Raytheon presents its new Deployable Air Traffic Management Systems

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, Raytheon will highlight its deployable air traffic management systems (ATM) and solutions at the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) Annual Conference and Exposition. Raytheon's systems are capable of being deployed anywhere in the world in support of civilian and military operations.

The System

Raytheon's solution for the U.S. Air Force's Deployable Radar Approach Control (D-RAPCON) system consists of two major subsystems: radar and operations. The system is transportable aboard all types of military transport aircraft and contains all the communications equipment, environmental control units and power units to be fully operational and controlling air traffic in a matter of hours. Once fielded, the system can be set up in less than 24 hours. In contrast, it generally takes about three months to put up a fixed-based system.

D-RAPCON is composed of two subsystems - air surveillance radar and operations - and the requirement is for each to be separately deployable, if necessary. This means that if the radar at a site becomes inoperable but the control tower is fine, or vice versa, the required D-RAPCON subsystem could be deployed to fill the need.

The system, once fielded, will replace aging systems that have become harder and far costlier to maintain. In addition to solving those maintenance headaches, the new system will significantly improve radar accuracy and reliability. While the legacy systems rely on analog technology, D-RAPCON will process radar signals digitally. It will also operate in both military and civilian radar bands.

The system will provide sequencing, separation of aircraft, navigation assistance and airspace control services, all with the modern accuracy and other state-of-the-art features.

The Context

Raytheon's radar and operations subsystems are already part of the Department of Defense inventory and are in operation at fixed site locations throughout the world. As such, these systems have passed rigorous National Airspace System (NAS) testing and certifications, which will significantly lower both performance and schedule risk for the D-RAPCON program.

The U.S. military is currently using a system called ATNAVICS. D-RAPCON's radar will provide 60-mile lookout versus ATNAVICS' 30 miles and accommodate more operators.

The U.S. Air Force plans to buy 19 D-RAPCON systems, 10 of which will reside in the Air National Guard, seven at active-duty Air Force Space Command units, one for the service's air traffic control school and another for depot maintenance activities.

Comments

"This is a game changer when it comes to safe, modern, deployable air traffic control," said Mike Prout, vice president for Raytheon Network Centric Systems' Security and Transportation Systems. "With over 150 Raytheon ASR-11 digital airport surveillance radars and over 100 Standard Terminal Automation Replacement Systems (STARS) fielded, certified and in operation, we believe that this confirms that the Raytheon solution is the best choice for future U.S. Air Force deployable ATM"

Further Readings

• D-RAPCON (pdf)

References: Raytheon (1), AFCEA Boston (2), Hanscom (3)

RTI and QinetiQ to improve UK Armed Forces Land Data Model

References: RTI (1), OMG (2)

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, Real-Time Innovations supported QinetiQ in the development of the Land Data Model for UK Defence Standard 23-09. Specifically, The U.K. Ministry of Defence had chosen QinetiQ as leader of the Vehicle Systems Integration Group (VSI), which consists of defense contractors based in the U.S. and U.K. The VSI Group was tasked with applying open-standards-based architectures to land-based defense platforms.

The Context

UK Defence Standard 23-09 (Def Stan 23-09) was been produced on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) by UK Defence Standardization (DStan). It has been developed through the collaborative efforts of the MOD and industry, and builds on the extant Vehicle Systems Integration (VSI) and previous work including the Vehicle Technology Integration Demonstrator (VTID). The purpose of Def Stan 23-09 is to enable the MOD to realise the benefits of an open architecture approach to Land platform design and integration, especially in regard to platform infrastructure and the associated Human Machine Interface (HMI) in order to improve operational effectiveness across all Defence Lines of Development (DLOD), reduce integration risks and reduce the cost of ownership across the fleet. This is achieved by mandating and applying the appropriate interface standards.

Def Stan 23-09, section 13, mandates the use of the DDS (Data Distribution Service). The DDS family of standards were easily the most appropriate for military land vehicle application due their openness, the commitment by the vendors to address full interoperability, and technical features of DDS. Most important of the technical features considered were the opportunity to simplify application development through adoption of the data centric nature of DDS and the low coupling achieved by using a publish and subscribe communication model.

In order to fully benefit from the use of DDS and to encourage adoption by its contractors, UK MOD has funded the construction of the UK MOD Land Data Model. This data model encompasses data type definitions, quality of service patterns and vehicle type profiles, it allows the defence community to generate a set of products that interact over DDS based data network in a number of platforms. The Data Model has been endorsed by the VSI Group and a recommendation to the MOD for standardisation through the GVA Office (Generic Vehicle Architecture) has enabled the data model to undergo its initial deployment in two procurement activities. The Land Data Model has been declassified and made available to any approved requestor by the U.K. MOD. As a result, the MOD is now able to reduce the use of custom interfaces, and the defense industry can take advantage of the opportunity to provide products for increasingly diverse platforms. The primary benefit, however, is that the military will have an increasing number of fully integrated and upgraded vehicles. Declassification of the Land Data Model was an unprecedented move in open-systems procurement by the MOD. The Land Data Model has already been shared with several other friendly nation-states, reflecting the increasing levels of cooperation between the U.K. and its defense partners.

Comments

"RTI's experience and knowledge in the development of data-centric integration strategies are deeply appreciated by QinetiQ," said Mike Haines, project manager at QinetiQ. "We value RTI's help and support as we strive for a single, consistent industry view of the data model for all armored vehicles. The open publication of the Land Data Model marks an exciting step forward in the industry as it adopts new and innovative ways to deliver superior systems at lower costs and in tighter timeframes for our armed services."

Further Readings

• DefStan 23-09 (pdf)
• DDS (pdf)
• Generic Vehicle Architecture (pdf)

US Marine Corps begin to deploy their newest Mobile Tactical Air Operations Command and Control System

References: Northrop Grumman (1), FAS.org (2)

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, the US Marine Corps has begun deploying the first of 10 AN/TSQ-269 Mobile Tactical Air Operations Module command and control systems (MTAOM), which feature key components made by Northrop Grumman.

