Mobile Targets (RCV) SON dated 21 June 2021.pdf

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STATEMENT OF NEEDS (SON) FOR MOVING TARGETS FOR EX

FORGING SABRE 21 (XFS 21)

OVERVIEW

1. XFS21 is a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) exercise that will be held at

Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB), Idaho, USA, from 13 to 23 Sep 2021.

The SAF will lease a total of 24 Remotely-Controlled Vehicles (RCVs), 18 tow-boxes and conduct RCV operations in both Saylor Creek Range (SCR) and

Orchard Combat Training Center (OCTC). All RCVs and attached tow-boxes will be utilised throughout the exercise and used to simulate moving targets. The SAF will employ Fighters’ inert bombs, AH-64 hydra rockets and 30mm guns to engage these targets. While the RCVs are operated by the contractor, the SAF

RCV Liaison Officer (LO) based at MHAFB, will have direct command and control over the movement of the RCVs.

AREA OF OPERATIONS

2. The RCVs and Control Teams will operate in SCR and OCTC for XFS 21.

CARDINAL REQUIREMENTS

3. The summary of operational requirements, performance objectives and performance threshold for XFS 21 are shown in Table 1:

Table 1: Summary of Operational Requirements, Performance Objectives and Performance

Threshold

S/N Operational Requirements/Performance Objectives Location Performance

Threshold (%)

Control Teams/Equipment

1 Provide up to 6 Control Teams for total of 9 exercise days.

SCR

(OP Alpha)

100%

2 Provide up to 2 Control Teams for total of 9 exercise days

OCTC

(Wind Butte) *Contractor to determine exact location for RCV Control Station in

OCTC. Tentatively

Wind Butte is proposed.

100%

3 Provide 18 x Remotely-Controlled Vehicles (RCVs)

- Painted in at least 2 different colors

SCR

100%

4 Provide 6 x Remotely-Controlled Vehicles (RCVs)

- Painted in at least 2 different colors

5 Provide 18 x Tow-Box Targets

- 14 x Tow-boxes to be painted in Olive Green

SCR

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- 4 x Tow-boxes to be painted in Olive Green Performance Objectives

6 All RCV requirements is required to be operational and ready to support XFS 21 from 6 to 23 Sep 2021;

excluding weekends.

SCR &

OCTC

100%

7 All RCVs are required to operate smoothly and independently throughout the range without control interference or intermittence.

• Controlling from OP ALPHA in SCR, the contractor must be able to operate a max of 6 x

RCVs simultaneously on the movement routes as described in Figure 1.

• Controlling from Wind Butte (or location proposed by contractor) in OCTC, the contractor must be able to operate a max of 2 x RCVs simultaneously on the movement routes as described in Figure 2.

SCR &

8 All RCVs must be constructed with a quick release mechanism as part of the extension connector so that the tow-box target will not derail the RCV when it is struck or cause the RCV to flip or stall

100%

9 Back-up Operations: In the event any of the RCVs breakdown or fail, the contractor is responsible to replace with a back-up RCV immediately and seamlessly in order not to affect operations.

SCR &

OCTC

100%

10 Command & Control: Ability to maintain constant communication with RCV Liaison Officer and the respective Range Control Officers

SCR &

OCTC

95%

11 Administrative & Logistics Support: Provide all administrative and logistics support to ensure the control teams, RCVs and associated tow equipment are able to meet the prescribed requirements for the entire duration of the exercise.

SCR &

12 RCV Capability Demonstration (1-Day Demo)

Contractor is to organise an RCV Capability

Demonstration (demo) (1 day) to showcase the contractor’s proficiency and capabilities to conduct

RCV operations. The demo includes RCV operations with and without tow-boxes in SCR and OCTC. All

RCVs operations during the capability demo must be conducted safely and along designated areas approved by the respective Range Control Officers. The demo must be conducted any day between 30 Aug to 3 Sep.

