RN Ship Link 16 UOR Martin Wicks - Aerosystems International martin.wicks@aeroint.com

Task In the build up to Op Telic AeI was tasked with installing Link 16 Stand-Alone Capability (L16 SAC) on various types of RN ships. This presentation covers Why AeI were used How the UOR was accomplished What capability has been delivered Lessons Learnt

Why AeI? Proven record of delivering capability in challenging UOR time frame Tanker UOR JTIDS Proven capability in JTIDS/Link 16 systems The provider of Data Link solutions to the majority of the UK platforms Established team-working relationships with the Tactical Data Link IPT Established products available with no significant development required. On the shelf

Data Links - Product Strategy Within the field of tactical data links it is AeI’s policy to design and develop a range of software product-components, that are functionally complementary to each other, and can work together to provide our customers with complete systems that are interoperable and supportable.

RN Ship Interim Fit RN Ship Stand-Alone Fit Test & Integration Le DLS LASS DNS JATS Astor Norway Greece Tanker UOR RN Ship Interim Fit RN Ship Stand-Alone Fit Situation Awareness Network Management DLOC JPC NC3A JPC 1ACC JPC Norway JPC SKW Trainer CTT5 DLS MCT Simulation & Training AeI Products Data Link Processors Astute MR2 JLC Interoperability Test LION Norway Data Link Product Lines SMART IDPF DLCS Cayman MUX Qualified Product Components DAMSL DATM TRT SALAD ATLAS AGILE Draft 3 - Feb 03

Message Interface (MIF) TDL Components Host Tactical System TCS SALAD SDR ATLAS Cayman SMART Rec File L16 TRT JTIDS Terminal L11 TRT Link 11 DTS IDPF Load File Net Design AGILE Message Interface (MIF)

Product Attributes Good functional partitioning yields a set of modular and complementary product-components. The framework is adaptive and extensible to accommodate changes in technology rapidly (e.g. various terminal types, new TDLs) The product-components share a common standards-based interface so that they can be ‘glued’ together. Built-in recording and playback. The interface supports ‘remote’ connections to yield distributed systems. Operating system and platform independent.

Message Interface (MIF) L16 SAC Components IDPF Load File Net Design TCS SALAD JTIDS Terminal ATLAS L16 TRT Cayman SMART Link 11 DTS AGILE L11 TRT Message Interface (MIF) SDR Rec File Host Tactical System

L16 SAC Components IDPF Load File Net Design TCS SALAD JTIDS Terminal ATLAS L16 TRT SMART SDR Rec File

L16 SAC Architecture

Physical Equipment Crate Remote Crate

System Capabilities The L16 SAC is a non-integrated Link 16 system utilising the AN/URC-138 airborne terminal. It provides the ship with: Multiple Situational Awareness Displays. Transmission of J2.3 PPLI (Host Generated), J28.2/ANFT Free Text and JTIDS Voice (2.4kbps and 16kbps). Advanced Network Monitoring (via ATLAS). Dynamic Network Management. Initialisation Data Preparation Facility (IDPF) Remote Terminal Control. Built-in navigation feed (GPS)

Capabilities Strengths Available, off the shelf hardware and software Readily installed with no impact on existing on-board system Good appreciation of Link 16 tactical picture Ability to transmit free text messages Secure JTIDS voice Self identification on the JTIDS network Affordable due to very low impact on existing ship systems

Capabilities Weaknesses - Lack of integration with on-board systems no transmission of local sensor data on the network no fusion of Link 16 and organic sensor pictures Swivel chair interface for the operator between L16 SAC and combat system

Development Opportunities Integration AeI are working on an fully integrated multi-link solution with the combat system provider (AMS) Based on our CAYMAN Multi-Link Processor Resolves the weaknesses in the existing fit Requires combat system changes (to accommodate Link 16) that have already been completed as part of the RNJSS programme This integration has been demonstrated by a joint AeI and AMS team

HMI

Time-Scales To date, 7 ships have received the full L16 SAC with 2 ships fitted ‘for but not with’ Further ships are being fitted Typical fit process Survey ship Fit System Test System Train Crew Get Contract

AeI as Prime Contractor Responsible for ship-fitting Underhill Engineering and BAE - SWSE Documentation Training Initial course plus 3 days at sea for each ship some in UK, some Mediterranean and some in Theatre Support Field service engineer arrangements

Lessons Learnt Radars are good at frying GPS equipment When you fit a situational display in the captain’s cabin you need a mahogany supplier and skilled craftsmen

Lessons Learnt Capability can be delivered in short time-scales and within tight budgets - can general procurement practices learn from this Training is a key issue for planning, set-up and ongoing operation of the system Flexibility of our staff is key in being able to deliver UORs Close team working with Navy, TDL IPT and subcontract suppliers is critical

Summary UOR fit achieved very rapidly to meet fleet needs Close team-working a key enabler to achieving these programmes Fleet connectivity with Link 16 for coalition operations Situational Awareness PPLI Astonishing Value for money