The System

The MTAOM is a self-contained, expeditionary platform that allows the Tactical Air Operations Center to conduct air command and control and air-defense operations anywhere there is a need. The command and control system features highly mobile components, including Northrop Grumman's Multi-Radar Tracker processors (MRT), Tactical Data Link support units, and the compact, modular, five-ounce AYK-14 Replacement Computer circuit card (ARC) that serves as the computing center of the MTAOM.

Mounted in a standard S-788 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) shelter, the MTAOM coupled with the AN/MRQ-12 Communications Interface System includes the complete capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps' legacy AN/TYQ-23 Tactical Air Operations Module command and control system plus the ability to incorporate and fuse Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other commercial radar inputs.

The system provides facilities for accepting input from search radar and IFF systems, as well as for receiving and processing track information, orders, command and status data received via digital data links from other command and control systems.

The Context

Tactical Air Operations Modules (TAOMs) are used by Air Control Squadrons and provide the necessary equipment to plan, direct, and control tactical air operations and to perform specified airspace management tasks. A single TAOM, contains all the air command and control equipment, including a full range of tactical digital datalinks, to perform the air defence function.

Systems are currently operational with US forces in Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea and Kuwait.

Comments

"The state-of-the-art Mobile Tactical Air Operations Module is helping to revolutionize command and control operations by offering unparalleled agility and transportability to warfighters," said Ike Song, vice president of situational awareness systems at Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division. "By integrating open, modern architecture developed by Northrop Grumman into an expeditionary platform, this system provides the command and control information needed to help keep service members safe in fast-moving, critical operations."

NATO approves Air Command and Control System Factory System Tests

References: ThalesRaytheonSystems (1), NATO (2), NACMA (3)

News Report

As appeared on a recent press release, ThalesRaytheonSystems has received approval from the NATO Air Command and Control System Management Agency (NACMA) for successfully completing the NATO Air Command and Control System (ACCS) Factory System Test.

The System

The NATO Air Command And Control System (ACCS) is intended to combine, and automate, at the tactical level the planning and tasking and execution of all air operations. When operational, the ACCS will provide a unified air command and control system, enabling NATO’s European nations (including new Alliance members) to seamlessly manage all types of air operations over their territory, and beyond.

The system will provide for the management of the functions of air traffic control, surveillance, air mission control, air space management, force management, and command and control resource management.

At the planning and tasking level the system will be fielded in Combined Air Operations Centres (CAOCs). At the execution level, ACCS will be fielded in control centres that will provide facilities for aircraft control and production and dissemination of the Joint Environment Picture.

The Context

The ACCS was conceived in the 1980’s to replace existing air defence systems such as NADGE and GEADGE, but it wasn’t until 1992 that the North Atlantic Council agreed to the initial implementation of ACCS to a first level of operational capability in both static and deployable configurations.
The initial NATO contract, worth at the time some US $500M, was signed in 1999 with Air Command Systems International (ACSI), a French-registered company (now based in Massy near Paris) formed by two shareholders, Raytheon of the USA and Thomson-CSF (now THALES) of France. The contract provides for the development and testing of the ACCS system core software and hardware, and initial installation will occur in validation sites in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy which have each signed separate contracts with ACSI. Following successful testing and validation, replication of the software will occur in sites throughout NATO Europe.

NATO’s contract with ACSI is managed by the NATO ACCS Management Agency (NACMA) in Brussels. NACMA is the procurement and implementing body of the NATO ACCS Management Organisation (NACMO). Within its primary function as a system acquisition agency, NACMA’s tasks include; the central planning, system engineering, implementation and configuration management for the ACCS programme, and ensuring ACCS system integrity, integration and interoperability.

ACCS was identified as one of the “top 10” NATO priorities at the Lisbon Summit in 2010. With ACCS, NATO operators will have a state-of-the-art air C2 system responsible for 8 million square kilometers of European airspace and out-of-area NATO operations. ACCS will provide opportunities for common training, standard operational procedures and centralized maintenance for all NATO nations, significantly reducing support costs and increasing manning flexibility. As NATO evolves in the future, ACCS is designed to adapt to new operational challenges whether it be for continued advancements to air C2 or the addition of Ballistic Missile Defense capabilities, ACCS provides the solid command and control foundation for the alliance.

Comments

“NATO ACCS is the largest system of its kind to be delivered across multiple nations and provides critical new capabilities including resource management, Surface-to-Air Missile planning and automated flight safety aids in support of modern NATO operations”, said Jack Harrington, CEO, ThalesRaytheonSystems. “ACCS has left the factory to complete its validation at the NATO Test and Validation Facility, and the national operational sites.”

“The Factory System Test was a comprehensive set of technical and operational tests, giving NATO the confidence to move forward to the next validation phase and for ACCS to be the foundation for Ballistic Missile Defence C2 capabilities,” said Dr van der Giet, General Manager, NACMA. “The teamwork between NACMA and Industry was excellent, in particular through the performance of the specific NATO-designed end-to-end operational scenario.”

Contract Award: Lockheed Martin to improve intelligence sharing capability of US DoD

Intelligence data depicted on a DCGS map (COTSJournal)

References: Lockheed Martin (1,2), Defense Update (3), COTSJournal (4)

News Report

As announced on a recent press release, Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract for upgrading the infrastructures which interconnect the US Department of Defense with US Government agencies and coalition partners. By such award, Lockheed Martin will upgrade the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) Integration Backbone (DIB) and will thus facilitate the sharing of intelligence data and services among the above mentioned organizations.

The System (DCGS + DIB)
High-density, reliable data storage is a critical part of the US DoD’s collaborative enterprise called the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). This system itnegrates multiple ISR sensors and systems across the battlefield and draw intelligence data from various sources, then correlate that data into an integrated picture of the battlespace. Using an open systems architecture, it enables interoperability with a wide range of previously “stove-piped” ISR systems. Consisting of global sites capable of receiving, processing, correlating and disseminating intelligence feeds from multiple sources, the DCGS distributes intelligence from manned and unmanned reconnaissance sources based on the ground, in the air and at sea.