SCR (OP

Alpha)

(Wind

Butte)

95%

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SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RCV OPERATIONS IN SAYLOR

CREEK RANGE (SCR)

4. Operate between two to six RCVs. The operational requirements for RCV operations in SCR are between two to six RCVs throughout the exercise period.

The RCVs will be attached with tow-boxes. Each pair of RCV and tow-box will be engaged by inert bombs, hydra rockets and 30mm guns. The RCVs are required to operate smoothly and independently throughout the range without control or comms interference. The contractor must be able to operate a maximum of six

RCVs simultaneously in the range. The contractor is expected to conduct RCV operations to support various operational profiles and scenarios. For instance, RCVs will tasked to travel in a linear formation before splitting into separate target groups at junctions, or tasked to travel down different axis simultaneously.

In terms of communications, the contractor must ensure that he is able to overcome any control or transmission obstacles/interference caused by the hilly features or other assets operating in the range. If required, the contractor may need to install additional relay transmitter equipment on PENCE BUTTE near the West

WISS Tower and ensure back-up control is established.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RCV OPERATIONS IN ORCHARD

COMBAT TRAINING CENTRE (OCTC)

5. Operate between one to two RCVs. The operational requirements for RCV operations in OTCT are between one to two RCVs throughout the exercise period.

The RCVs will be attached with tow-boxes. Each pair of RCV and tow-box will be engaged by hydra rockets and 30mm guns The RCVs are required to operate smoothly and independently within the Small Arms Impact Area without control interference or intermittence. The contractor must be able to operate up to two

RCVs simultaneously. Based on the recommendation of OCTC Ops, RCV control tower is tentatively sited at Wind Butte1. The contractor is expected to conduct

RCV operations to support various operational profiles and scenarios. For instance, RCVs will travel at the same time from different directions on the singular axis, or travel alongside down the axis. The contractor must ensure that he is able to overcome any RCV control or transmission obstacles/interference caused by any hilly features or other assets operating in the range. If required, the contractor may need to install relay transmitter equipment at pre-identified locations2 and stable comms between RCV control and vehicles is stable.

1 The contractor can advise and offer an ideal control location if Wind Butte is found to be unsuitable.

2 Should there be a need to install relay transmitter within OCTC, the contractor should identify and trial the suitability of the location before the demo at FPC.

RCV CAPABILITY DEMONSTRATON (FULL DAY)

6. The RCV capability demo (full day) must be conducted on any day between 30 Aug to 3 Sep 20213. The intent of the demo is to showcase the contractor’s proficiency and capabilities to conduct simultaneous RCV operations in SCR and OCTC and within each range respectively. The audience for the demo will comprise the XFS exercise directors and key members of the team. During the demo, there will be opportunities for the SAF to get different assets4 to operate at the same time in range. This will allow the contactor to conduct system checks to ensure that RCV operations do not get affected by the presence of other systems operating at the same time within the range. This will also allow the contractor to perform functionality checks on the RCV control system’s dual-redundancy ability. The contractor can also take the opportunity to check for any comms interferences from other operating systems5 and rectify them before the exercise commences. This will assure the exercise directors and members that RCV support for the exercise is ready and operational.

7. The demo will allow the contractor sufficient time to make adjustments to RCV and control Systems before the commencement of XFS 21. The hardware and software settings and configurations for RCV and control systems will be fixed and must not be changed after the conclusion of the demo. Should the contractor face challenges in the conduct of RCV operations in the demo, those challenges must be rectified NLT 13 Sep. Notwithstanding, the contractor is expected to proactively provide a progress update to 366 FAS.

a. To Demonstrate RCV Operations in SCR. The contractor must be able to operate and remotely control two RCVs with and without tow-boxes in SCR from OP ALPHA at a distance of up to

10miles (16km). The RCV, attached with a tow-box, must be able navigate over undulating cross-country terrain at cruising speed of

30mph (+ 5mph) and not flip over. The contractor must also establish both primary and back-up control of RCVs during the capability demo to showcase their ability to control and operate smoothly, if one mode of control becomes faulty or unavailable.

b. To Demonstrate RCV Operations in OCTC. The contractor must be able to operate and remotely control two RCVs with and without tow-boxes in OCTC from Wind Butte (proposed) at a

3 The exact time and date for the demo to XFS exercise directors and key members will be confirmed through 366

FAS.

