SKOM - Mortar Fire Control System

The SKOM Mortar Fire Control System is designed to control and perform, safely and precisely, fire execution tasks of towed mortars. The SKOM system is also focused on reducing human errors. It allows to engage automatically and individually recognized targets as an independent unit, or targets recognized by other reconnaissance units (FCS TOPAZ, FCS AZALIA). The target data can also be introduced to the system manually. The SKOM system provides the possibility to coordinate fire execution tasks performed by other mortar units in the company formation (1 or 2 platoons) and by artillery fire control system TOPAZ.

The system is operable during nighttime or daytime. A laser rangefinder is employed to locate desired targets with great precision. All observation is performed in real time conditions. The SKOM system is also able to capture video frames and distribute it to the higher command levels.

The SKOM Mortar Fire Control System consists of three or four combat posts, depending on whether the platoon is part of a company or operating as an independent support unit. All system posts can be transported by any means of transportation. No special vehicle is required.

The exchange of information between the system posts (data, voice, images) can be carried out by field cable (1x2 type field cables) or wirelessly by employing radio assets . The SKOM system can be interfaced with any other fire control system.

1. Forward Observers Post

The set of forward observer equipment includes a tripod mounted observation device with an optoelectronic camera and the Automated Artillery Reconnaissance Module (AARM) consisting of a computer terminal and a tactical radio. In addition, forward observers are equipped with personal radios providing voice communication between the formation crew. During observation, the exchange of information between the camera and the AARM is carried out by cable.

The AARM consists of the following devices:

• The RRC9210/RRC9321 (5W) radio which provides communication between the forward observers and the mortar platoon commander.
• The DD9620T forward observer terminal with a 10.4’’ touch screen to support remote control of the observation device and process the video image from the day-night camera and laser rangefinder. The computer screen has a window that displays the video input from the observation device. The computer terminal has a function to aim the camera at a target (measurement point) within the video image, facilitating description of the target by assigning it with a number and specifying its type and parameters. It automatically calculates target coordinates. The terminal has a shield to protect it from sunlight and precipitation.

2. Mortar Commander Post

The mortar commander is provided with a Portable Communications and Information Module (PCIM) mounted on his tactical vest and arm that consists of a terminal with a display, and a personal radio with a headset. Hence, the mortar commander supervising the execution of firing task is able to freely move within the fire position, without losing voice communications with the platoon commander.

The commander’s terminal displays all relevant data. It also allows to enter all pieces of information required to execute mortar fire task and communicates readiness to fire. It displays settings calculated by the artillery system (distance, angle, reference point), as well as parameters including the type of projectiles and their cartridge.

3. Portable platoon commander workstation (fire officer)

The platoon commander coordinates execution of firing tasks by receiving information from the observation post (e.g. information about the target) and delivering orders to the respective mortar commanders. The platoon commander can also receive orders directly from the higher command level and directly reports back to that level.
The platoon commander’s post is equipped with an Automated Fire Officer Module (AFOM) consisting of a computer terminal (DD9620T terminal with a battery that provides approximately 6 hours of safe operation), and a personal radio.

The platoon commander’s portable workstation provides:

• Voice communications between platoon commander and mortar commanders and the forward observer commander, including the rebroadcasting of data through the Tactical Communications Module (TCM).
• Voice communications with the forward observer post and transmission of data between the computer terminal of the platoon commander and the computer terminal of the forward observer.
• Voice and data communication with the higher level commander.

4. Tactical Communications Module (TCM)

The components of the Tactical Communications Module are mounted on a specially designed frame. It can be transported by any means of transportation to the field position and moved easily to the designated location by its operators.

The TCM provides:

• Voice communication between the platoon commander and the forward observers, using rebroadcasting function between the R35010 personal radio of the platoon commander and the tactical radio;
• Voice communication between the platoon commander and the company commander (managing the fire support group) using rebroadcasting function between the RRC9210 tactical radio and the R35010 personal radio of the platoon commander;

5. Meteorological station

The system allows connection of a meteorological station. It supplies the SKOM system with information about current air temperature, atmospheric pressure, as well as the direction and speed of the wind. This data shortens the preparation time of fire execution task, also it increases precision of projectile impact.