SON-Mobile Targets.pdf

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 (Primary) or from18 to 28 Oct 2021 (Secondary). The SAF will lease a total of 24 Remotely-Controlled Vehicles (RCVs) and require up to eight RCV

Control Teams to support the exercise as moving targets which will be engaged by inert bombs. The RCVs shall be operated by the contractor under the command and control direction of SAF’s RCV liaison officer based at MHAFB.

AREA OF OPERATIONS

2. The RCVs and Control Teams will operate within Saylor Creek Range

(SCR) and Orchard Combat Training Center (OCTC) throughout XFS21 (See

Annex A for the Movement and Engagement Areas within SCR and OCTC).

CARDINAL REQUIREMENTS

3. The summary of moving targets required for XFS’21 are as follows:

S/N Requirements Location

1 2-6 Control Teams for total of 9 exercise days

(See details in Table 1a and 1b)

2 Control Teams will be operating in

Range for 2 exercise days

4 Control Teams will be operating in

Range for 2 exercise days

6 Control Teams will be operating in

Range for 5 exercise days

SCR

(OP Alpha)

2 1-2 Control Teams for total of 9 exercise days

(See details in Table 2a and 2b)

1 Control Teams will be operating in

Range for 6 exercise days

2 Control Teams will be operating in

Range for 3 exercise days

OCTC

(Range 22) *To determine exact location for relay station in OCTC at IPC).

Should the current COVID-19 situation result in any delay to the primary XFS21 exercise dates, the secondary dates have been determined to be 18 to 28 Oct 21. The decision to activate the secondary dates would be made by 31 Jan 2021.

The RCV control teams are required to operate in both Saylor Creek Range and Orchard Combat Training

Centre range.

3 18 Remotely-Controlled Vehicles (RCVs)

Painted in at least 2 difference colors

SCR

4 6 Remotely-Controlled Vehicles (RCVs)

Painted in at least 2 difference colors

OCTC

5 14 Tow Targets

Tow-boxes to be painted in Olive Green

SCR

6 4 Tow Targets

Tow-boxes to be painted in Olive Green

OCTC

7 1 SUV Tow Target

Roof and engine bonnet to be cut out and exposed

Engine compartment to be filled with cinder blocks

Able to sit up to 4 Mannequins (to simulate driver/passengers)

SCR

or OCTC

8 OPTIONAL (To be determined after contract award):

Capability Trial Run (1 day) by the Contractor to simultaneously operate 2 RCVs within SCR and

2 RCVs within OCTC to be conducted no later than (NLT) May or Jun 2021 during FPC.

(*Should there be a need to adjust RCVs’ specs or make changes to RCV operational requirements after the demo, there will be a need for another demo prior to the commencement of the exercise.)

SCR (OP Alpha) and

OCTC

(Range 22)

4. The moving target requirements will be utilised for the entire duration of

XFS21 from the exercise primary period from 13 to 23 Sep 2021 or the alternate period from18 to 28 Oct 2021 . Should the decision be made to conduct XFS21 in Sep 2021, all the above mentioned RCV requirements will need to be fully operational and ready for utilisation NLT 10 Sep 2021. However, if XFS21 was delayed to Oct 2021, all requirements would need to be fully operational and ready for utilisation NLT 15 Oct 2021.

The mannequins will be provided by another contractor.

Should the current COVID-19 situation result in any delay to the primary XFS21 exercise dates, the secondary dates have been determined to be 18 to 28 Oct 21. The decision to activate the secondary dates would be made by 31 Jan 2021.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MOVING TARGETS WITHIN

SAYLOR CREEK RANGE (SCR)

5. Operate between two to six RCVs. The specific operational requirement is for two to six RCVs to be operated remotely in SCR for engagement by inert bombs. The RCVs are required to operate smoothly and individually within and throughout the range without control interference or intermittence. The contractor must be able to operate maximally up to six moving targets simultaneously within the range, controlling from OP ALPHA. The contractor must ensure that they are able to overcome any RCV control or transmission obstacles/interference caused by the hilly features in the range. If required, the contractor may need to install either a relay transmitter equipment on PENCE BUTTE near the WISS Tower or ensure back-up control is established, prior to commencement of RCV operation. This is to ensure the smooth operation and control of the RCVs. This requirement is crucial when operating from OP

ALPHA.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MOVING TARGETS WITHIN

ORCHARD COMBAT TRAINING CENTRE (OCTC)

6. Operate between one to two RCVs. The specific operational requirement is for one to two RCVs to be operated remotely in OCTC range for engagement by inert bombs. The RCVs are required to operate smoothly and individually within and throughout OCTC without control interference or intermittence. The contractor must be able to operate maximally up to two moving targets simultaneously within OCTC, controlling from Range 22 (R22)

. The contractor must ensure that they are able to overcome any RCV control or transmission obstacles/interference caused by any hilly features in OCTC. If required, the contractor may need to install relay transmitter equipment at pre-identified locations or ensure back-up control is established, prior to commencement of

RCV operation. This to ensure the smooth operation and control of the RCVs.

SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS WITHIN AND ACROSS BOTH SCR

AND OCTC

7. Simultaneous Operations in both SCR and OCTC. The contractor must be able to operate maximally six RCVs and two RCVs in SCR and OCTC respectively. The RCVs operating within SCR will be controlled from OP ALPHA, while the RCVs operating within OCTC is proposed to be controlled from R22. The contractor must ensure that they are able to overcome any RCV

The contractor can advise and offer an ideal control location if R22 if found to be undesirable.

Should there be a need to install relay transmitter within OCTC, the contractor should identify and propose the location during the demo at FPC.

control or transmission obstacles/interference caused by the hilly features in both SCR and OCTC. If required, the contractor may need to install relay transmitter equipment at appropriate locations and ensure back-up control is established, prior to commencement of RCV operation, to overcome any screening effects on the RCVs. This is to ensure the smooth operation and control of the RCVs.

8. Back-up Operations. The contractor must ensure that the required RCVs are fully operational and functioning properly during the stipulated windows. In the event that any of the RCVs breakdown or fail to function, the contractor must either activate their back-up control system or activate a back-up RCV to replace the faulty RCV immediately and seamlessly in order not to affect operations. Besides the primary means of control, it is imperative that the contractor ensures a secondary back-up mode of control that is of a different modality/network is provisioned and maintained throughout the stipulated RCV operating windows at both SCR and OCTC.

9. Target Specifications. The target specifications are either the RCVs or having box-tow targets attached to the RCVs.

a. The dimension of the RCV should be approximately 16ft/4.8m

(length), 5.5ft/1.6m (width), 5.5ft/1.6m (height) or a typical large SUV vehicle with off-road capability (e.g. 4-wheel drive). The RCV must be controlled remotely from a distance of up to 10miles (16km) and able to navigate over undulating cross-country terrain, whilst maintaining a cruising speed of 30mph (+ 5mph).

b. The box-tow targets should be attached to the rear of the RCV and the dimension should be approximately 12ft/3.6m (length) by

5ft/1.5m (width) by 5ft/1.5m (height). The tow targets must come with its own extension connector. The overall length of the extension connector and box-tow target should be approximately 28ft/8.6m long.

DETAILED REQUIREMENTS FOR MOVING TARGETS

12. Capability Trial Run. After the contract is awarded, a decision will be taken on exercising the option for the capability trial run to be conducted for one day. The capability trial run would be discussed during Initial Planning

Conference (IPC) (to be held end Oct 2021) and the trial run conducted during

Final Planning Conference (FPC) (to be held in May/Jun 2021). However, should there be requirements for adjustment to RCVs’ specs or operational

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

demands after the capability trial run demonstration, there will be a need to organise another demonstration trial prior to the commencement of XFS 21. The hardware and software settings and configurations for the RCV and Control

Systems will be fixed and must not be changed after the conclusion of the capability trial run. The Contractor will be required to conduct a full capability trial run showcasing their ability to do the following simultaneously:

a. At SCR. To operate and remotely control two RCVs in the range from OP ALPHA at a distance of up to 10miles (16km). The RCVs must be able navigate over undulating cross-country terrain at the stipulated cruising speed of 30mph (+ 5mph) and satisfy expected operational requirements . The contractor must also establish both primary and back-up control of RCVs during the capability trial run to demonstrate the ability to control and operate smoothly, if one mode of control becomes faulty or unavailable.

b. At OCTC. To operate and remotely control two RCVs in the range (tentatively from R22), at a distance of up to 10miles (16km). The

RCVs must be able navigate over undulating cross-country terrain at the stipulated cruising speed of 30mph (+ 5mph) and satisfy expected operational requirements. The contractor must also establish both primary and back-up control of RCVs during the capability trial run to demonstrate the ability to control and operate smoothly, if one mode of control becomes faulty or unavailable.

13. Exercise Duration (Primary and Alternate Dates). The moving target requirements must be fully operational and ready NLT 10 Sep 2021, should the exercise be conducted in Sep 2021. The RCVs must be available for utilisation throughout the entire duration of the exercise from 13 to 23 Sep 2021. However, if the exercise is to be conducted in Oct 2021, the moving target requirements must be fully operational and ready NLT 15 Oct 2021 and the RCVs must be available for utilisation throughout the entire duration of the exercise from 18 to

28 Oct 2021. This shall include technical support by the contractor to service and maintain the RCVs and tow targets such that they are fully functional and deployable throughout the exercise duration. A detailed utilisation schedule for the RCVs and tow targets will be provided once the exercise program has been finalised.

