Vanguard Magazine

reimagining The roLe of connecTiviTy in communicaTions, sensing, and proTecTion of ground forces By Wim VAnheertum teCh ShOWCaSe sponsored Content www.vanguardcanada.com APRIL/MAY 2019 49 M ilitary organizations around the world have been work- ing on the seemingly im- possible task of reducing size and weight of soldiers' equipment while simultaneously increas- ing functionality and power. For engineers dealing with connectivity issues, this means smaller and smaller connectors, cables and devices. Weight is a particularly vital consideration for the dismounted soldier, who typically carries more than 80 lbs. Given that each soldier wears a backpack, body armor, and carries weaponry and ammunition, finding a desired 20 – 25 per cent reduction in weight requires rethinking the design and pack- aging of electronic and communications equipment. For instance, night vision, tar- geting systems, smart phones, GPS, tactical computers and communications equipment could be integrated into a very functional and reliable subsystem, requiring an array of cables, harnesses and connectors. All of this equipment is necessary, so prime contractors must work with component partners to find ways to lose small amounts of weight in each component so they can achieve a significant weight loss. Fischer Connectors is taking a radical ap- proach to making that weight loss happen, using its new Fischer Freedom™ Series con- nector, and working with a variety of vest manufacturers, integrators and sensor man- ufacturers to reimagine the approach to the tactical vest. The concept is simple: integrate a dis- tributed data and power bus into the tacti- cal vest, eliminating the need for external wires or break-out cables that currently weigh down the soldier. Receptacles sewn into the vest and attached into the bus connect to devices and deliver power and signal. A single battery pack powers all the devices. Communications gear, sensors, flashlights, cameras, viewfinders, GPS de- vices and other essentials can be attached with matching plugs built directly into the device without the use of cables. It's part of the overall trend to integrate more wear- able technology into military gear, reduc- ing weight and simplifying the use. There are two benefits: 1. There is a single central source of pow- er, eliminating the need for multiple and different batteries in each of the in- dividual devices. This enables miniatur- ization, better weight distribution and overall weight savings. 2. Integrating the plug directly into ac- cessories and devices reduces the need for external wires that could get caught, pulled or cut in critical moments. This also reduces complexity and increases ease of use and flexibility for the soldier in the field. Several companies have already started building vests, devices and sensors based on these concepts, and are testing them in multiple countries. The wired tactical vest is part of an over- all trend toward wearables in defence that is expected to double in the next decade. The award-winning Fischer Freedom™ Series Connector has seven concentric rings on the receptacle allowing for 360 degree mating freedom. The plug with a sealed membrane protects the contact block with an IP68 rating. Sensors can be built into plugs, or plugs can be engineered directly into devices to eliminate cables entirely. The low-profile plug can also be cabled for communications gear and other de- vices that do not need to be directly connected to the bus for power or signal. This new product is a great complement to the Fischer MiniMax™ Series, which is designed for signal and power in one small connector, and high-speed data transmis- sion. With these two new product lines, Fischer Connectors has the tools to provide innovative connectivity solutions for to- morrow's soldiers. Wim vanheertum, Director, Product Management, Fischer Connectors. Example of a tactical vest that can be outfitted with a camera and video screen, and can be cabled to headgear for communications. Wiring the tactical Vest:

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