Controlling the fires: Integrating fire support C2 systems

摘要

Afire support command-and-control (FSC2) system consists of elements including forward observers (FOs), C2 such as fire direction centres (FDC) and fire support co-ordination centres (FSCC), and individual weapons - all of which contribute to ensuring the correct type of ordnance lands on the correct target at the correct time. Each element has an important part to play but the key to overall effectiveness is their integration into an overall system, enabling target data, survey and meteorological data, fire mission co-ordination, and shot corrections, as well as tactical and logistical information, orders, and plans to be passed seamlessly between the various elements. Indeed, NATO members are seeking to integrate disparate national systems to make up for any members' lack of mass compared with Russia in Europe. Originally conducted with voice communications and manual data entry, digitisation of communications has increasingly automated these processes, speeding them up and reducing the potential for error. The ultimate aim is to achieve the automation of fire missions so target data from a FO is displayed at the weapon, which is automatically laid, reducing the human involvement to loading with the correct ammunition, safety checks, and command approval if necessary.