Expected operational demands include requiring the target to traverse under varied operating profiles, for instance, travelling in a linear formation and splitting at junctions.

14. Operational Requirements.

a. Two to Six Control Teams at SCR. Two to six Control Teams must be available and fully operational NLT 10 Sep 2021 or 15 Oct

2021, contingent on the XFS21 dates, that are either from 13 to 23 Sep

2021 or 18 to 28 Oct 2021. Weekends have been scheduled as technical break days and there are no requirements for RCV operations on those days. The tentative primary and secondary schedule of requirements for the Control Teams operating at SCR are reflected in Table 1a and Table

1b respectively. The finalised requirements will be determined NLT end

Oct 20.

Table 1a: Tentative Schedule of Requirements of 2-6 Control Teams (SCR) (Primary)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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

2 Control

Teams

4 Control

Teams

4 Control

Teams

6 Control

Teams

6 Control

Teams

DAR Technical

Break

20 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 23 Sep 24 Sep

6 Control

Teams

6 Control

Teams

6 Control

Teams

2 Control

Teams

Closing

Ceremony

Table 1b: Tentative Schedule of Requirements of 2-6 Control Teams (SCR) (Secondary)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

18 Oct 19 Oct 20 Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 23 Oct 24 Oct

2 Control

Teams

4 Control

Teams

4 Control

Teams

6 Control

Teams

6 Control

Teams

DAR Technical

Break

25 Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 28 Oct 29 Oct

6 Control

Teams

6 Control

Teams

6 Control

Teams

2 Control

Teams

Closing

Ceremony

b. One to Two Control Teams at OCTC. One to two Control Teams must be available and fully operational prior to (NLT 10 Sep 2021 or 15

Oct 2021), contingent on the XFS21 dates, that are either from 13 to 23

Sep 2021 or 18 to 28 Oct 2021. Weekends have been scheduled as technical break days and there are no requirements for RCV operations on those days. The tentative primary and secondary schedule of requirements for the Control Teams operating at OCTC are reflected in

Table 2a and Table 2b respectively. The finalised requirements will be determined NLT end Oct 2021.

Table 2a: Tentative Schedule for Requirements of 1 to 2 Control Teams (OCTC) (Primary)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

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

1 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

DAR Technical

Break

20 Sep 21 Sep 22 Sep 23 Sep 24 Sep

2 Control

Teams

2 Control

Teams

2 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

Closing

Ceremony

Table 2b: Tentative Schedule of Requirements of 1 to 2 Control Teams (OCTC) (Secondary)

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

18 Oct 19 Oct 20 Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 23 Oct 24 Oct

1 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

DAR Technical

Break

25 Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 28 Oct 29 Oct

2 Control

Teams

2 Control

Teams

2 Control

Teams

1 Control

Teams

Closing

Ceremony

b. Simultaneous Operations. The Control Teams are required to operate independently and simultaneously control the RCVs at (1) SCR from OP ALPHA, (2) OCTC from R22 and (3) from both SCR and

OCTC. The contractor must ensure that they are able to overcome any

RCV control or transmission obstacles/interference caused by the hilly features in both ranges.

a. RCV Movement Routes in SCR and OCTC. The movement route for the RCVs throughout SCR is depicted in Figure 1 and highlighted in

Yellow. The movement route in OCTC is currently limited to one linear axis is depicted in Figure 2 and highlighted in Yellow. The contractor is required to work with Range Control Operations on the approved RCV employment areas, and the requisite range clearance, operating locations and routes to be taken within SCR and OCTC (see Annex A).

Figure 1: Movement Route for RCVs in Saylor Creek Range (SCR)

A recce trip to OCTC will be conducted by SAF personnel during IPC to determine if there are further axes or off-road axes that RCVs can operate on. Currently OCTC is limited to 1 x linear axis as advised by OCTC.

Figure 2: Movement Route for RCVs in Orchard Combat Training Centre (OCTC)

b. 24 RCVs. A minimum of 24 RCVs must be available and fully operational prior to the exercise period (NLT 10 Sep 2021 or 15 Oct

2021). The RCVs are required to come in at least two different colors

(equal numbers) and of no specific model type. The dimension of the

RCV should be approximately 16ft/4.8m (length), 5.5ft/1.6m (width), 5.5ft/1.6m (height) or a typical large SUV vehicle with off-road 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 a distance of up to 10miles

(16km) and able to navigate over undulating cross-country terrain. The

RCV should have a maximum speed of 50mph (80km/h) and be able to maintain a cruising speed of 30mph (+ 5mph). The RCV must be operational in both primary and back-up control means to ensure smooth and seamless operations. Examples of the RCVs attached with tow targets are as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Examples of RCVs with Tow Targets

c. 19 Tow Targets. A total of 19 tow targets are required to be attached to the rear of the RCVs.

