F-INSAS
Encyclopedia
F-INSAS is India's program to equip the Infantry with state-of-the-art equipment. F-INSAS means Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System.
with advanced weaponry, communication network and instant access to information on the battlefield. This program is similar to the future soldier
programs of other nations. F-INSAS includes a fully networked all-terrain, all-weather personal-equipment platform, enhanced firepower and mobility for the digitalised battlefield of the future. The weight carried by soldiers will need to be reduced by at least 50%.
The fully integrated Infantry of tomorrow will be equipped with mission-oriented equipment integrated with his buddy soldier team, the sub-unit, as also the overall C4I2 (Command, Control, Communications Computers, Information and Intelligence) system.
The Indian Army intends to modernize its entire 465 infantry and paramilitary
battalions by 2020 with this program.
) to ensure a dramatic increase in their lethality, survivability and mobility while making the soldier "a self-contained fighting machine".
is intended to be integrated and to act as a heads-up display monitor equivalent to two 17-inch computer monitors.
.Uniform will also carry solar chargers for charging Palmtop and other electronic equipments attached it also contain external oxygen supply respirator providing protection against CS and CN gas and smoke. Flame retardant carbonized viscose undergarments. Fire proof knee and elbow pads.
bullet-proof armoured waistcoat designed to stop a round and also absorb its kinetic energy.
ceramic armour plates covering the front, back and groin. Armoured helmet able to stop a 9mm round at close range. The new uniform will have vests with sensors to monitor their health parameters and provide quick medical relief.
launcher. These include a 5.56 mm, a 7.62 mm and a new 6.8 mm under-development for the first time in India. The UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) will be capable of launching air bursting grenade. The sub-system includes a thermal weapon sight and laser range finder to provide the soldier with range and direction information. The Global Positioning System (GPS) location information, allows the soldier to call for indirect fire accurately. There are two types of next generation infantry rifle under development in cooperation with Israel.
to be able to communicate with other soldiers and locate or generate Map to find location, and will be aware of the battlefield. The palmtop will inform the soldier where other friendlies are in relation to them. It will also enable them to transfer messages. Also carry all terrain equipment gears for various specific mission.
Thermal imagers, sensors and night vision equipment, currently deployed in weapon systems such as artillery
and main battle tanks, will be customized to make them portable for soldiers to carry in the battle ground Defense Advanced GPS Receiver.
Thales Ltd are among the private partners to get associated.
Out of five major technologies for the futuristic soldiers, the following two have been projectised in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The F-INSAS program
F-INSAS has been taken up to equip Indian infantryInfantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
with advanced weaponry, communication network and instant access to information on the battlefield. This program is similar to the future soldier
Future Soldier
Future Soldier is the overall name given to a multi-nation military project by the United States and its allies launched in the late 1990s. A Future Soldier is also a Soldier who has enlisted in the United States Military, but is delayed in shipping...
programs of other nations. F-INSAS includes a fully networked all-terrain, all-weather personal-equipment platform, enhanced firepower and mobility for the digitalised battlefield of the future. The weight carried by soldiers will need to be reduced by at least 50%.
The fully integrated Infantry of tomorrow will be equipped with mission-oriented equipment integrated with his buddy soldier team, the sub-unit, as also the overall C4I2 (Command, Control, Communications Computers, Information and Intelligence) system.
Timeline
In the first phase, to be completed by 2012, the infantry soldiers will be equipped with modular weapon systems that will have multi-functions.The Indian Army intends to modernize its entire 465 infantry and paramilitary
Paramilitary
A paramilitary is a force whose function and organization are similar to those of a professional military, but which is not considered part of a state's formal armed forces....
battalions by 2020 with this program.
F-INSAS equipment
The intention is to equip the soldier (see picture) to ensure a dramatic increase in their lethality, survivability and mobility while making the soldier "a self-contained fighting machine".