The DIB is the software framework that allows different areas of US DoD to exchange intelligence acquired by DCGS, empowering joint warfighter collaboration, interoperability, and shared awareness. Designed around an open architecture, the DIB permits new applications to be easily added and allows joint operations throughout the ISR arena. The DIB is both a software architectural framework and a developer’s toolkit on which each service’s ISR capabilities, applications and functionality are based. By incorporating a set of common interface standards and tools, the DIB enables immediate availability of both raw ISR data and fused products as well as collaboration among the services and national agencies.

This latest version of the DIB, version 4.0, brings significant enhancements from the end user perspective. The DIB is now seamlessly integrated with Google Earth, which will enable the multitude of warfighters already utilizing Google Earth for analysis to bring intelligence into their current environment, giving them a correlated visualization across the vast breadth of federated intelligence. Other DIB updates include enhanced user interfaces for querying and viewing intelligence, as well as an increased capability to populate these user interfaces with valuable intelligence, accomplished through greater seamless interoperability with coalition partners. This intelligence access is unprecedented, as prior to the development of the DIB, intelligence analysts had to visit multiple collection sources to locate the data needed to accomplish their missions.

The Context

The Pentagon states the goal of DCGS as “all DoD sensors and ground stations on a common network creating a shared information environment.” Each service is developing a portion of the DCGS family of systems, the Air Force is already planning the next major upgrade of this net-centric capability that utilizes the DCGS Integration Backbone (DIB).

Prior to the development of the DIB, intelligence analysts had to visit multiple collection sources to locate the data needed. By incorporating a set of common interface standards and a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the DIB connects disparate locations and allows analysts with the appropriate security clearance to access a multitude of intelligence sources. Being SOA-based also facilitates the interface with other SOA-based systems and assures the continuous evolution of a web of capabilities.

Comments

“The current DIB architectural evolution is a critical step toward a true coalition intelligence sharing enterprise,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Tschuor, Director of the DCGS Multi-Service Execution Team Office (DMO). “The key to this latest version is that this enhanced framework enables faster and more affordable exposure of intelligence data to the DIB federation at the enterprise level.”

“As an original member of the DIB development team, Lockheed Martin has maintained a prominent role on this capability since its inception in 2003,” said Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems with Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Defense. “These enhancements expedite intelligence to those who need it, and allow warfighters to better adapt to their perpetually changing environment.”

Further Readings

• DCGS-AF LM's Brochure (pdf)
• Multi Agency Collaboration Environment (pdf)

Contract Award: ELBIT to increase maritime security at Haifa port with a networked C4I

Haifa Port

References: Elbit (1,2), Israel National News

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, Elbit was awarded an a contract for the supply and installation of a perimeter security system. The system is for the protection of the Haifa port, including the chemicals terminal, as well as the Kishon port and the "Shavit" fishermen dock.

The System

The perimeter security project contract awarded to Elbit includes an advanced command and control system which will enable the interoperability of various security systems, such as surveillance, closed-circuit TV (CCTV) with advanced image processing capabilities as well as electronic fences. The existing security systems currently protecting the Haifa ports will be connected to the new systems to be supplied, all of which will be interconnected to the Haifa Port Security Centre.

The typical solution offered by Elbit for Perimeter Security includes:

• All terrain vehicles
• Long range (LORROS^®) or medium range (SeROS) day and night electro-optic payload
• Hand-launched tactical UAVs for day and night aerial surveillance (Skylark^®)
• Integrated control console and processing center
• Mobile C4I software application
• Third generation handheld thermal imager for commander (CORAL)
• Image Intensifier night vision goggles for crew
• Video surveillance
• Pan and tilt pedestals (MCS-25, MCS-50, MCS-60)

Mobile platforms enable observation, reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting capabilities by maneuvering the payload to where it is most needed.

Man portable miniature UAVs can be deployed in minutes to provide aerial coverage of areas which are beyond or out of the vehicle line of sight, and pursue and track fast moving targets. All the data from the electro-optic payload and from the UAV is processed in the vehicle's integrated control console.

The Context

The project assigned to Elbit is associated with a multi-million dollar contract to supply and install an anti-terror security system at the Haifa port, which includes a chemical terminal that is a prime target for Hizbullah and other terrorists. The port came under rocket attack during the Second Lebanon War five years ago.

Comments

Adi Dar, Chairman of Elbit Security Systems Ltd. said: "We are proud that the IPC and Haifa Ports Ltd. selected Elbit Security Systems to provide the security solutions for the Haifa ports. Our turn-key security solutions build on our extensive experience and understanding of the customers' needs. This new contract for the protection of the central and vital Haifa port, further strengthens Elbit Systems' leading position in offering tailored solutions for transportation and critical infrastructure security and I trust that this contract will lead to additional contracts, in Israel and abroad."

Raytheon's first AEHF SMART-T delivered to US Armed Forces

Raytheon's SMART-T

References: Raytheon (1,2), U.S. Army

News Report

As appeared in a recent press release, Raytheon fielded the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Secure Mobile Anti-jam Reliable Tactical Terminal (SMART-T) satellite communications solution to the U.S. armed services.

The Product

The Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical–Terminal (SMART-T) is a mobile military satellite communication terminal mounted on a standard High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle.

SMART-T provides data rates up to 8.192 Mbps.

AEHF SMART-T increases the data rate of existing SMART-T systems by a factor of four.

SMART-T processes data and voice communications at both low and medium data rates. The terminal provides worldwide, anti-jam, low probability of intercept, secure voice, and data capabilities for the Joint warfighter. Its enhanced system interfaces include base-band interface changes, accommodating additional data rates. SMART-T is fielded at the brigade and division levels.

The AEHF SMART-T upgrade incorporates Raytheon's eXtended Data Rate (XDR) waveform hardware and software modifications. The new XDR waveform provides users with increased bandwidth and speed, enabling tactical military communications such as real-time video, battlefield mapping and targeting data.

The Context

Raytheon will field 364 AEHF SMART-T terminals to the U.S. armed services. An additional 19 systems will be fielded in Canada and seven in the Netherlands through 2015.

