– The verifications have generally gone well, and the improvements we observed during the autumn remain. Users once again agree that the system has improved, says Zakarias Priebe, system engineer at FMV.
The soldiers at the two companies in Skövde were the first to use early versions of LSS Mark during the basic training year 2021/2022. They have tested parts of the system, such as the radio's speech quality and range under different conditions, as well as the functionality and stability of the situational awareness display, and reported deficiencies and improvement suggestions.
– The most noticeable deficiencies for the soldiers were experienced in the speech communication, says Zakarias Priebe.
This, along with remarks in other areas, resulted in the system not achieving an approved level of functionality.
To address the most critical improvement points, FMV therefore assembled a team of specialists before the summer of 2022, called Tiger team BMS. They have worked intensively to investigate and rectify the deficiencies by conducting tests in a lab environment and on-site at P4.
– I believe it is important for FMV to work closely with the Swedish Armed Forces, not only at a higher level but also close to the end user, to be able to deliver according to the Swedish Armed Forces' needs and expectations, says Zakarias Priebe, Tiger team BMS.
The aim is to jointly create a gradual capability growth with the users' needs at the centre. The work of the Tiger team has been a prioritised activity for FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, and the industry.
– We could not have done this without their support, including during the field weeks when we tested the system. We have also had very good internal cooperation within FMV, which has been a significant success factor.
Tested new configurations
During the autumn of 2022, FMV led a test week in Skövde where personnel from FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces tested the new system configurations. The tests showed a significant improvement in the command support system and provided a good basis for the next version of the Battle Management System. Participants also testified that Radio System 570 and the situational awareness display functioned well and made them both faster and more effective in combat.
– Personally, I think this work has been incredibly enjoyable. It is motivating to solve problems and to see the systems in reality, to see the subsystems come together and work so well together, says Zakarias Priebe.
The outcomes of the Tiger team's work, the test weeks, and the participants' input have resulted in a new version of BMS. The system is currently undergoing verification, which also includes the field test just conducted by soldiers at P4 in Skövde.
– Perhaps the most important lesson learned from the Tiger Team, which both the Swedish Armed Forces and FMV have drawn, is that FMV must be able to conduct final verifications in a real environment to improve the quality of our deliveries, says Zakarias Priebe.
The work of the Tiger team is now concluding this spring with the delivery to the Swedish Armed Forces of the new version of the Battle Management System, BMS 3.1.2.