Issue 8 Summer 2009

Trusted to deliver

8
The EDGE UK links suppliers with users

12
The fast route to enabled networks

14
Successful C4I exports

UORs responding to users' needs

page 6

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Welcome
The most important goal for any defence industry organisation is to give the users the warfighters and decision makers the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively and safely. On page six, you can read how General Dynamics UK is bringing to bear its considerable capabilities to fulfil Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs) that help provide the MoD with the right kit at the right time. Our work on the latest Jackal vehicle with NP Aerospace highlights the benefits of effective collaboration between project partners and the need for efficient programme management.

Contents
03 06 08 11 12 14 News Rapid response The missing link A matter of priority Combined data Leading edge

In addition, the EDGE UK facility (page eight) is playing a key role in connecting those organisations especially SMEs with valuable technology to offer to the defence programmes that can best make use of it. We also look at NIMCIS (page 14), the two-year programme to equip the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps with a tactical C4I system based on Bowman. As this programme comes to a successful conclusion, we examine what this says about General Dynamics UKs expertise in this important domain and the opportunities this presents for exports. And we show how the NetLink system (page 12) which recently completed some highly successful trials provides a fast and easy route to network-enabled platforms.

Copyright August 2009 General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited The information contained in this publication is supplied by General Dynamics UK Limited (General Dynamics UK) as a complimentary reporting service to its customers and staff. It does not form part of any contract for the purchase of any product or service described in the document. Although General Dynamics UK makes every effort to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the Company accepts no responsibility for any defect or error in this publication, or in the information supplied; nor shall General Dynamics UK be liable for any damage or loss caused as a result of reliance upon such information. Printed on paper which contains at least 75% recycled fibre.

President and Managing Director General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Corporate Affairs: Mark Douglas Writer: Steve Mansfield-Devine Editorial Manager: Amanda Jackson Design: SPY Design and Publishing Ltd. www.spydesign.co.uk Contributors: Brian Allen Jon Anderson Phil Carpenter Jeremy Creasey

Greg Dean Paul Hallifax Dave Jarrett Al Slater

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Summer 2009 Issue 8

Dynamics News
> Latest delivery for Future Lynx

General Dynamics UK has delivered the first sample of its Tactical Processor for the Future Lynx programme right on time. AgustaWestland will now carry out qualification testing on the unit which is a key element of the aircrafts platform architecture. The Tactical Processor provides Human-Machine Interface (HMI) capabilities via four cockpit displays. Its capabilities include: digital mapping; video processing; and data, voice and video recording. The unit is an entirely UK-originated system having grown out of General Dynamics UKs R&D activity. It offers a high degree of commonality across both variants of the Future Lynx the British Army's Battlefield Reconnaissance Helicopter (BRH) and the Royal Navy's Surface Combatant Maritime Rotorcraft (SCMR). The open systems solution incorporates an Allied Standard Avionics Architecture Council (ASAAC) compliant software

stack which means that AgustWestlands software will be unaffected by future hardware upgrades. The system has been developed in close partnership with AgustaWestland, with the two companies sharing risk and collaborating closely on every stage of the design. Danny Milligan, vice president, Mission & Security Systems, General Dynamics UK commented: "Working in partnership with AgustaWestland and the Lynx IPT we have been able to make a number of HMI improvements to the design of the Tactical Processor and reduce its overall weight. The General Dynamics UK Development and Manufacture programme for the Future Lynx programme will continue until 2015, which further cements our relationship with AgustaWestland." In addition to the Tactical Processor, General Dynamics UK is also supplying the Stores Management System (SMS) and a security enhanced data transfer device for the Future Lynx programme.

Trusted to deliver

Summer 2009 Issue 8

Dynamics News
> Securing critical national infrastructures
Following the recent integration of Page Europa, General Dynamics UK has now become a global leader in securing critical national infrastructures. For more than 50 years, Page Europa has successfully implemented some of the most complex and advanced security and critical infrastructure projects in the world, such as Dubai World Central. Private, industrial and public sector clients include NATO and major oil and gas companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell and BP . Page Europas capabilities include: real-time intrusion detection and assessment systems; sensing technology for intelligent intrusion and approach detection; perimeter and fence defence systems; anti-intrusion ground-based radar; digital CCTV and monitoring systems; Access Control Systems (ACS); screening portals and machines for people, baggage, vehicles and containers; personnel RFID and biometric recognition systems; plus a wide range of other surveillance, communications and safety systems design to protect individual buildings or wider areas.

