Soldier system Gladius 2.0
Digital connectivity: Light. Modular. Effective.
With open, modular and scalable architecture, GLADIUS 2.0 remains unrivalled worldwide for its user-centric soldier system solution. An up-to-date situational awareness with a consistent, stable communication infrastructure enables operational sensor-to-shooter networks. GLADIUS 2.0 guarantees a decisive advantage on the digital battlefield under even the most challenging of conditions!
Rheinmetall understands the wide range of complex operational tasks the Infantry are responsible for. Terrains and climatic conditions can be extreme. They must remain highly mobile, combat-ready, interoperable protected and digitally enabled in order to succeed with their missions. This requires comprehensive, interoperable, modern equipment.
Since 2006 Rheinmetall has been implementing the networking of soldiers with suitable equipment. The soldier system GLADIUS 2.0 Multi-Role (called IdZ-ES VJTF 2023) in conjuncture with the PUMA infantry-fighting vehicle was declared "ready for war" for the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force and will be a significant pillar for the digitalization of the German Forces.
Rheinmetall is using the software Tactical Core of blackned as IT middleware for the digitalization of the battlefield. The German Bundeswehr will use Tactical Core within the program D-LBO to be independent from individual, self-contained software and communication solutions.
As system supplier with nearly two decades of soldier systems expertise, Rheinmetall provides stable network solutions, digital situational awareness, soldier system integration into vehicles, proven sensor-to-effector networks including unmanned systems in order to maximise the operational success of forces on the battlefield.
GLADIUS 2.0 follows a holistic approach enabled by open architecture to provide high scalability, modularity and flexibility. This allows for user-specific configuration dependent on operational need. At its core, it aims to enhance soldier's basic capabilities via:
- Sophisticated situational awareness
- Effective seamless communication
- Precise sensor-to-shooter capabilities
- Increased protection levels
- Improved mobility and flexibility
Three possible variations are shown here in more detail: GLADIUS 2.0 Light, GLADIUS 2.0 Flex and GLADIUS 2.0 Multi-Role. In addition, in the absence of a customer mandated system, Rheinmetall's Battle Management System TacNet Soldier works as user interface for military leaders providing an overview of the current situation.
For light infantry forces
Based on the proven architecture of GLADIUS 2.0, Rheinmetall has created additional variants and adapted configurations. We have taken into account the need for lightweight and flexible systems with highest mobility required for light infantry soldiers. The result is a light weight soldier system configured to a baseline, with flexibility to add components as required for specific missions.
- The GLADIUS 2.0 Light configuration is centered on a lightweight plate carrier with scalable ballistic protection.
- The radio provides voice and data communication and GPS tracking for blue force information.
- A modern headset with different variants of operation (wired and/or Bluetooth connectivity) enables voice communication.
- The End User Device, either ruggedized tablet, smartphone or smartwatch, facilitate tactical maps, seamless information exchange and improves situational awareness overall.
For Special Forces
Based on GLADIUS 2.0 Light with plate carrier, radio, headset and display unit, GLADIUS 2.0 Flex meets the requirements of special forces by adding additional components.
A Smart HUB enables the integration of a large number of additional components as well as intelligent energy and data management for this particular variant.
- Central batteries supply the subcomponents with power in order to reduce logistic burden. Alternative power supply concepts can be integrated.
- A helmet display uses augmented reality to display important information in the soldier's field of view. This can be used in a night vision mode with fused technology.
- The vehicle connection cable connects the soldier system directly to the vehicle and enables features including access to power supply, data exchange, vehicle communication, sensors and effectors.
For military leaders and specialists
In close cooperation with the German Armed Forces, Rheinmetall developed the GLADIUS 2.0 Multi-Role variant in studies, workshops, iterative trials and field tests. Today it represents the most extensive soldier system in the world. GLADIUS 2.0 Multi-Role fully integrates over 130 in-service analogue and digital components from more than 30 partners. The soldier still retains the option to customise the configuration, depending on the mission profile. GLADIUS 2.0 sets a standard that is unrivalled worldwide.
The open architecture of GLADIUS 2.0 offers enormous growth potential and can remain current and relevant through the integration of, e.g.:
- Other communication devices
- Autonomous systems
- Artificial Intelligence
- Bio Monitoring
- The latest forms of energy supply
Information advantage through networking and digitalisation
The tactical Battle Management System TacNet provides the combination of a comprehensive situational awareness and a network solution for all units on the battlefield.
TacNet is a TRL 9 Battle Management System with a graphical user interface for the soldier as well as the digital backbone for the data exchange to establish a stable, in-depth sensor-to-effector network.
Seamless integration of the soldier system into the platform is of fundamental importance for a battlefield operational communication network. GLADIUS 2.0 can be fully integrated into combat vehicles and has already achieved such integration with the PUMA, LYNX and BOXER platforms. In the combat vehicle, the soldier connects to the vehicle via a cable, to deliver the soldier important additional functionalities:
- Centralised data exchange for all soldiers
- Centralised energy supply
- Utilisation of the vehicle's communication infrastructure
- Access to the vehicle's sensors and visual aids
- Access to the vehicle's weapon station and effectors
- Optimised storage concept
Such integration enables a continuous connection of the dismounted forces with their vehicle and significantly increases combat effectiveness. Mission planning can be updated in real time. Situational awareness is increased, command chains are accelerated through digital support and access to the necessary combat resources is optimised. All of this contributes to enhanced mission success.
For vehicle platforms not yet enabled for full soldier systems integration, Rheinmetall has developed the Soldier Connection Hub (SCH). The SCH enables connection to the vehicle's data network and power supply. This element can be integrated into almost all platforms on the battlefield and thus offers comparable functionalities to the integration as realised in the PUMA, LYNX and BOXER:
- Centralised data exchange for all soldiers
- Centralised energy supply for the soldier systems
- Utilisation of the vehicle's communication infrastructure
- Access to the vehicle's sensors and visual equipment
- Access to the vehicle's weapon station and effectors
Equipping all vehicles in a unit with the SCH, achieves a digital end-to-end network of all elements right down to the individual soldier. This optimises combat effectiveness and deliveres the digital battlefield.
Digitalisation – Tactical Core
Soldier systems reach their full potential in a comprehensive, digital network. Ideally soldier systems would be fielded in close coooperation with armed forces digitalisation plans. Alongside our partners, Rheinmetall offers a complete portfolio for the digitalization of Armed Forces with far reaching benefits.
Legatus – Live Training System
A soldier's high-quality equipment also requires a comprehensive training program in order to achieve full effectiveness. Rheinmetall is a leading provider of live simulation training. With the LEGATUS product family, Rheinmetall offers outstanding, integrated tactical training options to prepare its own forces perfectly. LEGATUS is perfectly designed for the requirements and interactions with the GLADIUS 2.0 soldier system and guarantees: Train as you fight!