Raytheon's SMART-T software has been the genesis for other critical programs including the company's solution for the Navy's Multiband Terminal and the Air Force's production of the Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network program upgrade. It provides the services with essential, joint-interoperable capability for legacy EHF and future AEHF communications.

Comments

"Raytheon's latest SMART-T solution delivers the next generation of protected communications that's compatible with both EHF and AEHF satellites," said Scott Whatmough, vice president of Raytheon Network Centric Systems' Integrated Communications Systems. "AEHF SMART-T provides the end-user with more mission flexibility and increased capacity to transmit voice, data and video, providing increased situational awareness."

"The first fielding, along with success in similar SATCOM programs, demonstrates Raytheon's proven ability to work with our customers to deliver complex satellite communication systems utilizing multiple waveforms, on time and under budget," added Whatmough.

Further Readings

• SMART-T (pdf)

Contract Award: ViaSat to provide MIDS-LVT terminals to US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command

ViaSat MIDS-LVT(1) - Link 16 Tactical Airborne Terminal

References: ViaSat (1,2)

News Report

As appeared on a recent press release, ViaSat has received a delivery order valued at approximately $27.6 million for Multifunctional Information Distribution System – Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) from the US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).

MIDS-LVT terminals provide greater situational awareness in combat for U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and for U.S. defense partners by gathering information into a digital view of the battlefield. The secure, high capacity, jam resistant, wireless system connects users with both digital data and digital voice communications.

The Technology / The System

ViaSat MIDS-LVT terminals arm allied aircraft, ships, and ground platforms with secure, jam-resistant Link 16 communications to give Joint and Coalition forces a clear view of the battlespace and the ability to share voice and digital data.

Link 16 is an improved data link used to exchange near real time information. It is a communication, navigation, and identification system that supports information exchange between tactical command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems. The radio transmission and reception component of Link 16 is the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) or its successor, the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS). These high-capacity, ultra high frequency (UHF), line of sight (LOS), frequency hopping data communications terminals provide secure, jamresistant voice and digital data exchange. Link16/MIDS terminals operate on the principal of time division multiple access (TDMA), wherein time slots are allocated among all Link16 network participants for the transmission and reception of data.

The Context

Deliveries of the Lot 12 MIDS-LVT units are scheduled to begin in July 2012 and continue through March 2013.

The MIDS-LVT Lot 12 order includes LVT(1) airborne and LVT(2) ground-based terminals under a five year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded in 2010. This new award includes LVT(1) terminal variants for F/A-18, EA-18G, E-2D, P-3, EP-3E aircraft and MH-60R/S helicopters, along with terminals for the BACN program and U.S. Air Force applications. The MIDS-LVT Lot 12 order also includes LVT(2) terminal variants for various U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps applications, as well as terminals for Japan and spares for Australia under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

Contract Award: SAIC to provide information systems engineering and information technology services to US Army

References: SAIC

News Report

As appeared on a recent news report, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) was awarded a prime contract by the U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC) to provide information systems engineering and information technology (IT) services in support of the United States Army Information Systems Engineering Command (ISEC) and federal agency communication systems worldwide.

The Context

ISEC carries out important roles in the US Army's information mission area, with major functions including engineering, installing, quality assurance and testing for the diverse communications and automation systems throughout the Army. Under the contract, SAIC will provide information systems engineering and IT services as required, including full life cycle planning, design, development, engineering, implementation, procurement, logistics, evaluation, test, sustainment, and ancillary services for all ISEC projects.

The multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract has a five year period of performance with a total contract ceiling value of $892 million.

Comments

"We look forward to providing innovative and flexible technologies to support ISEC's engineering and technical requirements around the world," said Peter Dube, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.

Contract Award: Thales to provide vehicular digitization for Malaysian Army

Reference: Thales (1,2), Army Guide

News Report

As appeared in a recent press release, Thales has been awarded a major contract for the integration of an advanced open vehicle electronic architecture system for the 257 new 8x8 armoured-wheeled vehicles of the Malaysian Army. Thales acts as a subcontractor of DEFTECH (DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd), the local company selected by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence for the design, development and manufacturing of the vehicles.

The Product

Thales will integrate a state-of-the-art Open Information Communication System (OICS) - branded as VSys-net – a vehicle system electronics solution designed to optimise integration and enable information exchange (voice, data and video) both within vehicles and externally. It combines a set of sub-systems and specific equipment that assist the commander during the mission (Battlefield Management System), manage the status of the vehicle components (Platform Management System), assist navigation, provide an optimised situational awareness and enhance survivability.

VSys is a generic vehicle electronics system (systronics) solution with modular hardware and software building blocks, distributing voice, data and video. VSys is adaptable to new and legacy vehicles and allows smooth integration of vehicle subsystems, as well as battle management system and specific mission systems (reconnaissance, fire support, combat…). VSys achitecture achieves integration between tactical data processors and multi-function displays through in-vehicle and multi-vehicle networking for the whole battlegroup.

Through Vsys, the following information are displayed within the vehicle cockpit: Vehicle status information on rugged tactical terminal, Mission system display (e.g. RSTA sensor information), Situational awareness display (local situational awareness from vehicle and sensor information, and shared situational awareness through a BMS and tactical communication server).

The Context

Thales has been selected to provide an integrated and scalable vehicle electronic architecture system including a wide range of new-generation equipment (communications, vetronics, sensors, command & control, mortar, optronics, etc.) to meet the rigorous operational performance criteria of the Malaysian Army.

In order to lead this programme in close cooperation with the customer, Thales relies on its local presence through Thales Malaysia Sdn Bhd and strengthens its local footprint thanks to its Malaysian joint-venture, Sapura Thales Electronics (STE), who will supply the complete HF and VHF radio communications system for the 257 vehicles.

Thales solution will provide a consistent vehicle electronic architecture among the 12 variants (Infantry & Armoured Fighting Vehicles, Command, Anti-Tank, Recovery, Surveillance, etc.). This will reduce integration risks on the overall program, speed up the operation, manage all platform systems in real time and enable optimised support services.

FNSS of Turkey, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Nurol Holding of Turkey, will design, develop and manufacture the 257 DEFTECH AV-8 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles and Integrated Logistics Support for the Malaysian Armed Forces.