4 Assets such as the HERON-1 UAV, TPQ-53 radar, sUAS systems.

5 The RCV contractor for XFS 19 said that RCV comms between the vehicles and Control Tower were affected by other SAF systems operating within the same range.

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distance of up to 10miles (16km). The RCV, attached with tow-box, must be able to navigate over undulating cross-country terrain and not flip over. The RCV axis in the range is assessed to be rougher than SCR therefore, the contractor is required to make an assessment and recommend alternative route(s) and corresponding maximum and cruising speed6 for RCV and tow-box to travel. The contractor should also recce and recommend another RCV Control Tower, if

Wind Butte is found to be inappropriate. The contractor must establish both primary and back-up control for RCVs during the capability demo to showcase the ability to switch smoothly between primary and back-up mode, especially if one mode of control becomes faulty or unavailable.

c. Simultaneous RCV Operations in both SCR and OCTC. The contractor must be able to showcase their ability to simultaneously operate six and two RCVs in SCR and OCTC respectively. The contractor’s ability to meet this specific operational requirement must be demonstrated during the demo.

DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR RCV OPERATIONS FOR XFS 21

8. RCV Control Teams in SCR. A maximum of six control teams must be available and fully operational NLT 6 Sep and provided throughout the exercise.

Before the start of each day, morning briefs will be conducted by the SAF RCV

POC to inform the contractor on requisite information for the day’s mission such as total RCVs7 required, movement routes and profile and timing of operations.

Similarly, the brief will also serve as a platform for the contractor to update on the status of RCVs, crew rest management plan and other pertinent updates. There will be no requirement for RCV operations over weekends. The exercise schedule for RCV control teams’ operations in SCR are reflected in Table 2.

Table 2: Schedule of RCV Control Teams Required for XFS 21 (SCR)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep

Up to 6

Control

Teams

Up to 6

Control

Teams

Up to 6

Control

Teams

Up to 6

Control

Teams

Up to 6

Control

Teams

Review of

Exercise

Conduct

Technical

Break

20 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 23 Sep 24 Sep

Up to 6

Control

Teams

Up to 6

Control

Teams

Up to 6

Control

Teams

Up to 6

Control

Teams

End of

Exercise

6 A possible RCV cruising speed for OCTC is currently assessed to be between 15mph to 20mph.

7 The maximum RCVs required in a day is 6 and the minimum is 2.

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9. One to Two Control Teams at OCTC. A maximum of two control teams must be available and fully operational NLT 6 Sep and be provided throughout the exercise. Similarly, daily morning briefs will be conducted by SAF RCV POC and the contractor. The content of the brief will be similar as above. There will be no requirement for RCV operations over weekends. The exercise schedule for

RCV control teams’ operations in OCTC are reflected in Table 3.

Table 3: Schedule of RCV Control Teams Required for XFS 21 (OCTC) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

13 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep 16 Sep 17 Sep 18 Sep 19 Sep

Up to 2

Control

Teams

Up to 2

Control

Teams

Up to 2

Control

Teams

Up to 2

Control

Teams

Up to 2

Control

Teams

Review of

Exercise

Conduct

Technical

Break

20 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 23 Sep 24 Sep

Up to 2

Control

Teams

Up to 2

Control

Teams

Up to 2

Control

Teams

Up to 2

Control

Teams

End of

Exercise

10. RCV Movement Routes / Ordnance Drop Areas in SCR. The RCV movement routes and ordnance approved drop areas within SCR are reflected in

Figure 1. Contractors are to note that the Red Dotted axis only allows off road movement. RCVs movement at that area must not be on the main axis. All RCVs movement have to be diverted onto the dirt track. This is to ensure that fibre optic cables embedded beneath the gravel axis do not get damaged when ordnance is employed. If unsure, the contractor must check directly with SCR Range Control or 366th Fighter Wing OSS/OSO to understand the range standing orders. The

Yellow Dotted axes will be constructed by the end of June and are permissible for

RCV movement and ordnance employment once completed. The contractor can expect to have the axis available before FPC.