Page Europa's security solutions are deployed widely in the oil and gas industry

> Army endorses Bowman upgrade

The British Army has endorsed a timetable to field the latest increment of Bowman tactical communications and data system to its troops. Bowmans secure radio communications, have been used on operations since 2005, together with a basic data capability. The Bowman system has been developed and integrated by General Dynamics UK into over 13,000 British Army vehicles, together with headquarters, ships, and helicopters and the Ministry of Defence is purchasing an additional 3,400 radios in order to meet the demands of current operations and their associated training needs. The latest planned upgrade, known as BCIP5, is simpler for troops to use, and provides enhanced battle planning tools, a more stable and robust tactical internet, and improved situational awareness. BCIP5 will be fielded as a software and hardware upgrade across the Armys vehicle and man-portable radio fleets. BCIP5 is already rolling out to Royal Navy ships, the Royal Marines, the RAF Regiment and specialist Army signals units.

> Technology of the future

Academics, scientists, experts and business leaders gathered in May at the Defence Academy near Shrivenham to discuss and demonstrate the technology of the future at the final annual conference of the Defence Technology Centre in Data and Information Fusion (DIF DTC), a 60 million partnership led by General Dynamics UK for the MoD. DIF DTCs partners, which include Cardiff University, BT, QinetiQ, Waterfall Solutions, and eight other universities, presented their years work to academics, students, and representatives of industry and the MOD. The Centres threeyear Phase II contract has allowed the team to develop key technologies and explore how these can be used in military and national security solutions. A number of technologies are already being exploited in MoD programmes and the civil sector, or have been tested and evaluated in Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstrations (CWID) and at the Counter-Terrorism Centre. Others will provide valuable input for new MoD programmes such as Persistent Wide Area Surveillance (PWAS) High Impact Rapid Implementation Demonstrator (HIRID).

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Summer 2009 Issue 8

Dynamics News
EDGE UK hosts SME summit
The importance of SMEs, both to UK business generally and General Dynamics UK in particular, was reflected in the choice of the EDGE UK facility (see page eight) for this years CBIWales SME forum. The forum brought together 25 small business leaders, Cardiff University economics professor Dylan JonesEvans, Bank of England representative Adrian Piper, and senior officials from the Welsh Assembly. In addition to discussing current events, including the financial crisis and its effect on business, the attendees were also able to learn more about how General Dynamics UK is engaging with SMEs particularly through EDGE UK and the Companys supply chain teams.

> Middle East showcase

The International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi gave General Dynamics UK an opportunity to show its strengths in systems integration capabilities, scalable C4I open electronic architectures, Urban ISTAR, C2 ISTAR, containerised solutions and security and resilience solutions. The Gulf Region represents a major export opportunity for General Dynamics UK. Some 14 high-level delegations visited the General Dynamics UK display, mostly Above: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed representing Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, governments but Crown Prince of Abu also potential local Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander partners. Among of the UAE Armed the visitors was Forces, at IDEX. His Highness Sheik Mohamed Bin Zaid (pictured), Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces.

Top: The CBIWales forum brought together small businesses, academics and government representatives Above: Dr Sandy Wilson, General Dynamics UK (left) welcomes Maj Gen Simon Mayall, Assistant Chief of the General Staff

The EDGE UK facility continues to receive an impressive list of visitors. In October it was the turn of Dr Alan Pratt, Director of the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB), along with senior HOSDB staff members, and officers from the South Wales and Gwent Police. The visitors were briefed on General Dynamics UKs capabilities, and their views were sought on how best to support the Home Office with various projects, including policing. The day included presentations on CBRN, Masthead, Advanced Multi-Dimensional Fusion, Osiris, and BLaDE, as well as live Battlefield Shared Understanding (BSU), Tactical Situational Awareness (TacSA), and Hornet demonstrations in a site security scenario. The guests provided valuable feedback and identified several areas for follow-up. The EDGE also played host recently to the Wales council of the CBI. The council held one of its regular meetings at the facility, to discuss responses to the economic situation, and was then treated to a tour.