The vehicle, to be manufactured by DEFTECH in Malaysia, is based on the FNSS-designed PARS 8x8 multi-purpose, multi-mission, wheeled armored vehicle. The vehicle will be redesigned by FNSS and DEFTECH engineers specifically to meet the requirements of the Malaysian customer.

Malaysias AV-8 8x8 armoured wheeled vehicle program involves the local design, development and manufacture of the vehicle, as well as the integrated logistic support. FNSS will provide the technical assistance and technology transfer to enable DEFTECH to produce the vehicles in Malaysia. The AV-8 will be Malaysias first indigenous 8x8 armored wheeled vehicle family consisting of 12 variants, for use by the Malaysian Army.

FNSS and DEFTECH previously delivered 211 ADNAN Armored Combat Vehicles (ACV) and 8 120mm ACV Mortar Carriers to the Malaysian Army and are about to complete the deliveries of 48 additional ADNAN ACVs under a separate contract.

Comments

“We are very proud of the renewed confidence in Thales’s solution expressed by the Malaysian Army. Thales strengthens its commitment to Malaysia and the local defence industry with know-how and technology transfer.” explains Jean-Philippe Durieux, Country Director, Thales Malaysia. “Thales’s excellence and expertise in complex systems integration make us a trusted partner, able to respond to the armed forces’ ever growing needs.”

Contract Award: EADS Cassidian to provide cyber security components for the United Arab Emirates

References: Defense News, Shepard, Cassidian

News Report

As appeared in a recent news report, EADS has won a contract with its joint venture partner to supply its Ectocryp cryptographic product for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) armed forces command-and-control system, said Hervé Guillou, head of cybersecurity at the Cassidian defense and security division.

The Product

EADS's Cassidian is presenting a selection of its range of defense and security solutions for current and future challenges at the ongoing DSEI Exhibition (London, 13-16 September 2011). As part of the cyber defense portfolio, Cassidian will be showing the Ectocryp family of encryption devices.

Ectocryp Blue, in particular, is a rack-mount HAIPE (High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor), produced and capable of protecting data to TOP SECRET and below, (including National Caveats such as UK Eyes Only) over a public infrastructure.

The Context

Under the above mentioned contract, Emiraje Systems, the local joint venture partner, will act as large systems integrator. The UAE will become the first user and operator of the Ectocryp technology outside of NATO.

Comments

Speaking at DSEi, Hervé Guillou, head of cybersecurity at the Cassidian defense and security division, announced a first contract for Cassidian's new cyber division, adding that both the UK and French governments were keen to launch an 'MBDA-like' initiative similar to the UK and France's complex weapons cooperation. "Cyber is one of four domains in the exchange of letters between Sarkozy and Cameron, the others being air, ground and cyber. We are very keen to be an enabler at industry level but I cannot go any further as we are still relying on government to government talks ongoing now," he continued.

Further Readings

• Ectocryp Blue (datasheet)

Lockheed Martin submits proposal for US Navy CANES

(Lockheed Martin CANES Program Photo)

References: Lockheed Martin, U.S. Navy, Defense Industry Daily, SPAWAR

News Report

As reported in a recent press release, Lockheed Martin submitted its proposal for the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) program that will consolidate complex network systems into one modern shipboard computing system for the U.S. Navy.

The CANES program will increase network reliability, while being flexible enough to quickly adapt to future requirements. By consolidating dozens of legacy systems into one, the Navy expects to reduce ownership costs and make maintenance easier.

The System

CANES is the consolidation and enhancement of five shipboard legacy network programs and will provide the common computing environment infrastructure for command, control, communications, computers and intelligence applications that currently require system specific infrastructure to operate legacy systems. These include the Integrated Shipboard Network System (ISNS), Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Networks, and Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System Maritime (CENTRIXS-M).

The CANES concept requires a technical and programmatic realignment of afloat infrastructure and services. CANES will take advantage of the new business model of open architecture, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), and rapid COTS insertion, in order to bring fiscal savings to the Navy, as well as operational agility to the warfighter.

Consolidation through CANES will thus eliminate many legacy, standalone networks while providing an adaptable and responsive information technology platform to rapidly meet changing warfighter needs. This strategy strengthens the network's infrastructure, improves security, reduces the existing hardware footprint and decreases total ownership costs. In addition to providing greater capability, CANES will allow fleet end-users to benefit from reduced operations and sustainment workloads as a result of common equipment, training and logistics.

The Context

CANES introduction to the fleet will begin with installs in 2012 on unit level ships with two engineering development model installations, followed by limited deployment installations in 2012 that cover force level ships, shore sites and additional unit level ships. CANES will be deployed to more than 190 ships, submarines and maritime operations centers by 2021.

In March 2010, Lockheed Martin was one of two contractors down selected for the system design and development phase of the CANES program (the other one is Northrop Grumman, while original submissions included those by BAE Systems, Rockwell Collins, Boeing and General Dynamics). The Navy has said it expects to choose a contractor for the limited deployment phase in early 2012.

CANES is currently in the Engineering & Manufacturing Development phase, which will include a declared winner in the competition between Lockheed Martin & Northrop Grumman. If CANES receives Milestone C approval to enter the Production & Deployment phase, introduction to the fleet will begin with installs in 2012 on unit level ships with 2 Engineering Development Model installations, followed by Limited Deployment installations in 2012 that cover force level ships, shore sites, and additional unit level ships. If the program remains on schedule, CANES would ultimately be deployed to more than 190 ships, submarines and Maritime Operations Centers by 2021.

Comments

“Our CANES proposal reflects more than 60 years experience in providing computing and network infrastructure to the U.S. Navy,” said Joe Villani, vice president of CANES for Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems & Sensors business. “Combined with our commercial off-the-shelf-insertion business model, Lockheed Martin is uniquely positioned to deliver a modern, cost-effective information-system network that integrates sailors’ operational needs.”

