RN Ship Link 16 UOR

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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.

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

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

10. L16 SAC Architecture

11. Physical Equipment Crate Remote Crate

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. HMI

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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