Figure 1: RCV Movement Route and Ordnance Employment Axes in SCR

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11. RCV Movement Routes / Ordnance Drop Areas in OCTC. RCV movement and ordnance areas in OCTC is permissible only within the Small Arms Impact

Area. RCV movement is not allowed in the AIA. The Black Dotted axis8 is the singular axis presently identified as the RCV movement axis and ordnance drop area9 (see Figure 2). A recce conducted during Mid-term Planning Conference

(MPC) in Apr 21 found that the road conditions in OCTC were rough. However, such conditions can be expected to change overtime. The contractor is required to make an assessment to determine an operable area for RCVs and an ideal Control

Tower in the range. The current RCV Control Tower has been tentatively sited at

Wind Butte, based on OCTC Ops Officer’s recommendation. If relay stations need to be installed in the range, the contractor must engage OCTC Ops Officer to ensure that the relay stations are kept out of the Weapons Danger Zone (WDZ).

All recommended suggestions by contractor need to be within the permissible limits stated in the OCTC range handbook10 and standing orders. The contractor will provide an update on (1) RCV movement and (2) Control Tower location to

366 FAS once the recce has been completed.

Figure 2: RCV Movement Route and Ordnance Engagement Area in OCTC

12. Total RCVs Required for XFS 21. The total number of RCVs required for

XFS 21 is 24. These RCVs must be available and fully operational NLT 6 Sep

2021. The RCVs will be simulated as moving targets and are required to come in at least two different colours of 12 each. There is no specific model type for the

RCV. The dimension of the RCV should be approximately 16ft/4.8m (length), 5.5ft/1.6m (width), 5.5ft/1.6m (height), a typical large SUV vehicle with off-road

8 This axis is a fire break and is currently used by fire trucks during a fire emergency.

9 This is advised by OCTC Operations Officer and PC V detachment recce trip to the range on 14 Dec 2020.

10 Should the contractor require a copy of OCTC Range Handbook, it can be obtained from either OCTC Ops

Officer or SAF POC.

Wind Butte

OFFICIAL (OPEN)

capability (e.g. 4-wheel drive). The overall height of the RCV including the antenna mast for remote-control operations must not exceed 13ft/4m. The RCV must be controlled remotely from up to 10miles (16km) and able to navigate over undulating cross-country terrain. The RCV should have a maximum speed of

50mph and maintain a cruising speed of 30mph (+ 5mph) for SCR, while the recommended speed for RCV in OCTC will need to be advised by the contractor.

The RCV must be operational in both primary and back-up control means to ensure smooth and seamless switching between primary and back-up control mode. The RCV must come with an extension connector to be connected to the tow-box target.

13. Total Tow-Boxes Required for XFS 21. A total of 18 tow-box are required to be attached to the rear of the RCVs and painted in Olive Green. The tow-box will be employed as simulated moving targets and are require to be approximately

12ft/3.6m (length) by 5ft/1.5m (width) by 5ft/1.5m (height). The tow-box must come with its own extension connector. The overall length of the extension connector and tow-box should be approximately 28ft/8.6m long. The tow-box must always maintain a level profile on the road and must not topple while moving within the range. A quick release mechanism should be constructed as part of the extension connector so that the tow-box will not derail the RCV when it gets struck or cause the RCV to flip or stall. Examples of RCVs attached with tow-boxes are shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Examples of RCVs with Tow-boxes

14. Exercise Duration. All 24 RCVs and 18 tow-boxes must be available for utilisation throughout the entire duration of the exercise from 13 to 23 Sep

2021. This shall include technical support by the contractor to service and maintain the RCVs and tow-boxes such that they are fully functional and deployable throughout the exercise duration. A daily brief before the start of the day will be conducted by SAF RCV LO with the contractor throughout the exercise period.

