Name: Tutor: Title: ADAV Date: ©2016 Table of Contents Table of Figures 1 1.Background Information 2 1.1Introduction 2 1.2Integration 4 1.3Personnel 5 2.Capabilities 6 2.1Camouflaging Capabilities 6 2.2Bomb Detection Capabilities (wide range) 7 2.3Automatic terrain- adapting locomotive system 8 3.Conclusion 9 4.References 10 Table of Figures Figure 1‑1: An ADAV travelling on water [Fre14] 4 Figure 2‑2: An ADAV transitioning onto land [Tan15] 9 1. Background Information 1.1 Introduction Military capability refers to the capacity or ability to achieve a desired operational effect against direct armed attack or protecting national interests[Fre14]. The Australian Armed Forces is tasked with the responsibility of protecting its citizens from attack through air, land or maritime means. With the ever increasing threat of attacks of terror, there is need to ensure that the systems in use by the military are up to date in terms of technology so as to keep up with the increased information input, so as to perform its functions more effectively. The introduction and implementation of new technologies follows a prescribed channel of events to ensure the capability introduced tackles the need or problem at hand. The steps followed are; 1. The Needs Phase – Capability gaps in the existing systems are determined by evaluating user needs. This may be in any sector, such as, threat level assessment, operational procedures, future technologies, current emerging trends in potential threats, strategic guidance among others. The need is endorsed by the government by approving the inclusion of a capability project, and accompanying budget allocation. The Defense Capability Plan (DCP) is tasked with overseeing the process 2. The Requirements Phase – There are usually various capability options available to address the identified need. Therefore, there is need to carefully evaluate these options to find the most optimal, well- defined and costed solution to the problem using the two – pass approval process. The labour and budget to actuate the solution are also developed, as well as the Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FIC). It also describes the requirements of the In – Service Phase through the Support Concept. The objective of the two – pass process is to give Government effective oversight and control of the Capability Development Process, to provide enough information so that an informed and deliberate decision of each project can be made in adequate time. It consists of the First and Second pass. The First pass allows the Government to consider the available capability options, their use in the industry and the resources required for a detailed analysis of the agreed- upon capabilities. The Second pass calls for consideration of the funding of the recommended capability option given a well- defined budget, provision of through – life support costs, profile of schedule and risk and the allocation of workforce. 3. The Acquisition Phase – The capability selected to satisfy the need is established or acquired by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), and scheduled for operation by the Capability Manager (CM) or the Joint Capability Authority (JCA). The Integrated Logistics Support Plan details some of the requirements necessary for the In- Service Phase. 4. The In – Service Phase – The capability solution is operated, supported and managed by the CM/ JCA, as well as provision of changes to the individual elements of FIC that will facilitate the effective operation and sustainability of the solution. 5. The Disposal Phase – Depending on the nature of the individual capability, there may be withdrawal of major systems and other materiel elements of the capability system for disposal or re- deployment into other systems that may use them. The Support Concept and Integrated Logistics Support Plan provide the disposal requirements to be adhered to during this process. The Air- Deployable Amphibious Vehicle (ADAV) is a new technology being employed by the Australian Military. It aims to provide mobility and access of small battalions of troops through hard to access terrain such as rivers, estuaries and littoral environments so as to gain an advantage over the enemy by engaging in highly effective combat that has very little collateral damage. The ADAV has the ability to facilitate operations in a variety of harsh environmental conditions and threat levels in the modern, interlinked battle environment. It also has the added capability of being highly responsive, tactically mobile and survivable with the provision of autonomous functionality. Air – Deployable means the vehicle should be light enough to be deployed by the Australian Defense Forces heavy transport aircraft, while Amphibious means it can land safely on either water or land. The need for the ADAV has arisen to fulfil the requirement of operations in and around water bodies. This is compounded by the fact that Australia’s rivers have very irregular patterns due to the very low precipitation that ends up in rivers (only about 1/5th). This results in seasons when the rivers are wide and fast flowing and in other seasons, virtually non- existent [Aus]. This necessitates the need for the ADAV which can traverse the area irrespective of the fluctuations of the seasons, providing adequate mobility for effective operations to be carried out. The figures below show example of amphibious vehicles that can be air deployed. The vehicles shown do not depict the actual capability systems that will be deployed by the ADF. Figure 1‑1: An ADAV travelling on water [Fre14] 1.2 Integration It is expected that the capabilities implemented in the ADAV will complement the procedures of the Australian Defense Forces’ (ADF’s), both current and future logistic and operational capabilities. Therefore, it is necessary for the ADAV to be fully integrated into the systems, without much need for adjustment of the ADF to ensure there is no lapse in communication or disjoint of operations. Some of the main components to be addressed are; a. Physical dimensions and deployment – The ADAV should be compatible with the existing fixed and rotary wing transport aircraft used by the ADF. This will not necessitate the production of new equipment, such as aircraft, or new training for personnel to facilitate the implementation of the ADAV b. Communication systems – The communication systems fitted into the ADAV should be interoperable with the existing systems. This is to ensure that there is effective relay of information between the crew of the ADAV and the base command, for proper decision – making and operation preparedness c. Weapons systems – The ADAV should be able to hold its own on the battlefield against enemy combatants with reasonable firepower. The vehicle will be fitted with fixed weapons depending on the existing caliber of ammunition and the personnel available for proper operation of the weapons system. However, the weapons installed on the vehicle should not hinder the maneuverability and mobility of the vehicle. d. Safety systems – The ADAV should provide reasonable security to the crew should they find themselves in an attack situation. The vehicle should be sufficiently armoured to withstand bombardment by a variety of ammunitions. This is to allow the crew time to come up with a tactical decision, such as retreating or waiting for reinforcements, depending on the threat level of the situation they find themselves in. 1.3 Personnel A group of people are selected to ensure the successful implementation of the capabilities chosen. The personnel can be divided into; A. The Integrated Project Team (IPT) – This team is established by the Capability Systems Division Project Managers (CS Div PMs), and have a collective responsibility to ensure the success of the project. They are asked with the identification, costing and scheduling of risks and issues identified, as well as their ‘treatment’. The membership is drawn from the various stakeholders of the project. B. The Emerging Projects Team (EPT) – These are a core group of DMO personnel that support the project’s operations prior to the two- pass process before a DMO Project Office is established. This team provide the project with a specialized skillset required to develop comprehensive proposals on proposed capabilities. These skills include project management, engineering and logistics C. The Capability Development Stakeholder Group (CDSG) – This group provides a formal means of obtaining the involvement of senior – level stakeholders and their commitment towards the actualization of the capability solution. Its main functions are executive oversight, providing specialist information and advice, risk assessment, resource allocation among others. 