Further Readings

• Lockheed Martin's Media Breef (pdf)

Planned Acquisition: Elektrobit to provide tactical communications and networking system to Finnish Defence Forces

References: Elektrobit (1,2), Wireless Innovation Forum, European Defence Agency

News Report

As appeared in a recent press release, Finnish Defence Forces have decided to deploy Elektrobit's Tactical Wireless IP Network that Elektrobit (EB) released earlier this week. EB will develop a wireless IP network for the need of Finnish Defence Forces and deliver the first pilot series of the software defined radios. Related to the project, the Finnish Defence Forces has a purchase option for further development as well as serial purchase of the product.

The System / The Technology

Elektrobit Tactical Wireless IP Network is a stand-alone military wireless broadband network that can be deployed in any location.

With the EB Tactical Wireless IP Network battle groups can create high data rate wireless IP networks as backbone to support C2 data transmission during operation. Flexibility to use the EB solution in different frequency bands and network structures provide cost effectiveness, easy to use and efficiency.

Being based on Software Defined Radio makes the product versatile, upgradeable and easy to adapt. It enables a mesh network solution with high data rate and automatic network configuration required by battle groups on the move. The Product was developed to be compatible with the SCA (Software Communications Architecture) and ESSOR (European Secure Software Radio Programme) software architectures.

The Context

The value of the purchase is EUR 15.6 million (excl. VAT) and the term of the contract is until the first half of 2013. The project has no significant impact on EB's net sales, operating result or balance sheet. It has also no effect on EB's outlook for the second half of 2011, published on August 5, 2011 in EB's Interim Report January-June 2011, and the guidance for the period remains unchanged.
The Software Communications Architecture, or SCA, provides a set of specifications that facilitate portability, interoperability and configurability of the software and hardware components used in the manufacturing of radio systems. The original technologies for these specifications were developed in the late 1980’s and early 1990, and was further matured by the members of the Modular Software Programmable Radio Consortium (MSRC), working in cooperation with the Forum’s Mobile Working Group into what became the Joint Tactical Radio System Software Communications Architecture (JTRS SCA).

The European Secure Software Defined Radio (ESSOR) programme, established by six contributing Member States (Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden), was signed on 19 December 2008 between A4ESSOR (the prime contractor) and OCCAR-EA (Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'ARmement-Executive Administration), which took on the responsibility to manage the programme on 5 June 2007.

Comments

"The defence forces require an even better situational awareness of the status in the field, forces need effective co-ordination and communication infrastructure, logistics needs to be planned online - this growing data flow requires the digitalization of command and control systems. High capacity wireless IP backbone solutions, like the EB Tactical Wireless IP network, build the core of our digitalization and enables the creation of a tactical communications network," says Juha Mattila, colonel at Finnish Defence Forces, C4IS Division. "This compact Software Defined Radio based solution allows us to use less units, resulting in space savings and lower maintenance costs. It brings flexibility with multi-channel functionality and enables us to adapt to changes through the whole lifecycle."

"This product responds to the Finnish Defence Forces requirements for modern military operations, demanding much higher data rates in the field," said Jari Sankala, vice president, Defence & Security at EB. "We are pleased with the cooperation with the Finnish Defence Forces; their stringent requirements enable us to develop world class products. This co-operation opens us also excellent opportunities for international business."

Further Readings

• ESSOR (doc)

Cassidian's SIRDEE supporting 2011 World Youth Day in Madrid

2011 World Youth Day in Madrid

References: EADS, Cassidian

News Report

As announced in a press release, Cassidian's C4I technology was employed by Spanish Police forces during the recent World Youth Day in Madrid in order to ensure that all activities went smoothly and guaranteed the safety of the Pope and more than 1.5 million visitors. This event has been probably the most demanding for the national mobile voice and data communications network SIRDEE (Sistema de Radiocomunicaciones Digitales de Emergencia del Estado) in terms of the concentration of people being protected. Cassidian also actively participated in the maintenance support for the SIRDEE users: National Police, Civil Guard, Royal House and Prime Minister’s Office and offered together with Telefónica continuous 24 hours emergency support.

The number of SIRDEE network users more than doubled during peak times of the World Youth Day week in the area without any negative impact in the network performance. Individual calls increased more than 166 % during the busiest days, with full availability for the Tetrapol users. Group calls rose as well to 55 %. Over 10.000 members of the security forces guaranteed the safety of the pope and the pilgrims. Besides the protection of the pope and the public,the police forces had to face the challenge of maintaining order during the anti-Pope demonstrations. A special coordination room was created with 40 members of 13 different security organisations receiving input from the forces in the field.

The System

Deployed since 2000, the SIRDEE network is the national mobile voice and data communications network based on an infrastructure of TETRAPOL digital security radio communications technology supplied by Cassidian. Apart from the MoI organisations – Guardia Civil and National Police – several other users have joined SIRDEE. These include the Traffic Police, the Royal House, the Prime Minister's Cabinet, the Emergency Military Unit (UME), the Spanish Navy, the Galicia Region the Autonomous Police, the Torrelavega Local Police and Fire Brigade and the Cantabria Region Civil Protection Service, as well as the Balearic Islands and Logroño.

The Context

The World Youth Day with the Pope's four-day visit adds another high security event that required intensive use of the SIRDEE network, guaranteeing secure mission critical communication. Beside different emergency situations like the earthquake in Spain and the fires on Ibiza early this year, the Spanish security forces also relied on SIRDEE during the Royal Wedding of the Prince of Spain in 2004.

Further Readings

• 10 years of SIRDEE (presentation)

Contract Award: Barco to provide rugged display for Air Defense

Barco TX-243 Commander Display (Barco)

References: Barco (1,2,3)

News Report

As appeared in a recent press release, Barco announced that it has been selected by defense company MBDA for its first Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle system (MPCV). Barco will provide its TL-248 and TX-243 rugged displays, mission recorders and Fiber Optic Link for these armored ground vehicles.

The Product

The TL-248 is Barco’s 19" thin and lightweight display offering significant benefits with respect to dimensions, ruggedization and intelligence. The TL display family combines thinness with exceptionally low weight to provide a unique, rugged display solution, especially for applications where space and weight are critical. The TL-248 features a 19" Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display offering excellent performance in terms of brightness, crispness, contrast and viewing angle. Several options and bezel configurations are available to address virtually any mounting need in any application. Additionally, the TL-248 combines this high level of performance and versatility with a very competitive price/performance value.