15. Back-up Operations. The contractor must ensure that the RCVs are connected to the Control Tower on a stable primary mode of comms connection.

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The contractor must also ensure that secondary back-up mode of comms, that is, of a different form11 is also established and maintained throughout the exercise period for both ranges. In the event of a breakdown or comms failure12, the contractor must activate a back-up RCV or quickly link up with the secondary back-up control comms network within 30mins. This is to ensure that there will be minimal disruption to the exercise.

16. Command and Control with SAF RCV Liaison Officer and Range

Control. The contractor will be under the direct command and control of the SAF

RCV LO, based at MHAFB. This will be applicable to all RCV operations in SCR and OCTC. The SAF RCV LO will establish landline communication link with the control teams for the preparation and operation of the RCVs throughout the duration of the exercise. Contractor can advise SAF RCV LO if an secondary comms means is required for both ranges. The secondary communication means can leverage on LMR radios. The contractor shall also ensure that the Control

Teams establish stable communication links13 with SCR and OCTC Range

Control. For safety and contingency requirements, the contractor and control teams must be able to maintain communications with Range Control whenever

RCV operations are ongoing.

17. RCV and Control Systems. The RCV control teams must be familiar with the exercise area of operations; namely both SCR and OCTC. The contractor must conduct system checks, tests and ground reconnaissance in SCR and OCTC daily to ensure that the RCVs are ready for employment. Any issues with the RCVs, tow-boxes or control systems must be highlighted to SAF RCV LO immediately.

18. Communication Support and Frequency Clearance. The contractor shall make provisions for their own internal communications with their crew and any other POCs involved or affected by RCVs operations to ensure safety is observed at all times. If necessary, the contractor must obtain all necessary frequency clearances from the respective Range Control prior to the exercise or when required.

19. Conformance to the Range Standing Orders. The contractor while providing the stipulated services must adhere to SCR and OCTC range standing orders, both administratively and operationally. In addition, any environmental regulations governing the ranges must be adhered to throughout the duration of the exercise.

11 For example, if the primary mode of comms is via a WiFi network, the secondary back-up mode should be of a different modality such as 4G, LTE or GSM cellular network.

12 The RCV contractor had issues getting RCV control back up when the system experienced a comms failure for

XFS 19. This resulted in a lack of RCV support for the entire VUL while the issue was being rectified.

13 The communication link between SAF RCV LO and RCV POC is tentatively proposed to be via landline as the primary means. The secondary comms means will be via LMR.

20. Administrative and Logistic Support. The contractor is required to be self-sufficient in both administrative and logistical support. He is also liable to ensure that the control teams and RCVs are able to meet the requirements for the entire duration of service. The contractor shall also prepare sufficient spare parts, components and equipment to ensure that the RCVs and control teams are able to perform their roles throughout the exercise. Any system malfunction that occurs during a mission, the malfunctioning RCVs or control system shall be replaced immediately. The total downtime should not exceed 30mins. As such, all back-up systems and vehicles must be placed on standby to minimise disruption to the exercise.

21. Liquidation Damages (LD). XFS 21 operational demands and exercise support requirements expected from the RCV contractors will be stated in the contract. The contract will be mutually signed by both 366 FAS and the contractor.

All contractual agreements will be legally binding and takes effect upon the contractor’s acceptance of contractual obligations. Any breaches of contractual agreements will result in LD charges. In the event the contractor is unable to fulfil any tasking stated in the contract, 366 FAS is obligated to issue a Letter of

Concern before imposing any LD penalties.