Operational User Requirements and Priorities for a Soldier's Integrated Headwear System (Priorites et Exigences Operationnelles du Casque Integre du Soldat)

Abstract : Development of future infantry soldier systems with portable computing systems, advanced sensors, intra-section communications, head-mounted displays, and so on, has been ongoing among NATO nations for over a decade. Key to the success of any future soldier system will be the effective integration of capabilities and technologies on the head. Defence Research and Development Canada is undertaking a technology demonstration programme to investigate various designs and means of integrating headwear components and sub-systems: the Soldier's Integrated Headwear System (SIHS) programme. This programme will be faced with many design and capability trade-off decisions. To ensure that these decisions consider the aims and intent of the Canadian Army, and reflect the operational context for employment of such a future headwear system, an Infantry Subject Matter Workshop was held to acquire insight into operator priorities and the associated importance of various capabilities and technologies for a future infantry headwear system. The priorities and importance assigned to select system capabilities and usability criteria during this workshop provide the SIHS programme with the necessary guidance and direction for future headborne system design efforts.