General Dynamics UK demonstrated its Dismounted Soldier System at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX) in Jordan from 11 to 13 May. General Dynamics UK offers a number of scalable, modular Dismounted Soldier System solutions focussed on providing the optimum balance of capability, size, weight and power on the soldier for various user roles. Variants include a Rifleman capability, a Recee or Commander capability and a Specialist User capability. The Specialist User capability will be the system demonstrated at SOFEX.
The General Dynamics UK's Dismounted Soldier System kit integrates the General Dynamics Commander's Data Terminal, the Portable Display Unit and one or more man-worn data radios.

Perfect for operations in high temperatures, the Commander's Data Terminal is manufactured from a lightweight alloy and is designed to allow conduction cooling so that no fans are required.

Key to General Dynamics UK's Dismounted Soldier System is the Portable Display Unit, the human interface to the system that is provided via a modern, ergonomically designed C2 application, whose functionality is scalable from the soldier right up to headquarters. This unit provides a single user interface, enabling all activities to be conducted using a touch screen.

The Portable Display Unit comprises a 4.3" colour touch screen with anti-scratch and anti-glare finish, which is lightweight and designed to be mounted on the wrist or strapped to the user's webbing according to individual preference. It is connected to the processor via an umbilical cable which allows the display to be powered from the processor rather than from secondary batteries which would add weight. The unit combines touch screen navigation, high-sensitivity GPS and a memory card slot in an ultra-light, compact package. It is designed to survive the bumps, temperature extremes, dust, dirt and water common to Special Forces use.

Membrane-type buttons are provided to control the display. Additional hard buttons are provided to control software applications.

At the heart of this General Dynamics UK's Dismounted Soldier System is General Dynamics' Battle Management System, which provides a coherent battle-management solution from the headquarters to the individual soldier. This capability provides a high-powered solution capable of supporting:

-- Tactical mapping
-- Terrain imagery
-- Situational Awareness, including:
- Own location reporting and display
- Friendly force location
- Enemy and unknown forces location
-- Overlays
-- Photographic images
-- Real-time video capture
-- Collaborative team working
-- Route planning
-- Remote control of radio equipment
-- Sensor integration
-- Integration with additional displays
-- Integration with multiple radios
-- Integration of alerts with audio ancillaries
-- Hosting of multiple specialist third party applications