John T. Thomas

Performance and development considerations for a new generation of land vehicle displays

Combat Land vehicles are small relative to the systems that they carry, yet these systems are increasing rapidly in complexity to provide needed improvements to situational awareness, vehicle management and weapons systems. Processing loads have increased rapidly driven by vehicle health, weapons and selfprotection requirements and there are more display functions than ever. All must be accommodated in a limited space where electronics competes with weapons, ammunition and crew comfort. In this paper we will examine a unique system solution for vehicle computing and associated data display that provides system level advantages from a compact COTS base at a cost that is compatible with Army vehicles. We will examine the packaging, operational environment, processing, operator interface and display design options with a special focus on the trade-offs. Finally, we project current solutions into a future with expanded applications that exploits new display, materials and processing technologies into a new, more flexible vehicle display.

An examination of OLED display application to military equipment

OLED display technology has developed sufficiently to support small format commercial applications such as cell-phone main display functions. Revenues seem sufficient to finance both performance improvements and to develop new applications. The situation signifies the possibility that OLED technology is on the threshold of credibility for military applications. This paper will examine both performance and some possible applications for the military ground mobile environment, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of this promising new technology.

A large-area integrated display solution for the expeditionary fighting vehicle

The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) is typical of a new generation of Military vehicle. These new vehicles utilise information technology to provide substantial force multiplier and enhanced survival gains for the Marines. Larger, high performance displays with an integral computing capability are an essential element of these new systems. This paper reports on the development of an 18.1” display for the EFV. We describe the functionality, construction and performance of a “smart display” that utilises COTS components adapted to a severe ground-mobile environment, from concept to prototype test and delivery. We also indicate design enhancements that will take this system into volume production with maximized performance and minimised obsolescence risk for a system that is likely to evolve over a long operational lifespan.

Ruggedized COTS displays applied to the towed artillery digitization program

Affordable performance and survivability is the key to providing displays for new Army programs. The Towed Artillery Digitisation (TAD) program applies COTS computers and communications to traditional artillery functions in order to increase lethality and effectiveness at minimal expense. The human interface requires the flexibility of displays to facilitate the decision loop and to implement the gun interface. GDC is tasked with providing two different displays for the TAD program and this paper will focus on how functional and performance requirements were met at affordable cost. The TAD displays operate in extreme environmental conditions and we describe both the functions of these displays within the TAD system and how GDC addressed the environmental issues.

COTS displays applied to armored fighting vehicles

Driven by the need to achieve cost-effective man-machine interface solutions, the adoption of commercial off the shelf (COTS) AMLCD panels in armoured fighting vehicles has become a fully accepted reality. This paper will explore some downside aspects of the new reality attendant on use of COTS display components, such as performance limitations and component obsolescence, as experienced on fielded military display products. Modular architecture and design solutions intended to minimise the impact of COTS product instability will be discussed.

Ground combat vehicle displays

Ground vehicle displays must function in the most demanding operational environment with stringent functional requirements. Operational demands on displays are rapidly increasing, reflecting its position as the primary man-machine information interface. Modern vehicles are fitted with sophisticated second generation FLIR imaging systems, map, external situational awareness displays and vehicle systems status displays. Operator interfaces are constantly evolving to reflect the need to reduce crew count. All this is happening in an environment of cost reduction and the insertion of COTS elements.