(1) 18 Box-Tow Targets. A total of 18 box tow targets painted in Olive Green are required with the dimension of approximately

12ft/3.6m (length) by 5ft/1.5m (width) by 5ft/1.5m (height). Each tow target will come with its own extension connector. The extension connector between the RCV and the box tow target shall be at least 16ft/5m long. The overall length of the extension connector and tow target should be approximately 28ft/8.6m long. The tow target shall maintain a level profile on the road at all times and shall not topple while moving in the range. A quick release mechanism should be constructed as part of the extension connector so that the tow target will not derail the RCV when it is struck or cause the RCV to flip or stall.

(2) One SUV-Tow Target Dedicated for Sniping Operations

(Employed either at SCR or OCTC) (see Annex B). One SUV-

Tow target will be specifically required for sniping operations.

This tow target comprises a SUV vehicle body (without engine) with its roof and engine bonnet cut out and exposed. (see Figure

4) and it will be towed by an RCV (see Annex B for details). The

SUV must be able to accommodate up to four mannequins which will be placed inside the vehicle to simulate as driver/passengers. This set of SUV and tow-box target containing up to four mannequins must be made available during the exercise duration. It will be placed at either SCR or OCTC

Each SUV tow target will come with its own extension connector and overall length should be at least 28ft/8.6m long. The exposed engine compartment will be filled with cinder blocks and levelled with the car’s surface. The contractor is required to have sufficient cinder block spares for replacement at the end of each live firing session. The SUV tow target should maintain a level profile at all times and must not topple when moving in the range.

The mannequins will be provided by another contractor and each mannequin is attached with a metal target plate.

Decision on where to place target will be made by FPC.

Figure 4: Example of SUV-Tow Target

15. Added RCVs Operational Requirement. As part of RCVs operational requirements, they are also expected to travel and hide under designated car shelters to conceal their movements and re-appear upon command from

Singapore RCV Liaison Officer (See Figure 5 for example of car shelter). These car shelters will be placed at both SCR and OCTC as depicted in Figure 1 and

Figure 2 above respectively.

Figure 5: Example Car Shelter

16. Command and Control. The contractor will be under the command and control direction of the Singapore RCV Liaison Officer based at Mountain

Home Air Force Base on all RCV operations in SCR and OCTC. The Liaison

Officer will establish mobile phone and LMR communication with the Control

Teams for the preparation and operation of the RCVs throughout the duration of the exercise. The contractor is to ensure the Control Teams establish stable mobile phone coverage and are able to maintain constant communication with the Liaison Officer. For safety and contingency requirements, the contractor and its personnel must be able to maintain LMR or mobile phone communications with Range Control Operations and the Singapore RCV Liaison Officer.

The temporary car shelters will be provided by another contractor and each measures 46ft/14m (L) x 10ft/3m

(W) x 13ft/4m (H).

17. Employment Areas. The Control Teams must be familiar with the exercise area. The Contractor must conduct system checks, tests and ground reconnaissance in SCR and OCTC to ensure that the RCVs are ready for employment and do not face interference or loss of control.

18. Communication Support and Frequency Clearance. The contractor shall make provisions for their own internal communications to control their crew and the moving targets and obtain the necessary clearance from Range Control

Operations prior to the exercise. The contractor shall also ensure that their communication links with the Singapore RCV Liaison Officer and Range

Control Operations is maintained throughout the exercise.

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 any environmental regulations throughout the duration of the exercise.

20. Administrative and Logistic Support. The contractor is required to provide all administrative and logistical support 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 entire duration of the exercise. For any system malfunction that occurs during a mission, the malfunctioning RCVs or remote control system shall be replaced immediately and seamlessly with the spare RCV or control system, which will be put on standby to minimise interferences to the mission.

ANNEX A

AREA OF OPERATIONS FOR RCV IN SCR

Figure A-1: RCV Movement Area within SCR

Figure A-2: RCV Engagement Area within SCR

AREA OF OPERATIONS FOR RCV IN OCTC

Figure A-3: RCV Movement Area within OCTC (No Movement within AIA)

Figure A-4: RCV Engagement Areas within OCTC (To be confirmed during IPC)

B-1

ANNEX B

AREA OF OPERATIONS FOR SNIPPING OPERATIONS

Figure B-1: Sniper Firing on RCV (SCR)

Figure B-2: Sniper Firing on RCV (OCTC)