Barco's TX-243 is an extremely rugged display for the highly demanding environment of the utility vehicle, helicopter or ground army vehicle. The TX-243 offers an ideal solution for battlefield management, fire control, driver’s view enhancement, reconnaissance or local situational awareness inside today’s rugged vehicles. Barco's TX-243 display offers the latest proven technologies, such as low-reflection touch screen, NVIS capability and sunlight readability. The TX-243 features a unique thermal management system which makes the displays fit for the harshest temperature environments. The combination of low-risk, proven display technology with Barco’s innovative display concepts makes the TX-243 the most trusted mission-critical display for vehicle operations on the market.

The Context

MBDA is the European leader and a world leader in the missile systems sector. Four years after launching its self-funded development of MPCV (Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle), a new generation of mobile, quick reaction ground based air defense systems, MBDA has signed a contract with an export customer, for whom MBDA will be integrating its air defense system onto high mobility armored vehicles. For these systems, MBDA has officially selected Barco's TX-243 commander display and TL-248 fire control display in combination with a complete set of operator HMI (Human Machine Interface) functionalities. In addition, MBDA has also selected Barco's mission recorder for post-mission analysis and training and its Fiber Optic Link for remote operation in a safe environment.

MBDA MPCV

The Multi Purpose Combat Vehicle (MPCV) is an MBDA self-funded program for a flexible very short range air defense (VSHORAD) system. The MCPV combines the proven Mistral short range surface-to-air missile (SAM), a machine gun and advanced sensors and fire control system. The Renault Sherpa 3A is the basic platform for this VSHORAD system but can be integrated onto many platforms upon customer request. The system relies on VHF PR4G-F@stnet communications supplied by Thales. The system is network-centric operations capable and can be operated remotely at a distance of up to 50 meters with the crew in sheltered positions. The MCPV air defense system has been ordered by the French Armed Forces. In February 2011, MBDA announced the first export order from an undisclosed customer in the Middle East with the first series production vehicles to be delivered in 2013.

The program was launched in 2006. Final qualification of the MPCV system was carried out by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) in June 2010 after a series of test firings at the missile test firing centre at Biscarosse in the Landes region of France. These tests culminated with a firing demonstration against a number of targets representing a saturating air attack. The MPCV can be integrated within a command and coordination network via the MCP (Mistral Coordination Post) command and control system (C2). The MPCV's turret is fitted with four ready-to-fire Mistral missiles with another four stored inside the vehicle, a 12.7mm self-defense machine gun, and EOSS (Electro-Optic Surveillance Sensor) enabling the passive surveillance, detection and tracking of the target even when the vehicle is in motion.

Comments

“We selected Barco because we needed a reliable partner and because of their position of worldwide leader in rugged displays,” comments the MPCV Project Manager at MBDA. “Barco's rugged displays provide the operator with an efficient, ergonomic interface system. They are renowned for their extreme reliability and excellent readability. In addition, we very much value Barco's project management capabilities.”

“Barco has been serving the defense community for over 20 years, providing a qualified line of visualization technologies for many military vehicle programs around the world. This experience enabled us to quickly customize our products to the specific MBDA requirements for the first demonstrator unit,” comments Jean-Luc Pomier, Market Director for Barco's Defense & Aerospace Division. “Based on this successful development, we were selected for the full program.”

Further Readings

• Barco TL-248
• Barco TX-243

Contract Award: SAIC to improve US Special Forces C4I

References: SAIC

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, SAIC was awarded a task order by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to provide enterprise-wide mission critical information technology services in support of C4 mission needs of the U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) and the Joint Special Operations Task Force, Philippines (JSOTF-P).

The Context

USSOCOM is the unified command responsible for training, organizing and equipping Special Operations Forces and providing those forces to the geographic combatant commanders. Under the task order, SAIC will provide mission critical IT services in support of C4 mission needs for special operations units involved in special operations throughout the U.S. Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. SAIC will provide network and desktop support for special operations units in Hawaii and other deployed locations.

The task order received by SAIC has a one-year base period of performance, four one-year options, and a contract ceiling value of more than $35 million if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in Hawaii and the Philippines. The task order was awarded under the Special Operations Forces Information Technology Enterprise Contracts.

Comments

"We look forward to supporting USSOCOM by providing mission critical IT services supporting C4 mission needs of SOF engaged in special operations throughout the Pacific theater," said John Thomas, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager.
Further Readings

• SOCPAC

Ultra Electronic's PA iQ integrates radio and radar signals for US Air Force C4I

U.S. Air Force Base in Riverside, California (US Northern Command website)

References: ultra-dne (1), ultra-dne (2), U.S. Pentagon

News Report

As appeared in a recent press release, Ultra Electronics, DNE Technologies successfully integrated radar and secure voice radio traffic across a U.S. Air Force tactical C4 network during the last U.S. Joint User Interoperability Communications Exercise.

The Technology

Faced with obsolescence issues, the Air Force needed to identify a methodology for transmitting low latency radio and radar signals across an IP-based transport network. Ultra Electronic's PA iQ was able to demonstrate a quick implementation solution by transporting the TDM traffic across the IP network and ensuring that the TDM traffic received prioritization over other IP traffic in the network according to the Quality of Service (QoS) policy enacted for the network. In addition, the PA iQ was also used as part of an alternative equipment string replacing the obsolete equipment as a potential future Everything over IP (EoIP) spiral of the air control system.

The PacketAssure iQ Series from Ultra DNE is a family of high-performance switching systems offering a unique traffic management solution that assures delivery of Real Time Services over a communications infrastructure. PacketAssure has demonstrated its ability to enhance or replace IP Convergence Routers, increase call completion rates, simplify router configurations, decrease training requirements and make IP communications as reliable as the TDM networks that they are replacing.

