Modern military communication systems market is developing rapidly. The progress in electronics opens technical opportunities for most advanced ideas to become reality. These days, an intercom system is no longer a "vehicular telephone" as known before. However, some presentations of the intercom systems capabilities are based on the commercial market slogans, like Internet or multimedia, trying to catch the attention of customers. But they should rather be focused on the attributes of primary importance for the military applications like reliability, ease of operation, fast reaction times.
The objective of intercom installation is to provide the crew with voice communication inside and outside the vehicle. The added functions of digital data transmission simplify integration of vehicle electronic subsystems into consistent voice and digital data exchange network. Such solution is compliant with the general trend of battlefield digitization, starting at the individual vehicle level. However, these new solutions must not affect existing structures, standards and military customs.
FONET intercom has been primarily designed to be the direct replacement for ordinary analogue or early digital intercoms. The customer is thus protected against extra costs, like those resulting from excessive cabling requirements.
Due to software driven configuration, any arrangement of the six types of standard modules into a network of user defined functionality can be build. Any vehicle, from simple MBT to complex command station, can be equipped with FONET according to its application. For logistics, anyway, there are just six units to manage without any add-on boards, drivers, extensions etc. It is the software that changes the configuration, makes adoption of headsets and radio types, number of radios or crew stations. As the units fulfill the most demanding standards, FONET system can be installed in all types of wheeled and tracked vehicles where the advanced DSP speech processing offers unprecedented speech intelligibility.
FONET connectivity is not limited to a single vehicle. FONET is a firm foundation for the complex command systems (BMS, C4I), where voice communication and digital information exchange is crucial. The 1200 meters range of undisturbed, bidirectional communication is provided by means of a regular field line, whereas the maximum radio communication distance is determined by the type of the radio used. Moreover, all the rugged computers manufactured by WB Electronics are fitted with the appropriate FONET interface socket, what makes the command-post portable within the cable connection range.
FONET, due to its software configuration capability, perfectly fits any existing vehicle.
Introduction of this modern vehicular intercom does not incur replacement of other expensive vehicle components. In the slip-ring instance, the requirements for FONET line quality are so moderate that can easily be fulfilled by the existing unit. Furthermore, FONET ability to process digital data transmission can even lead to reduction in number of the slip-ring's ways required. Apart from that, all pending modernization programmes include implementation of the Battlefield Management Systems as one of the main objectives. FONET is the system of choice for these projects. Moderate cost of the hardware replacement saves the resources for true system oriented solutions.
FONET modular structure simplifies the selection of unit type and functions for every crewmember. Any subsequent modifications, concerning connection network structure, radio access rights and other features are done by software download. This can be done at any time, on board the vehicle, with all the system already installed and operational. This advantage leads to reduction of the development expenses.
FONET is built around the central unit - system's heart and brain. Crewmember stations and the central unit connect in a star architecture, where a single twisted pair cable provides power, voice, data and signalling to slaves. Every central unit can host up to 10 terminal stations, and can be further cascaded for more capacity. The terminal stations, depending on execution option selected, can provide voice connection for one or two headsets, alarm inputs or data connection (RS232/RS422 or other). All the available interfaces allow the vehicle designers to integrate on-board equipment into a consistent voice/data network open for a commander terminal control and allowing the intercom to perform as the system audio channel providing synthesized voice messages triggered by the events or tactical situation and as a reliable Local Area Network carrying C4I system data traffic.
FONET can interface directly to the contemporary or obsolete telephone and radio communication units. Vehicular, field and wide area network telephone lines can connect to the dedicated TS unit. Any type of analogue or digital radio transceiver can be connected, requiring only the software modification.
FONET is in service for the Polish Armed Forces since 2001. The system has found applications in many types of vehicles - armoured, command, reconnaissance and artillery units. The tracked vehicles installations provide evidence for the advanced noise reduction technology benefits. FONET has been equally successfully used for new vehicles as for the modernizations of those designed years ago.
