FUNCTION KEY ASSIGNMENT

F1 This Menu

F2 Use All

F3 Undo Changes

F4 Fire Support Coordination

Measures (FSCM)

F5 Hipshoot

F6 Final Protective Fire (FPF)

F7 Boresight

F8 Safety Fan

F9 Checkfire

F10 To Be Determined

F11 Not Used

F12 Not Used

Table 6-1. Function keys.

Figure 6–2. The commander’s interface.

(2) Keyboard Backlighting Control (2, Figure 6-2). This control adjusts the intensity of the light (with off, low, and high settings).

(3) NUM LK (Number Lock) Key and Indicator (3, Figure 6-2). Keys with blue numerals and arithmetic functions can be used as a number pad. Inadvertent use of the NUM LK key may result in the inability to perform other desired functions. When activated, the indicator light is illuminated.

(4) Mouse (4, Figure 6-2). The mouse allows the user to move the cursor on the screen.

(5) Windows Key (5, Figure 6-2). Not used by operator.

(6) Alphabetic, Numeric, and Special Character Keys (6, Figure 6-2). These keys function as a standard keyboard to compose messages, and is another method to enter data into the system.

(7) BLACKOUT Key (7, Figure 6-2). This key blacks out the screen to guard against enemy detection in a tactical environment.

(8) F1 and F2 Function Keys (9 and 10, Figure 6-2). These keys make a selection in the software. Mouse or keyboard use is recommended.

(9) Right, Left, Down, and Up Direction Arrow Keys (11, 12, 13, and 14, Figure 6-2). These keys make a selection in the software. Mouse or keyboard use is recommended.

(10) ENT (Enter) Key (15, Figure 6-2). The enter key brings up a menu of function keys.

(11) CTL (Control), ALT (Alternate), and ESC (Escape) Keys (16, 17, and 18, Figure 6-2) are not used in this application.

(12) Screen Brightness Intensity Buttons (19 and 20, Figure 6-2). These buttons decrease and increase the brightness of the LCD screen.

(13) BTRY2 (Battery 2) and BTRY1 (Battery 1) Indicators (21 and 22, Figure 6-2). These indicators illuminate with a green light when the capacity of the respective battery is 50 to 100 percent of power, with amber light when capacity is 25 to 50 percent, and with no illumination when capacity drops below 25 percent.

(14) POWER Indicator (23, Figure 6-2). The power indicator illuminates with green light when the computer is being powered with external power (PDA, AC/DC adapter) and with amber light when battery power only is used.

b. Power Distribution Assembly (Figure 6-3). The PDA accepts direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) to power the MFCS components. It filters vehicle power through a DC-to-DC power system that isolates the MFCS components from fluctuations in vehicle power, including vehicle starting. It also provides protection to the MFCS components against reverse polarity and power surges. The PDA also provides a 115-220v AC interface for connection to available line power that supports classroom training as well as nonfield usage, which preserves the battery charge level.

Figure 6-3. The power distribution assembly.

(1) Power ON Switch (1, Figure 6-3). The power ON switch turns the PDA on and off for DC power only.

(2) Switch and LED Indicator for Global Positioning System (2, Figure 6-3). This switch distributes power to the PLGR on the M1064 only. The LED turns green when the switch is ON.

(3) Switch and LED Indicator for Driver’s Display (3, Figure 6-3). This switch distributes power to the driver‘s display (DD) on the M1064 only. The LED turns green when the switch is ON.

(4) Switch and LED Indicator for Gunner’s Display (4, Figure 6-3). This switch distributes power to the gunner‘s display (GD) on the M1064 only. The LED turns green when the switch is ON.

(5) Switch and LED Indicator for Commander’s Interface (5, Figure 6-3). This switch distributes power to the CI. The LED turns green when the switch is ON.

(6) Switch and LED Indicator for Pointing Device (6, Figure 6-3). This switch distributes power to the pointing device (PD) on the M1064 only. The LED turns green when the switch is ON.

(7) Switch and LED Indicator for Printer (7, Figure 6-3). This switch distributes power to the printer (PRN) or, in an emergency, the PRN port can be used to power the PD. The LED turns green when the switch is ON. This switch is not used in MFCS application except in an emergency situation.

