JA_SPRDL123D0031_Redacted.pdf

SPRDL1-22-R-0102 (JA-00514)

Previous J&A: SPRDL1-20-R-0150

The ‘front-facing’ DVE integrates three state-of-the-art 640 x 480, 17-micron uncooled infrared sensors, which output a stitched video of a 107 x 30 field of view (FOV). The DVE can receive, manage, and display video from multiple external cameras on the vehicle. The driver can electronically pan through the 107° total horizontal field of view allowing the driver the ability to see both sides of the road. The vehicle wheel track indicators aid the driver in clearly identifying any potential impediments to safe operation.

The DVE is fully “backwards compatible” with all fielded DVE units, which means that any vehicle currently equipped with a DVE system can be readily upgraded. It is also forward compatible with new, high resolution, touchscreen displays.

The Government does not have complete build to print TDPs. DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC has developed, tested, and obtained Government approval for this item for application in the M109A7, M992A3 and Bradley A4 at their own cost. Only DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC has the capability to manufacture this DVE, perform failure analysis, develop inspection and acceptance criteria for components, and test the item in accordance with the Government requirements. Installing hardware that has not undergone similar verification could lead to degraded situational awareness for the operators and could put them and the mission at risk.

Currently, DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC is the approved source to make the DVE for the M109A7 SPH, M992A3 CAT and the Bradley A4 vehicles. They are the sole owners of the technical data. The Government does not own the technical data of the DVE, nor does the Government have proprietary rights to the technical data, which is necessary to develop a competitive TDP. To reverse engineer the DVE will require four years to develop and test the new design and then qualify a new vendor. The prototypes would need to be tested within the vehicles to ensure full system integration and situational awareness capability.

Both M109A7 and M992A3 vehicles have unique testing requirements to pass. This includes mechanical vibration testing (ISO 1940-1:2003) and high vibration testing that replicates the M109A7 canon being shot. This unique testing also includes qualification and type testing from voltage converters (IEC 60034-18-41). Both vehicles generate high voltage in which all electrical components will have to withstand this testing.

Another unique test specific to the M109A7 and M992A3 vehicles and other military vehicles is the military standard environmental testing (MIL-STD-810G). DRS Network & Imaging Systems, LLC is qualified to meet these requirements to provide this DVE.

DRS has the capability to manufacture this DVE, perform failure analysis, develop inspection and acceptance criteria for components in the DVE. The rigorous vibration testing, environment testing and electrical testing are very strenuous on every part in the M109A and M992A vehicles and makes it difficult for vendors to pass these requirements. For other vendors to submit parts and pass these tests would drive up costs and the timeline, shown in reverse engineering section.

Reverse Engineering:

Due to the limited technical data available on the Driver’s Vision Enhancer, Reverse