Centralized Computing in Next Generation Army Vehicles

In an era where technological advancements are rapid and constant, the U.S. Army will need a more agile and efficient approach to modernizing systems on succeeding generations of Army vehicles. Legacy platforms like Abrams, Stryker, and Bradley vehicles use multiple mission computers tied to individual sensors that often required the addition of “boxes” to accommodate new capabilities, which could take years to deploy and drove sustainment costs up due to vendor lock. In addition, this antiquated approach doesn't leverage data to converge effects across the formation in a multi-domain environment. Centralized, common computing as detailed in GCIA would help solve this problem, potentially linking all major subsystems and providing higher-speed processing to assess large datasets in real time with AI and ML algorithms. By using a common, open architecture computer, the Army will be able to rapidly integrate new capabilities inside one box, versus adding multiple boxes. This pivotal shift would address SWaP concerns because common hardware like antennas and amplifiers could be shared, and cabling would be reduced. It would also simplify sustainment, logistics, and supply chain efforts.

Common computing connected to all the sensors will allow software to share and manage all sensor information to improve the Army's percentage of combat readiness. This architecture would consolidate all system health reports and predict failures in advance, enabling commanders and technicians to rapidly assess the health of their fleets and significantly reduce maintenance costs by performing timely repairs. Better informed commanders will also be able to plan operations in advance and synchronize air, land, sea, space, and cyber capabilities to succeed on the multi-domain battlefield. A partnership of multiple software and hardware companies is necessary to make common computing a reality. This would reduce risk, speed development, and ensure new capabilities get to the field faster. Software partners will assure new applications safely and effectively work on the platform and could take advantage of existing software capabilities to reduce costs. Ideally, once an open standard framework is established, it will be easier and faster for software developers to create applications.