2. Capabilities The Air Deployable Amphibious Vehicle will be fitted with various capabilities to facilitate the operations it will undertake. This document focusses on three of these capabilities, namely; 1. Camouflaging capabilities 2. Bomb detection capabilities (wide range) 3. Automatic terrain- adapting locomotive system 2.1 Camouflaging Capabilities In order for the ADAV to effectively perform its functions, there is need for the vehicle to remain undetectable in the battlefield for as long as possible. This un- detectability could be physical or on radar. This capability is usually achieved by painting the vehicle with dull colours congruent with the terrain the vehicle is to be deployed. However, in today’s world, almost every nation and non- state military outfits have access to advanced tactical sensors for target acquisition and intelligence gathering surveillance systems. In addition, the versatility of the ADAV allows it to be deployed to varying terrains, some of which do not even have the necessary features that could help mask it. This has created the need for new technologies to aid in camouflaging techniques. An emerging technology in physical camouflaging is the use of nanotechnology. This is the study and manipulation of new properties that emerge as material dimensions are reduced to the limits of nanoscale. At these scale, the traditional Newtonian laws break down and are replaced by quantum mechanics, which allows for modification of the behavior of materials. This allows for materials to be designed at atomic level, providing more control over their properties, thus can be customized to the required situation. Examples of these nanotechnologies used for camouflage include camouflage paint and foams. Camouflage techniques in use are only effective in reducing detection at only specific ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum. However, electronic active- camouflage provides the element of stealth. These can be used in the development of metamaterial – based suits and vehicle cloaks that are invisible to optical and other electromagnetic radiations, such as infrared and ultraviolet. Other emerging materials that can be used for development of these suits are conducting polymers, liquid crystals, multi-ferrics and smart textiles. These are referred to as ‘smart materials’ and are able to adapt to changes in light, temperature, pressure and other stresses [Nan15]. These suits also provide additional armour in the case of a direct hit, improving protection against projectiles. The Kryron Terminator ballistic body and vehicle armour, which is made from an aluminium alloy combined with carbon nanotubes is a good example [Ste16]. Another added advantage is the reduced weight of the armour the vehicle is fitted with. Nanotechnology has resulted in the development of exceptionally lighter materials, with an almost 60% reduction in weight. 2.2 Bomb Detection Capabilities (wide range) The ADAV will also be equipped with sensors to determine the location of explosives such as bombs and landmines, which are commonly used in the battlefield environment. The timely detection of these explosives could help save the lives of the troops, as well as damage to highly expensive equipment. However, the arms race has resulted in very sophisticated masking devices for explosives and no one method can be used conclusively to detect all kinds of explosives. Most bombs are chemical explosives, usually with an electrical trigger. Assailants will conceal the location of such explosives so that the target will get as close as possible before detonation for maximum impact. These are hidden inside luggage bags or on roadsides where the target is expected to pass through. The trigger is activated by the vibration of the ground caused by the passing vehicles or troops. Laser- based detectors have proved to be a reliable method to identify explosives concealed, due to their potential for multi- threat and stand- off detection capabilities. This gives it an edge over other existing methods such as imaging and chemical identification, which can only be used for limited threat scenarios. The technology employs the use of different ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum to view what is underneath. The wavelength of light emitted can be controlled allowing for improved spectroscopy (chemical analysis) of the target matter. The technology can also be used to detect the presence of explosives at long ranges, allowing the crew of the ADAV to avoid that area and cordon it off so that other troops are aware of the danger and bomb experts can diffuse the situation [Wal09]. The techniques employed in this technology are still under research, but some of those in use by different security agencies include the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). 2.3 Automatic terrain- adapting locomotive system Common vehicles cannot change from one kind of terrain to another, such as between land and water. The ADAV on the other hand, should be well equipped to transition from terrain to terrain without any diminish in the operating capacity. This is important as it allows the vehicle to engage the enemy with the same intensity on either terrain, or also allow for easy retreat procedures before the enemy can get to them. One should also take into account that ingress of water will result in failure of most of the operations of the ADAV as they are computer controlled. Figure 2‑2: An ADAV transitioning onto land [Tan15] The ADAV could have well reinforced tires or chain link that could withstand bombardment for movement on land. For faster movement the tires are preferred to the chain link due to the ease of maneuverability. The chain link on the other hand provides better durability and protection. For movement in water, the ADAV could be fitted with retractable rotors which are activated when in water for faster movement. The controls for either form of transportation could be integrated so that the crew can use the same navigation controls throughout. 3. Conclusion The Air Deployable Amphibious Vehicle is a very versatile and efficient vehicle for use in military operations. The implementation of the automatic terrain- adapting locomotive system, the bomb detection and camouflage capabilities could go a long way in increasing the success rate of the ADAV. Careful considerations need to be taken so that the aforementioned capabilities are mutually exclusive and able to co- exist within one system, and the operation of one capability does not hinder the use of the others. The design of these capabilities should be well- detailed in the systems engineering process before actualization is done. 4. References Fre14: , (Freedberg, 2014), Aus: , (Wells, 2016), Fre14: , (Freedberg, 2014), Nan15: , (Nanowerk, 2015), Ste16: , (Steve, 2015), Wal09: , (Wallin, et al., 2009), Tan15: , (TankNutDave.com, 2015), Read More