> Exercises demonstrate Bowman strengths

The Rhino Staff 2 and 3 exercises were held in Germany recently to gather data in support of the Bowman ComBAT Infrastructure and Platform BISA (BCIP) programme. And they were a great success. Managed by the Command and Control Development Centre, the exercise provided HQ 1(UK) with the opportunity to test the BCIP Capability Release 1.5 on a range of hardware. Some 96 terminals were deployed, used by 106 military personnel. BCIPs current and future capabilities were highly praised, with BCIP5 seen as a system that can be exploited to great effect. It was also applauded for its reliability and performance.

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Summer 2009 Issue 8

Rapid response
Supporting the armed forces means giving them the equipment they need when they need it. And thats what General Dynamics UK is helping to achieve with its response to Urgent Operational Requirement (UORs)
Standard procurement processes are not always flexible or fast enough, so this work is sometimes carried out as part of an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR).
Fulfilling these contracts calls for suppliers that are adaptable and flexible, with high levels of domain experience, and which are able to undertake complex integration activity in the time available to the performance levels required. In this environment, there is no substitute for experience, and General Dynamics UK, with over 13,000 vehicle conversions, has this in abundance. says Paul Hallifax, programme manager at General Dynamics UK, and weve learned some valuable and vital lessons. One of these is to conduct a survey of the vehicles before work starts, because of the variation in the build standard. This is true of all vehicles, but especially of older ones where upgrades, field modifications and damage mean that no two vehicles are exactly the same. The General Dynamics UK teams has learned to be flexible and creative for example, by developing adaptable mountings so that the vehicle does not have to be sent back to the prime contractor, and therefore minimising time and logistics. More recently, General Dynamics UK has invested in developing new, more flexible, open architecture installation designs for both the electronics and physical platform. This work is aimed at providing true through life management of platforms so their mission/role fit can be easily reconfigured in theatre without, in many cases, the need to return platforms for bespoke system re-fit. This work has been undertaken in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence-led Force Protection & Mission System Working Group, with significant success. Dynamics UK is undertaking for Integrated Survivability Technologies Limited (IST Ltd) on the Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle. On the newer vehicles, General Dynamics UK has collaborated with the manufacturers by advising what kind of fixings or preparations will be required to help speed up the Bowman installation. Indeed, an important and unusual aspect of General Dynamics UKs UOR work on the Wolfhound and Jackal platforms is the degree to which it supports the work of other partners. For Wolfhound, General Dynamics UK employees regularly visit the prime contractors facility, in systems architect advisory roles, offering their knowledge and support prior to the vehicles being taken through installation and inspection.

Experience and expertise

General Dynamics UK has considerable expertise in installing systems to complex communications platforms, stemming from the Bowman programme, where more than 13,000 platforms have been converted so far. This work comprises more than 100 different vehicle types incorporating 700 communication role fits of varying complexity. General Dynamics UK understands the issues surrounding that process, such as routing cables, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), antenna siting, optimising space and volume constraints all of which are critical to the performance of the platform and the soldiers working in it. As a result of this work, our expertise has grown considerably,

UORs are about getting kit to the people who need it

Working in partnership
Good examples of this are General Dynamics UKs Bowman work on the British Armys Mobility Weapon Mounted Installation Kit (M-WMIK) vehicle, often referred to as the Jackal, and the work that General

Within the systems architect role, General Dynamics UK has undertaken a number of key activities for the prime contractor. This includes a full review of the mission fit system antenna characteristics of the Wolfhound TSV(H) platform at General