Helmet and Visor
The helmet is an integrated assembly equipped with helmet mounted flash light, thermal sensors & night vision device, video cameras and chemical and biological sensors. The visorVisor
A visor is a surface that protects the eyes, such as shading them from the sun or other bright light or protecting them from objects....
is intended to be integrated and to act as a heads-up display monitor equivalent to two 17-inch computer monitors.
Clothing
The personal clothing of this soldier of the future would be lightweight with a bullet-proof jacket. The futuristic jacket would be waterproofed yet breathable. The new attire that will enable the troops carry the extra load and resist impact of chemical warfareChemical warfare
Chemical warfare involves using the toxic properties of chemical substances as weapons. This type of warfare is distinct from Nuclear warfare and Biological warfare, which together make up NBC, the military acronym for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical...
.Uniform will also carry solar chargers for charging Palmtop and other electronic equipments attached it also contain external oxygen supply respirator providing protection against CS and CN gas and smoke. Flame retardant carbonized viscose undergarments. Fire proof knee and elbow pads.
bullet-proof armoured waistcoat designed to stop a round and also absorb its kinetic energy.
ceramic armour plates covering the front, back and groin. Armoured helmet able to stop a 9mm round at close range. The new uniform will have vests with sensors to monitor their health parameters and provide quick medical relief.
Weapons
The weapons sub-system is built around a multi caliber individual weapon system with the fourth caliber attached to a grenadeGrenade
A grenade is a small explosive device that is projected a safe distance away by its user. Soldiers called grenadiers specialize in the use of grenades. The term hand grenade refers any grenade designed to be hand thrown. Grenade Launchers are firearms designed to fire explosive projectile grenades...
launcher. These include a 5.56 mm, a 7.62 mm and a new 6.8 mm under-development for the first time in India. The UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) will be capable of launching air bursting grenade. The sub-system includes a thermal weapon sight and laser range finder to provide the soldier with range and direction information. The Global Positioning System (GPS) location information, allows the soldier to call for indirect fire accurately. There are two types of next generation infantry rifle under development in cooperation with Israel.
Accessories
The soldier will be equipped with a Palmtop GPS navigation deviceGPS navigation device
A GPS navigation device is any device that receives Global Positioning System signals for the purpose of determining the device's current location on Earth...
to be able to communicate with other soldiers and locate or generate Map to find location, and will be aware of the battlefield. The palmtop will inform the soldier where other friendlies are in relation to them. It will also enable them to transfer messages. Also carry all terrain equipment gears for various specific mission.
Thermal imagers, sensors and night vision equipment, currently deployed in weapon systems such as artillery
Artillery
Originally applied to any group of infantry primarily armed with projectile weapons, artillery has over time become limited in meaning to refer only to those engines of war that operate by projection of munitions far beyond the range of effect of personal weapons...
and main battle tanks, will be customized to make them portable for soldiers to carry in the battle ground Defense Advanced GPS Receiver.
Procurements for program
Procurement requests for the 'open calibre' carbines is valued at around have been initiated with global manufacturers. The procurement covers night-vision devices, laser designators and detachable under-barrel grenade launchers.Indigenisation of program
With the intent to retain its strategic autonomy, self reliance and indigenisation of the program is being emphasized. Indigenous development of many equipment by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) independently as the prime developer and system integrator as well as with private partnership is being encouraged. Tata Advanced Systems and RoltaRolta India Ltd
Rolta headquartered in Mumbai, India. Established in 1989, the company provides CAD, CAM, geospatial information system solutions, EBusiness and related services. Rolta employs around 5000 professionals and has a countrywide infrastructure and international subsidiaries across the globe...
Thales Ltd are among the private partners to get associated.
Out of five major technologies for the futuristic soldiers, the following two have been projectised in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Design and development of multi-Caliber Individual Weapon System.
- Design and development of Air Bursting Grenade for Individual Weapon.
External links
- http://www.rolta.com/rolta-thales/portfolio/digital-soldier-systems.html
- Jane's defense weekly confirms F-INSAS
- Video of F-INSAS soldier and explanation of various systems.
- President Kalam's visions for a hi-tech soldier