The use of Digitalized Field Artillery System (SISDAC) with georeferenced howitzers

Abstract

Of the recent modernizations in the Brazilian Army's Artillery, two stand out when compared to the international context. The acquisition of howitzers equipped with georeferenced systems, such as the M109A5+BR, combined with the Fire Direction Center computerized through the Digitized Field Artillery System (SISDAC), creates an opportunity for updating the employment doctrine of Field Artillery. This objective of this article is to discuss the impact of using georeferenced kinetic vectors integrated with SISDAC on the Brazilian Field Artillery doctrine, with an emphasis on the Fire Direction and Coordination as well as the Line of Fire subsystems. To achieve this, results were drawn from two field studies: one conducted at the 5th Self-Propelled Field Artillery Group (5º GAC AP), featuring the M109A5+BR self-propelled howitzer, and the other at the Simulation Section (Seç Sml) of Agulhas Negras Military Academy (AMAN) during 2023 Fire Support Simulator (SIMAF) training exercises. The research compared conventional Fire Direction Centers with SISDAC-based systems and included interviews with experts. The findings were then compared with the doctrines of the United States and French armies. In conclusion, the study observed the possibility of updating the Brazilian doctrine in light of the technological advancements brought by these systems, highlighting the need for further studies on other subsystems within the Brazilian Army's Artillery.