3. The Acquisition Phase – The capability selected to satisfy the need is established or acquired by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), and scheduled for operation by the Capability Manager (CM) or the Joint Capability Authority (JCA). The Integrated Logistics Support Plan details some of the requirements necessary for the In-Service Phase.
4. The In-Service Phase – The capability solution is operated, supported, and managed by the CM/ JCA, as well as provision of changes to the individual elements of FIC that will facilitate the effective operation and sustainability of the solution.
5. The Disposal Phase – Depending on the nature of the individual capability, there may be withdrawal of major systems and other material elements of the capability system for disposal or re-deployment into other systems that may use them. The Support Concept and Integrated Logistics Support Plan provide the disposal requirements to be adhered to during this process.

The Air-Deployable Amphibious Vehicle (ADAV) is a new technology being employed by the Australian Military. It aims to provide mobility and access to small battalions of troops through hard-to-access terrains such as rivers, estuaries, and littoral environments so as to gain an advantage over the enemy by engaging in highly effective combat that has very little collateral damage. The ADAV has the ability to facilitate operations in a variety of harsh environmental conditions and threat levels in the modern, interlinked battle environment. It also has the added capability of being highly responsive, tactically mobile, and survivable with the provision of autonomous functionality.

Air – Deployable means the vehicle should be light enough to be deployed by the Australian Defense Forces heavy transport aircraft, while Amphibious means it can land safely on either water or land. The need for the ADAV has arisen to fulfill the requirement of operations in and around water bodies. This is compounded by the fact that Australia’s rivers have very irregular patterns due to the very low precipitation that ends up in rivers (only about 1/5th). This results in seasons when the rivers are wide and fast-flowing and in other seasons, virtually non-existent (Wells, 2016). This necessitates the need for the ADAV which can traverse the area irrespective of the fluctuations of the seasons, providing adequate mobility for effective operations to be carried out.

The figures below show examples of amphibious vehicles that can be air deployed. The vehicles shown do not depict the actual capability systems that will be deployed by the ADF.

Integration

It is expected that the capabilities implemented in the ADAV will complement the procedures of the Australian Defense Forces’ (ADF’s), both current and future logistic and operational capabilities. Therefore, it is necessary for the ADAV to be fully integrated into the systems, without much need for adjustment of the ADF to ensure there is no lapse in communication or disjoint of operations. Some of the main components to be addressed are;

1. Physical dimensions and deployment – The ADAV should be compatible with the existing fixed and rotary wing transport aircraft used by the ADF. This will not necessitate the production of new equipment, such as aircraft, or new training for personnel to facilitate the implementation of the ADAV
2. Communication systems – The communication systems fitted into the ADAV should be interoperable with the existing systems. This is to ensure that there is an effective relay of information between the crew of the ADAV and the base command, for proper decision – making and operation preparedness
3. Weapons systems – The ADAV should be able to hold its own on the battlefield against enemy combatants with reasonable firepower. The vehicle will be fitted with fixed weapons depending on the existing caliber of ammunition and the personnel available for proper operation of the weapons system. However, the weapons installed on the vehicle should not hinder the maneuverability and mobility of the vehicle.

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