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Dynamics UK's Pershore facility, where results were fed back into the platform design to ensure optimised performance. Antenna systems modelling supported the physical trials, resulting in further design confidence and providing valuable performance data to inform possible future vehicle design optimisation. From previous lessons learned through experience, General Dynamics UK has provided recommendations to the complete mission fit on equipment locations, cable runs, rack design etc. This has resulted in the early design capture of potential issues. General Dynamics UK has undertaken full power management studies analysis of the mission fit equipment to ensure that the base platform electrics and other power sources are of a satisfactory standard for mission system use in the field. The company has also supported this activity with its knowledge of the supply chain for critical components such as cables, ensuring 'design-rightfirst-time' and supply efficiencies. This enabled the rapid turn-round of the first type platforms. When vehicles arrive at General Dynamics UKs Ashchurch site for the Bowman installation and an inspection before entering into service, as many as five other contractors including vehicle manufacturer Babcock and armour specialists, Jankel are given access to the Ashchurch facilities. General Dynamics UK ensures they have a secure environment as well as all the facilities they need to carry out their work as fast and efficiently as possible. The fact that this works so smoothly is due to General Dynamics UKs expert coordination and project management skills. To understand this, lets look at how the process works.

completed. Effectively, General Dynamics UK has ready-to-install kits waiting on the shelf. Much of the equipment including the radios themselves, switchboxes and DC Charging Units is from government furnished stock, so General Dynamics UK works hand-inhand with the depot to ensure the items arrive in time. Other items may have delivery lead times of anything up to six months, so General Dynamics UK has a critical role to play in ensuring a smooth workflow. The company also liaises with the other contractors, so that they know when they need to be at Ashchurch.

inspection to check that it is ready to take the Bowman installation. Once completed, General Dynamics UK carries out a workmanship quality inspection before the rigorous Conversion Acceptance Test that ensures all the Bowman systems work. Other teams carry out their own tests and the vehicle is handed back. Typically, this whole process takes two working days a Jackal that arrives one morning will be handed back the evening of the next day.

Integrated process
This smooth process has the required effect delivering equipment to those who need it when they need it. A lot of our people are ex-military and they understand the need to get that equipment into the hands of the user, says Allen. That ethos pervades the production element of Ashchurch.
Prepared kits make installation faster

A lot of our people

are ex-military and they understand the need to get that equipment into the hands of the user

Jackal timeline
Before the vehicles arrive, explains Brian Allen, conversion manager at General Dynamics UK, a considerable amount of preparation, such as building installation racks, repairing wiring and so on, is already

When a Jackal arrives, the MoD carries out a preliminary inspection to make sure the vehicle itself is acceptable. Then General Dynamics UK makes its own

But it isnt just about todays needs. General Dynamics UKs capabilities are based on anIntegrated, whole systems approach to platform architecture, that is such a critical part of modern military platforms, including the co-existence of and provision for data and power management (the electronic architecture). What General Dynamics UK offers is the ability to design and install these capabilities as a single entity. Experience, like that on the Jackal and Wolfhound, and several intensive years of Bowman installation, plays an important part in developing this capability for the platforms of the future, including those delivered on a UOR basis.

Delivering Operational Excellence

Summer 2009 Issue 8

The missing link

UK industry is full of people with good ideas and innovative technology. The EDGE UK facility was created to take the best and most useful of these innovations and link them with the defence customers who need them.
Organisations of all sizes across the UK have ideas and technologies that could meet the needs of military users both today and in the future. But there has always been a problem in matching up the requirements identified by military stakeholders and the innovative companies especially the smaller ones who might hold the solutions.
This is why the EDGE UK facility in Newbridge was created by General Dynamics UK. This advanced facility, with its focus on supporting the next generation of C4I systems, is designed to provide the link from MoD programmes and the needs of the military to those suppliers predominantly, though not exclusively, SMEs who have relevant offerings.
Dr Andrew Tyler, chief operating officer of Defence Equipment & Support (right) tries out the facilities as Dr Sandy Wilson, president and MD of General Dynamics UK, watches

The EDGE UK is now fully functioning and has already seen the completion of valuable projects. And it has signed up its first three industry members. But what exactly does it do for both the military customer and the organisations who become members?

