Details

1. Introduction
Modern battlefields are complex, fast-moving, and heavily dependent on secure communication and coordination. Artillery regiments in particular require real-time information, rapid fire-control decisions, and continuous communication with higher headquarters and deployed batteries. Traditional tent-based command posts are often limited by poor weather protection, lack of mobility, and vulnerability to electronic or physical threats.

The Vehicle-Mounted Expandable Battery Command Post (BCP) solves these challenges by providing a mobile, protected, and fully equipped command centre that can move with artillery units into forward areas. It is built on a TATA 2.5 Ton GS vehicle and houses a containerised expandable shelter that opens up on the battlefield to create a spacious working environment.

This system is essentially a “war room on wheels” – equipped with:
• Power generation so it can function without external electricity.
• Communication infrastructure including fibre optic networking and tactical radios for secure, long-range connectivity.
• Telescopic masts for mounting antennas and surveillance equipment.
• Climate control and safety systems to keep the crew safe and effective.
• Ergonomic furniture and storage for operators, weapons, computers, and communication gear.

Once deployed, the BCP becomes the nerve centre for artillery operations, allowing commanders to direct fire missions, coordinate with higher HQ, and maintain secure connectivity even in remote or hostile environments.

For a layman: Imagine a fully air-conditioned mobile office, loaded with computers, radios, and communication gear, which folds out on the battlefield and allows a team of officers to command artillery fire. It is rugged enough for military use, safe against environmental hazards, and mobile enough to keep up with frontline units.

2. System Overview
The Battery Command Post (BCP) is designed as a self-contained, rapidly deployable tactical headquarters. Unlike static command centres, it is mounted on a rugged TATA 2.5 Ton GS vehicle platform, ensuring mobility and quick repositioning during dynamic operations.
Key Functional Elements:

Expandable Modular Shelter
The heart of the BCP is a containerised cabin with expandable side walls and reinforced flooring, which creates additional working area once deployed. The shelter is insulated, durable, and painted in military camouflage for concealment and protection against harsh weather conditions.

Power Independence
A 2.5 KVA silent generator supplies onboard electricity, backed by an AC/DC power distribution system and battery bank. This ensures continuous power for communications, climate control, and tactical systems even in power-denied environments.

Communication Infrastructure
With Optical Line Terminal Equipment (OLTE), 1000m of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), and secure tactical radios, the BCP ensures real-time, encrypted connectivity with higher HQ, artillery batteries, and external networks.

Mast Systems
The system includes two telescopic masts:
o A 10m pneumatic mast for heavy antenna arrays, radios, or surveillance equipment.
o A 3m multipurpose mast for lighter devices and quick deployment.

Ergonomics and Crew Comfort
Designed for six operators, the interior is equipped with foldable workstations, chairs, server racks, gun racks, and storage cupboards. A 1-ton AC unit, exhaust fans, and LED lighting ensure comfort and safety during long missions.

3. Technical Specifications
Below is a comprehensive table capturing the key technical aspects of the BCP system:

  

    
Category
    
Specification
  
  

    
Base Vehicle
    
TATA 2.5 Ton GS Truck (Army standard, ruggedised)
  
  

    
Shelter Type
    
Containerised aluminium modular shelter, expandable
  
  

    
Expansion
    
500 mm slide-out side walls + reinforced floor panels
  
  

    
Flatbed Construction
    
ISMC cross members, MS supports, twist-lock ISO corners
  
  

    
Flooring
    
Anti-static, reinforced with skid protection, earthing grid
  
  

    
Paint & Protection
    
Camouflage polyurethane finish, epoxy primer, grit-blast prep
  
  

    
Power Source
    
2.5 KVA silent petrol/diesel generator
  
  

    
Secondary Power
    
230V AC mains connectivity
  
  

    
Power Distribution
    
RCCB, MCB, voltage/current protection, multifunction meter
  
  

    
Cabling
    
300m 16x4 IS 1554 cables on drums, FRLS internal wiring
  
  

    
Battery Backup
    
Utility box with 8 × 12V batteries (24V system)
  
  

    
Masts
    
10m pneumatic mast (compressor/foot pump) & 3m multipurpose mast
  
  

    
Communication Backbone
    
OLTE (Optical Line Terminal Equipment) + 1000m OFC
  
  

