Land Platforms Systems Integration in The Information Age-The Proteus Project

Land military platforms play a crucial role as both actuators and sensors in Information Age Warfare, where data has become a strategic asset essential for gaining operational advantage. As sensors, they require advanced onboard technologies to collect, process, and deliver information. As actuators, they must enable commanders to make decisions at the right time and in the right way.

Furthermore, advancements in computing power and information systems, combined with rapidly changing operational scenarios, have driven a shift towards a more data-centric approach and the need for increasingly sophisticated platform capabilities. This evolution is exemplified by the transition from the “Iron Triangle” paradigm—mobility, firepower and protection—to the “Iron Hexagon,” which encompasses mobility, survivability, autonomy, adaptability and connectivity, with data serving as a central element underpinning each of these capabilities.

Typically, these capabilities are achieved by adding more devices to the vehicles, which increases system complexity through monolithic integration—often costly and time-consuming. Common issues arising from this type of integration include limitations in space, weight, power and cost, incompatibility with other equipment and multiple instances of the same functionality across different systems due to proprietary solutions and interfaces.

“The adoption of an open modular architecture approach represents a long-term effort, but taking the first steps is essential for meeting the challenges of future warfare”

A solution to this challenge is to establish a structured electronic architecture aimed at both physical and logical integration of platform subsystems. The physical aspect addresses the installation of subsystems within the main structure, adhering to ergonomic, mechanical and electrical standards while ensuring compatibility. The logical aspect defines communication protocols between subsystems, ensuring data availability, interoperability and comprehension.

Moreover, key system interfaces—those that evolve most throughout the lifecycle and interact with other subsystems— should be based on open and widely adopted standards, a concept known as Open and Modular Architecture. Such standardisation is critical since the subsystems are typically provided by different suppliers. The use of open standards avoids dependency on proprietary solutions, reduces costs, enhances service quality through increased competition, fosters industrial development via collaborative solutions and facilitates technological obsolescence management.

Open and Modular Architecture approaches have gained significant traction in countries at the forefront of technology, as seen with the UK’s Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA)— expanding within NATO through NGVA—and the USdeveloped Ground Common Infrastructure Architecture (GCIA). Through these approaches, such countries have been actively pursuing interoperability, adaptability, flexibility and cost reduction. In this context, the Brazilian Army’s Manufacturing Directorate (DF) has been exploring GVA principles to develop an integration framework applicable across its fleet of armoured vehicles.

The DF began its familiarisation with GVA principles through the standard’s Human-Machine Interface component, as it represents one of the most practical ways to demonstrate the concept of integration. This process led to the development of the PROTEUS Project, which primary objective is to integrate the various electronic subsystems of the vehicles through a Platform Management System. This solution consolidates data visualization and control into a single display, thereby increasing operational efficiency and enhancing the commander’s situational awareness. With PROTEUS, the commander can, for example, access camera feeds (driver, gunner and external sources such as drones), visualise relevant vehicle data, control radio and intercom functions and operate the Battlefield Management System-developed by the Brazilian Army’s Systems Development Centre (CDS). The DF team has been progressively developing and conducting PROTEUS integration tests across various platforms (Figure 1), adhering to the principle of interchangeability and engaging end-users in the validation process.

Figure 1: PROTEUS undergoing field tests on VBTP-MR 6×6 Guarani and 4×4 LMV-BR vehicles.

Finally, the adoption of an Open Modular Architecture approach represents a long-term effort, but taking the first steps is essential. In this context, the studies conducted by the Manufacturing Directorate are crucial for driving this transition, preparing vehicle platforms to meet the challenges of future warfare. Furthermore, system integration will enable future advancements, such as the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence to support decision-making and logistics, including predictive maintenance studies. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to technological advancement, aiming for alignment with cutting-edge technologies and fostering maturity in innovative areas within the Brazilian Army.