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.

Data Link Product Lines

AeI ProductsTanker UOR

RN Ship Interim Fit RN

Ship Stand-Alone Fit

Situation Awareness

Interoperability Test

LION

Norway

Network Management

DLOC JPC

NC3A JPC

1ACC JPC

Norway JPC

Data Link Processors

Astute

MR2

JLC

Qualified Product

Components AGILE

DLCS

DAMSL

Cayman

SALAD ATLASDATM

SMARTIDPF

TRT

MUX

SKW Trainer

CTT5

DLS

MCT

Simulation & Training

Test & Integration

Le DLS

LASS

DNS

JATS

Astor

Norway

Greece

Draft 3 - Feb 03

TDL Components

Host Tactical System

TCSSALAD

SDR

ATLAS

Cayman SMART

Rec File

L16 TRTJTIDS

Terminal

L11 TRTLink 11

DTS

IDPF Load FileNet Design

AGILEMessage 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.

L16 SAC Components

Host Tactical System

TCSSALAD

SDR

ATLAS

Cayman SMART

Rec File

L16 TRTJTIDS

Terminal

L11 TRTLink 11

DTS

IDPF Load FileNet Design

AGILEMessage Interface

(MIF)

L16 SAC Components

TCSSALAD

SDR

ATLAS

SMART

Rec File

L16 TRTJTIDS

Terminal

IDPF Load FileNet Design

Local Processor

JPC Ship fit T41 B1 Block Diagram

Bulkhead connectorplate

JTIDS GPS

115Vac60Hz

Fibre optichub

Computer Room

Voice fibre

Lan fibre

JTIDS remotevoice

115Vac60Hz

headset

RemoteProcessor

Rack

115Vac60Hz

TPS15"Display

12"Display

Keyboard

DisplayPSU

KVMmodule

24Vdcsupply

DisplayPSU

115Vac60Hz

Keyboard

AWO15"Display

Keyboard

Aux12"Display

DisplayPSU

DisplayPSU

PWO15"Display

DisplayPSU

Keyboard115Vac60Hz

115Vac60Hz

KVMmodule

KVMmodule

Videosplitter

24Vdcsupply

24Vdcsupply

115Vac60Hz

TPSProcessor

AWOProcessor

PWOProcessor

3 fibres

6 fibres

bulkheadconnector

bulkheadconnector

Ops Room

Video

Keyboard

Mouse

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