Rheinmetall – the perfect partner for network-enabled operations of ground and air mobile forces

As a major supplier of military systems, Rheinmetall has longstanding experience in transforming dismounted troops, sensors, effectors, unmanned systems and tactical vehicles into highly cohesive, networked fighting formations.

With the advent of the Airbus H145M, “TacNet” has now bridged a gap in the information, command and fire superiority land warfare matrix by networking the helicopter to elements on the ground.

An integrated system, Rheinmetall’s TacNet welds platforms, sensors and effectors into hard-hitting tactical networks. Owing to the use of internationally recognized standards, it is interoperable, with no need for special communications infrastructure. Thanks to its role-based range of functions, TacNet is scalable and can be expanded through apps, including ones produced by third parties.

At the H145M HForce demonstration being staged by Airbus in Hungary from 23 to 31 July 2018, the Airbus H145M helicopter – serving as an additional air-supported sensor and effector and airborne command post – will be included in the network-enable warfare loop via TacNet and the Gladius soldier system, enabling (among other things) Blue Force Tracking in which the position of the helicopter and infantry forces operating on the ground can be depicted. The system makes it possible to identify targets via Gladius-equipped troops on the ground, and to transmit target reports to the H145M for engagement. Transmission is also possible in the opposite direction, with the helicopter assigning targets to the infantry.

All of these systems bring individual infantry soldiers, combat vehicles and unmanned systems into the tactical sensor-to-shooter network. Higher echelon command elements can also be included. The common operational picture forms the basis for faster, better-informed decision-making at all levels, a key factor in gaining and maintaining the initiative.

TacNet – Rheinmetall’s Tactical Management System

TacNet is Rheinmetall’s Tactical Management System (TMS). It is designed to meet the requirements of high-mobility operations at the tactical level, essentially serving as a command and weapon engagement system. TacNet Soldier is specifically tailored for use in soldier systems, augmented by TacNet Vehicle for the accompanying combat vehicles.

In revolutionary fashion, TacNet Vehicle welds two different software systems into a single product family. The cross-sectional display and control device feeds directly into TacNet. This expands the operational spectrum of the software to all touchscreen-operated systems. Other means of entering data, e.g. via control handles, are also possible. Based on this experienced, Rheinmetall tailored its next TMS suite for airborne platforms, as being shown at the H145M demonstration in close coordination with AIRBUS.

As an integrative system, TacNet networks (airborne) platforms, sensors and effectors. It is compatible with other command & control systems and interoperable thanks to the use of internationally recognized standards. Due to its array of role-based functions, TacNet is scalable. Moreover, it can be expanded with the help of apps, including those produced by third parties.