News

Patriot air and missile defence system upgrade to gamer-style interface

Raytheon engineers are integrating a Warfighter-Machine Interface (WMI) into PDB 8.1, a soon-to-be-fielded Patriot upgrade.

This new command and control technology allows coalition operators of Raytheon’s combat-proven Patriot air and missile defence system to view complex data in a new, easy-to-understand way.

WMI replaces pixelated shapes and a complex directory system with the type of 3-D visuals, easy-to-read status pages and search functions that any gamer would find familiar. Raytheon testing shows that WMI improves Soldier reaction time and decreases the potential for errors during engagements. It also reduces the time required to train operators to employ Patriot.

In 2018, the US Army decided to field WMI across Patriot – all 60 fire units and 15 battalion headquarters – at both the battalion- and battery-level command and control. PDB 8.1 with WMI is scheduled to reach initial operational capability with the US Army in 2022. When Patriot partners subsequently upgrade to PDB 8.1, WMI will be included.

Tom Laliberty, Raytheon Integrated Defense System’s Vice President of Integrated Air and Missile Defense, said: “Raytheon is constantly enhancing, upgrading and modernising Patriot to ensure it can outpace evolving threats.

“Incorporating WMI into PDB 8.1 leverages the latest technological advances to provide the 16 members of the Patriot partnership a user interface with a total view of their respective battlespace.”

Image © VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock.com

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here.

The post Patriot air and missile defence system upgrade to gamer-style interface appeared first on Defence Online.

 

Who are we?

From publishing the first national directory of public sector contracts, to being the first to market with our online Tracker solution, we have been the true pioneers of technology and innovation in the public sector marketplace. Throughout our 39 years, we have continued to evolve and chart new territory – placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. Take your business to the next level with Tracker now.

Start Your Free Trial Today

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

Download your Free UK Defence Industry Report

When you sign up for a 3 day free trial or demo.

Limited time only