(8) FAULT LED Indicator (8, Figure 6-3). The LED illuminates with amber light and, possibly, flickers if the PDA malfunctions.

c. Pointing Device (Figure 6-4, page 6-6). The PD is mounted in the M1064 mortar carrier and aligns the M121 mortar. It can maintain alignment and accuracy within 3 mils of azimuth and 1 mil of elevation in all conditions. It provides pointing and positional performance at an operational range of 80 degrees south to 84 degrees north latitude. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) provides the weapon with absolute knowledge of vehicle position and mortar barrel azimuth and elevation. The IMU can determine the orientation of the mortar barrel without the need for survey control points, aiming circles, or aiming posts, which allows the mortar platoon to emplace at any location and at any time. To maintain a high degree of accuracy, the IMU incorporates information from the GPS and a vehicle motion sensor (VMS). The design of the PD allows for the loss of the GPS, the VMS, or both devices without substantial degradation of overall performance.

Figure 6-4. Pointing device.

d. Gunner’s Display (Figure 6-5). The GD provides the gunner with the necessary information to aim and fire the mortar by displaying deflection and elevation commands.

It also displays “check fire” and CFF commands. It is mounted to the left center bipod leg. Function keys are used to start various displays that cover the gunner’s functional needs for information, status, and reporting.

Figure 6-5. Gunner’s display.

(1) TEST Key (1, Figure 6-5). This key initiates the internal built-in test (BIT) display.

(2) BRT and DIM Keys (2 and 3, Figure 6-5). These keys increase and decrease the brightness of the LCD.

(3) Locking Clamp (4, Figure 6-5). The locking clamp is used to allow the gunner to adjust the position of the display.

e. Driver’s Display (Figure 6-6). Located within the driver’s vision, the DD provides the driver with the steering directions and compass orientation to move the vehicle to the next firing location or waypoint. It also provides information to correctly orient the vehicle at the next emplacement. Information is graphically displayed for steering directions and compass orientation, and numerically for distance and heading.

Figure 6-6. Driver’s display.

(1) Dimmer Knob (1, Figure 6-6). The dimmer knob controls the brightness of the LCD.

(2) Liquid Crystal Display (2, Figure 6-6). The LCD displays directions to the next position. Blinking of the LCD indicates a CFF.

(3) Toggle Switch (3, Figure 6-6). With the toggle switch turned to NAV, the LCD displays directional instructions. The TRK and TURRET/TARGET toggle positions are not used.

f. Vehicle Motion Sensor (Figure 6-7). The VMS provides the PD with vehicle velocity data to reduce the vertical position error and improve location accuracy. Rotation of the drive wheels, and, thus, motion of the vehicle, creates a pulse, which represents forward or backward motion of the vehicle. The VMS is mounted inside the engine compartment in front of the driver’s cab on the M1064 carrier.

Figure 6-7. Vehicle motion sensor.

6-2. CAPABILITIES

The computer design permits the system to be upgraded to match expanding demands on field terminal equipment. Currently, the MFCS is capable of storing:

• Eighteen gun positions.

• Three gun sections.

• Fifty known points.

• Fifty known targets.

• Sixteen registration points.

• Three FPFs.

• Twelve FO locations.

a. Commander’s Interface Processing Capabilities. The CI can simultaneously process up to six active fire missions consisting of one to six guns in a mission as long as no mission consists of guns from different sections and no gun is assigned to more than one mission concurrently. It can also—

• Accept up to 100 digital messages.

• Handle a full range of mortar ammunition per type.

• Conduct registration missions and apply all registration corrections automatically.

• Receive, compute, and automatically apply all MET corrections.

• Store a maximum of 10 safety fans.

• Provide a 13-digit grid to impact for all rounds.

• Provide azimuth and range from gun to impact for each round.

• Connect to radio or wire for digital communications.

(1) The CI can be powered with dual nickel metal hydride (NiMh) rechargeable lithium batteries. Power can also be supplied through power adapter options of 12- to 32-volt DC, or 110- or 220-volt AC power. The CI also contains power saving circuitry.

(2) The CI accepts digital messages from the Forward Observer System (FOS), the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), and the interim fire support artillery software (IFSAS) to support the following fire support coordination measures (FSCM) digital messaging devices (DMDs). It has an integral speaker and software to control its output and provides the following safety geometry:

• No fire areas (NFA).

• Coordinated fire lines (CFL).

• Restricted fire areas (RFA).

• Restricted fire lines (RFL).

• Lateral boundaries (LB).

• Airspace coordination areas (ACA).

• Forward line of troops (FLOT).

b. Commander’s Interface Battery Specifications. The CI holds two rechargeable NiMh batteries, which are for backup power purposes only. The CI can operate without batteries. Features include:

• Single batteries can be replaced while the system is in operation.

• Batteries cannot be installed incorrectly.

• Battery power will last approximately four hours total at ambient conditions.