The PacketAssure iQ is a Layer 2 convergence device designed to simplify the QoS Policy implementation of a network and provide management of the bandwidth entering or exiting a location by offloading convergence routers of the prioritization decision making, cross connection and protocol adaptation functionality. This results in more predictable traffic patterns, allows users to retain less expensive routers and decreases the IP training requirements of the network.

The PacketAssure iQ 1000 is currently shipping and is a 1 RU, 18GB switch with up to 18 Ethernet or serial data ports. The chassis offers up to three module ports. The serial module can be used to encapsulate serial data traffic in IP at rates up to 20MB per port or as a serial aggregate for connection to serial modems such as FDMA satellite modems at rates up to 20MB.

The Context

The Joint User Interoperability Communications Exercise (JUICE) is a world-wide exercise sponsored by Executive Agent Theater Joint Tactical Networks (EA-TJTN).  The exercise facilitates collaboration among Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security, and other federal, state and local organizations to form a Joint Task Force, and/or a Joint response to a natural or manmade disaster.  The exercise is a joint effort incorporating, when appropriate, elements of the Joint Interoperability Test Command, DoD Interoperability Communications Exercise and the Coalition Warfighter Interoperability Demonstration.

Comments

“We were thrilled to assist the Air Force in evaluating short-term and long-term alternatives for their migration to an EoIP solution,” commented William Berger, Director of Sales for DNE Technologies. “We needed to ensure that the radar, radio and data link traffic received the same predictable network performance in an IP network as it has in a TDM network.”
Further Readings

• PA iQ Series Application Guide

US Army's KRAKEN Protection System

U.S. Army Kraken (U.S. Army)

References: U.S. Army, Business Insider

News Report

As reported in a U.S. Army's press release, the Army is evaluating the development of a cutting-edge "Combat Outpost Surveillance and Force Protection System" (COSFPS) which combines radar, surveillance cameras, unmanned sensors, gunshot detection and remote-controlled weapons. The COSFPS is nicknamed "Kraken" after the mythological sea creature with many heads, and was evaluated in July 2011 as part of the Army's 3,800-Soldier-strong Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The exercise was designed to assess and integrate a host of technologies.

The System

Kraken is an ISU-90 containerized system and includes the following hardware devices for detection: an Elta Ground Master Ground Systems Radar, or GSR, an STS-1400 GSR, L3 AN/PRS-9 BAIS Unattended Ground Sensors and five "Shot Spotters," sensors designed to detect direct or indirect enemy gunfire.

For assessment and identification, a series of 11 cameras are strategically aligned to cover a 360-degree view, including electro-optical/infra-red, low-light perimeter and Forward-Looking Infra-Red, or FLIR, HRC-X all-weather day and night thermal cameras; two of the cameras, a laser rangefinder and a GSR are rotatable atop a 10-meter mast.

Eight white and infra-red perimeter lights are included for night operations, two PRI Trap 250s are employed for defending and two laptops with two larger displays are included for command and control.

The radar on top of the mast can detect people at distances up to 10 kilometers and vehicles out to 20 kilometers. Also, Kraken has a second mid-range GSR which scans a full 360 degrees every second and is engineered to interface with video cameras, ground sensors and remote weapons applications. Kraken also contains a laser pointer/illuminator.

The cameras, radar and lights are fortified by seismic/acoustic sensors, infra-red or magnetic sensors engineered with sophisticated algorithms designed to identify targets such as enemy personnel or vehicles based on combined seismic and acoustic signatures.

Powered by a 10-kilowatt Tactical Quiet Generator, Kraken's two remote weapons stations can accommodate an M249 Semi-Automatic Weapon or an M240 machine gun.

Kraken's sensors and weapons are combined into a single, integrated system that can scan surrounding terrain for threats, alert Soldiers of potential imminent danger and provide them fires to respond. The individual technologies assembled for the Kraken are integrated through a government-owned, scalable and open architecture software called Joint Force Protection Advanced Security System, or JFPASS.

The JFPASS software enables data from all of Kraken's system components to be integrated via a standard protocol, fused and conditionally automated; the information is displayed on screens showing a Common Operating Picture, referred to as COP.

The Context

Kraken represents a partnership between the U.S. Army's Rapid Equipping Force and JPMG (Joint Project Manager Guardian). Specifically, it was co-developed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense Physical Security Equipment Action Group and the Joint Program Executive Office-Chemical and Biological Defense, with oversight by the Rapid Fielding Directorate, Director Defense Research & Engineering to address the issue of forces being at risk because current technologies, concept of operations, and policies do not provide a comprehensive, effective, and sustainable force-protection capability.

The U.S. DoD Joint Force Protection Advanced Security System (JFPASS) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) provides a real-time, integrated / interoperable, comprehensive land and maritime-based regional and local Force Protection (FP) system to counter threats. This is a precedent-setting solution to Joint FP that is sponsored by a Joint Science & Technology organization, the DoD Physical Security Equipment Action Group. The JFPASS JCTD integrates Physical Security and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive systems through the application of an integrated Command and Control architecture and a fusion engine.

 

The next step for Kraken should be enhancing the platform to encompass larger areas of responsibility, linking up multi-service systems -- so that Air Force planes, for instance, can relay information to ground units seamlessly and accurately.

Comments

"While the sensor and device payload is impressive and probably offers the most force protection per cubic foot compared to any other system, the key is the integration standard, fusion and automation which reduces troop to task and provides increased situational awareness -- thus resulting in more reaction time for the warfighter," said Tom O'Neill, U.S. Integrated Base Defense Product director, Joint Project Manager Guardian.

"We've been able to positively identify targets before they got in range with weapons on our COP. They have tried to raid us multiple times, but we have been able to positively identify them and engage them before they got close. This is great for tracking the people coming in and out of your AO," said Pvt. James Benham, a forward observer who has been evaluating Kraken/COSFPS in a series of mock-combat exercises at a WSMR "Mountain Village" outpost.

"Kraken's six-kilometer continuous sweep can detect anything the size of a head -- including rabbits, deer or birds," Benham said. "The system also has an option where you can emplace sensor overlays. If I get a hit on a sensor, I am able to instantly slew my cameras to that location."

Further Readings

• JFPASS
• FLIR HRC-Series