    
Networking Capacity
    
Up to 10 Gbps, 20 km reach (SFP/SFP+ modules)
  
  

    
Radio Integration
    
Mounts for STARS V Mk II radios & tactical computers
  
  

    
Climate Control
    
1-ton AC, 4 wall-mounted fans, 1 exhaust fan
  
  

    
Lighting
    
4 ceiling LED lights, 4 spotlights, external bulkhead lights
  
  

    
Furniture & Ergonomics
    
6 revolving chairs, 4 foldable tables, cupboards, racks, weapon mounts
  
  

    
Safety Systems
    
Smoke detector, fire extinguisher, lightning arrester, earthing grid
  
  

    
Operating Temperature
    
0°C to 50°C
  
  

    
Altitude
    
Up to 1000m AMSL
  
  

    
Crew Capacity
    
6 operators
  
  

    
Deployment Time
    
30–45 minutes with 5–6 personnel
  
  

    
Delivery Timeline
    
270 days from order
  
  

    
Testing & Acceptance
    
30-day fault-free operational trial
  


4. Deployment and Operations
Deployment Procedure
1. Vehicle Positioning – The GS truck parks on a level surface, with handbrakes applied.
2. Shelter Expansion – Side walls slide outwards (500 mm each side) and floor panels extend. Locking pins secure the structure.
3. Mast Deployment – Telescopic masts (10m & 3m) are raised using pneumatic compressors/foot pumps and secured with Kevlar guy ropes.
4. Power-Up – Generator started, power distributed via PDU; external supply connection also available.
5. System Activation – Air-conditioning, lights, fans, and safety systems switched on.
6. Commencement of Operations – Radios, fibre optic communication, and tactical computing systems activated.

Operational Capability
• Fully operational within 30–45 minutes.
• Accommodates 6 operators simultaneously.
• Maintains continuous operation through generator, batteries, and external AC input.
• Field trials include a 30-day continuous test to ensure reliability.

5. Safety and Survivability
The BCP is designed not just for comfort, but for survivability in adverse conditions:
• Electrical Safety – RCCB/MCB protection, surge suppression, FRLS cabling, earthing grid.
• Fire Safety – Integrated smoke detector with alarms, portable fire extinguisher.
• Environmental Safety – Lightning arrester, anti-static flooring, sealed AC units.
• Structural Safety – Camouflage exterior, reinforced shelter body, weatherproof insulation.
• Operational Safety – Kevlar guy ropes for mast stability in winds up to 40 km/h, secure locking collars, reinforced floor skids.
Together, these features ensure that the BCP can operate safely in field deployments while minimizing risks to crew and equipment.

6. Applications
The BCP has both primary military applications and secondary civil/military dual-use potential:

Military Applications
• Artillery Fire Control Centre – Serves as the command node for directing fire missions and controlling multiple batteries.
• Mobile Command Post – Allows regiments to relocate command centres without losing operational tempo.
• Secure Communications Hub – Fibre and radio-based communications keep units linked to higher HQs and peers.
• Forward-Deployed Operations – Deployed close to battle lines, providing commanders with real-time situational awareness.

Civil/Military Dual-Use Applications
• Disaster Management – Mobile headquarters for coordination during natural disasters, providing power and comms.
• Border Security Posts – Rugged, relocatable command centres for surveillance operations.
• Emergency Response – Used by paramilitary or disaster relief teams to establish forward coordination centres.

7. Conclusion
The Vehicle-Mounted Expandable Battery Command Post (BCP) is a next-generation tactical headquarters, offering:
• Mobility – Rapid relocation on a 2.5 Ton GS vehicle.
• Independence – Own generator, batteries, and climate control systems.
• Connectivity – Fibre optic and radio-based communication.
• Ergonomics – Comfortable working environment for extended operations.
• Survivability – Built-in safety measures, camouflage, and rugged military design.

By transforming a standard Army GS vehicle into a fully functional “battlefield HQ on wheels”, the BCP enhances the command and control capabilities of artillery regiments, improves decision-making speed, and ensures operational continuity in any environment. It is a force multiplier, bridging the gap between traditional static command posts and the modern need for mobile, survivable, and network-enabled tactical infrastructure.