C4 Module

Based on our experience integrating emerging technologies throughout the SmarTruck prototype program and on the heels of the first few LASSO utility vehicle prototypes, ICRC was approached by our customer at Army Research Lab (ARL) to design a Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) module for the US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) user community. The C4 Module was designed to provide an enhanced intelligence capability to LASSO users that are in need of a mobile center for satellite communications, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveillance, or in-theatre covert operations.

I was brought on to manage the design and build portions of the program. The design phase began with a visit to meet with representatives from US SOCOM in order to understand their unique requirements. This initial meeting was followed up with a visit to see a UAV command and control training exercise to better understand what type of environment and operations might be required by the resulting C4 module.

Apart from the typical remote power and climate control systems that would be required to support the operator and onboard systems, we soon understood that this user community would require the use of different support electronics to address each required mission. To be useful to the Special Operations soldier, it became clear that the C4 Module needed to be a user configurable electronics support structure. To accomplish this, accessible cable trays for easy wiring and industry standard 19” equipment racks, which included a system of hinged access doors, were created for easy installation and removal of the electronics that were mounted in the racks. Power was provided by a 5kW diesel generator that was also configured to support loads of 110VAC, 12VDC and 24VDC. The C4 module would have to support a military-ready satellite communications solution and onboard military radio communications. It was also fitted with a collapsible pneumatic mast capable of lifting a number of different payloads (antenna arrays, surveillance cameras, area lighting systems) into the sky. It also needed to be able to interface to number of different video feeds and control units that military operators use to control their UAV’s.

I began by writing a high level design document and then performed the necessary equipment technical assessments which allowed me to specify the technologies that would be integrated into the final design. I then subcontracted the services of a military shelter manufacturer in Fairbanks, Alaska to perform the shelter design and worked with them to incorporate all the necessary support systems. The shelter was built by RCO Engineering in Warren, MI, who built the lightweight, carbon fiber skinned, aluminum frame module in just over four months. The completed module was delivered to ARL for field testing as a UAV command post.