1. EW Technology Transition
Dr Jackie Craig; Mr Brian Reid; Dr Warren Marwood; Mr Mike Bell;
Dr John Haub
Electronic Warfare and Radar Division
DSTO, Edinburgh
THIS PRESENTATION IS UNCLASSIFIED

2. Outline of Presentation
Some comments on transition – need for new approach
Examples of transition of technology to industry
Examples of “shortened” transition paths
System design for efficient and rapid transition – open architectures
Examples of OA approach

3. Technology Transition
The most critical EW Issue
Rapidly Evolving Threat – cannot (always) wait years or many months for EW solutions
Rapid technology advances and COTS uptake versus development and acquisition cycles – could compromise the ‘fitness for purpose’ of some EW systems almost from date of entry into service
Technology transition models need to be revisited/changed to meet a changing world
We need to shorten the technology transition path from the lab to operational use
Find a way to insert niche capabilities

4. Technology Transition
The Traditional Linear model
25 years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Op. Cap
LAB
DSTO
CTDs
DIRCM Turret
MWS
02-04 BB
04-05 AC system
05-06
04-05 WC system
MURLIN Development and Transfer to Industry
AUS Trial 08
Next Gen
DSTO Fibre Laser S&T
CTD
DSTO F-MURLIN BB Mk1
Aim:- Decreasing cost of transition

5. “Short Path” Technology Transition1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Op. Cap
NICHE CAPABILITIES
Reactive – Problem Fixing
Opportunistic - Partnering arrangements
Pre-planned/designed - Deliberate system design

6. APG-81 Collaborative Testing
“Australia recently completed a test campaign with Northrop Grumman in which they tested the JSF's APG-81 Radar with an Australian designed DRFM jammer. Australia brings a wealth of electronic attack and testing experience along with a broader world view of effective jamming techniques. This event was an excellent example of 'reverse' technology transfer benefiting the United States and all partner countries.  The test campaign was very successful, with the radar performing extremely well. Australia is continuing to work closely with the JPO, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to further enhance the Joint Strike Fighter.”
DRFP
ECM TB 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Op. Cap
NICHE CAPABILITY

7. RWR Co-Development (PA 2-08)
US PMA – 265
T&E
RWR
Joint development
Current operational ADF systems ~ 100 systems
AUS – DSTO
Technology 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Op. Cap
NICHE CAPABILITY
R&D
Joint resourcing ($$ & effort)
Joint requirements
Joint ownership of IP developed under PA
Embedded DSTO staff at OEM
Concurrent R&D programme on advanced RWR technologies
Possible future transition pathway for DSTO technology/ideas
ALR 67(V)3 RWR procured under an FMS case
Project Arrangement 2-08 was developed which covered the co-development of a number of upgrades to this equipment including a passive geolocation capability and an SEI capability.
Jointly resourced (cash and effort)
Joint requirements
Joint ownership of IP developed under the PA
Opportunity to have Australian staff embedded within OEM and with the Navy (tech transfer)
PA also covers a related R&D program looking into next generation RWR technology
ITAR exemptions to cover related technology (for the upgrade and the R&D programs)
Provides a real opportunity/pathway to transition DSTO developed technology and ideas into a US sourced platform operated by the RAAF
Potential prototype for future Air 7000 and Air 6000 co-development

8. System Design for Effective Transition
Open Architectures
Supports insertion of niche capabilities
Increases technology leverage
Shortens transition pathway
Lower risk
Mitigates potential early “fit for purpose” issues
Example:-
Digital systems/algorithm development
Algorithm
Repository
SEI
MSGL
ALGORITHM
FRAMEWORK
SSGL
R&D
Industry
Common R&D and operational platforms

9. Open Architecture Approach
ES Testbed
Uses mature industry standards
COTS building blocks
Re-uses hardware and software
Reconfigurable

10. Open Architecture Approach
The Adonis Family
Open hardware and software approach
COTS Components
Industry Standard Interfaces
Commonwealth owns IP, the IP is re-usable
Formed the basis of Aus industry solution for Defence EW capability
ADONIS; Darkstar; Artemis; Firebreak
Expandable; less costly; shorter transition pathway; lower risk
Commonality between R&D testbed and fielded systems remains – clear transition path for future R&D 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Op. Cap
NICHE CAPABILITY
R&D

11. Augmentation Concept R&D MOTS provides baseline capability at IOC
Military off-the-shelf System
Extant (proprietary)
Combat Management
System
RAN open
Common HMI
Proprietary MOTS interface EW
Nav
Time
PDW
Open
RFEW
interface
Off-board RF
MOTS provides baseline capability at IOC
Augmentation provides credible solution space to address evolving capability shortfalls
Fast Transition from lab into service
Control over IP developed in Australia
Ability to incorporate proprietary IP if required
R&D

12. Generic EW Core
Implement different RF systems (EA, ES, radar, comms) with a COTS open architecture hardware framework supporting a software configurable processing core. A software/firmware library of RF processing/EW algorithms used to rapidly reconfigure the system for different applications.
System design features
Based on COTS hardware
Standards based interfaces
Road map of Vendors
Competing products in the market – whenever applicable
Hardware independent software design
Generic transport layer
Component engineering – allows you to connect up a system based on basic elements
Software based signal processing
Ability to develop proof of concept systems very quickly in number of research areas
Multi-channel signal processing system
Expandable system design – ability to enhance the hardware or software with minimum effort
Ability to reconfigure quickly
Designed in accordance with open architecture principles

13. Questions?