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Summer 2009 Issue 8

EDGE UK Members
The first three members of EDGE UK are: EchoStorm EchoStorm has expertise in video and electronic sensor data management. Building on proven success in military operations since 2005, its technology collects, processes and disseminates motion imagery from a wide range of sources including CCTV, unmanned platforms, manned aircraft, road vehicles and broadcast TV. For more information go to: www.echostorm.net Patapsco Patapsco is a 20 year old UK company which designs, manufactures and markets the PacketBand ranges of ISDN and TDM over IP units, the Liberator range of ISDN converters and other datacom products. The company has extensive experience with different types of networks including satellite, wireless, radio, 3G and terrestrial (including Internet). For more information go to: www.patapsco.co.uk Rockwell Collins Rockwell Collins (UK) provides communications and aviation electronic solutions for commercial and government customers. It offers communications, navigation, data link and integrated systems solutions, together with an extensive service and support capability. For more information, go to: www.rockwellcollins.com

The facility is host to numerous presentations to military, government and industry visitors

Innovation
The MoD has launched a number of excellent initiatives to foster innovation in the industrial sector, says Greg Dean, programme manager at EDGE UK. For example, the Grand Challenge, and the Centre for Defence Enterprise help support and develop the innovations that the MoD needs in the long term. The problem, says Dean, is that while interesting and valuable ideas and technologies might be identified this way, linking them to actual programmes and contracts is more difficult. Theres a gap between coming up with a technology and developing it on a fieldable baseline. It needs to be developed towards something real so that it can be integrated with what else is out there. Leading the recent opening ceremony at EDGE UK, Andrew Tyler, chief operating officer of the MoDs Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation, said: In procuring the best kit for the armed forces, it is vital for us to stay at the cutting edge of technology. To do this, we must develop the physical and virtual infrastructure that will enable the defence community to work more closely with small niche businesses, academia and the major defence companies. EDGE UK is an excellent initiative with great promise.

Capability watch
The facility opens that key exploitation route for suppliers of all kinds. It actively seeks out capability gaps, through General Dynamics UKs current work and extended contacts throughout the defence and security community. At the same time, the EDGE UK engineers maintain a capability watch on industry to identify relevant technologies. And any organisation can approach the EDGE UK if it thinks it has a worthwhile product. What follows is an honest appraisal with General Dynamics UKs skilled engineers to decide if the technology is relevant and workable in the context of the militarys systems. This is where General Dynamics UKs systems integration skills are important, because the technology has to be able to integrate with existing and future systems. If the result is positive, a simple NDA is created to foster the right, open working relationship in which the ideas can be explored further. Immediately, the supplier organisation will see some benefits. Through General Dynamics UKs close contacts with defence customers and users, the supplier gets access to crucial people users, IPTs and decision makers. The EDGE UK provides a secure environment in which to carry out
cont. overleaf

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There are numerous benefits to membership (see box), but perhaps the most important is the insight that General Dynamics UK can provide when it comes to MoD programmes and contracts. Thats important because the EDGE UK is not just about working with companies already in the defence sector. There are many commercial organisations operating in areas such as communications or video who have technologies and ideas that could benefit defence programmes, especially in the tactical C4I field. But they dont always have the necessary understanding of defence markets for example, the peculiarities of procurement processes, and issues such as ITAR and export compliance. As an experienced prime contractor and systems integrator in this field, General Dynamics UK is able to share its considerable domain knowledge, and offer guidance to EDGE UK members.

Member benefits
Companies that sign up as members of the EDGE UK benefit in some very significant ways, including: High visibility both from a branding perspective, and also in direct interaction with customer stakeholders. Use of the EDGE UK tactical C4I laboratories and Bowman equipment. Access to General Dynamics UK subject matter experts. The potential for participation in integration exercises with General Dynamics UK Invitation to R&D networking events. Marketing and business development support for specific projects. Insights into future programmes relevant to specific projects. Where appropriate, advice on the defence marketplace and routes to market.

The vehicle lab is checked out by (l-r) Andrew Browne, General Dynamics UK; Cdre Jay Hart, DE&S; Dr Andrew Tyler, DE&S and Dr Sandy Wilson, General Dynamics UK

If we think theres
a genuine exploitation route, we start talking about a membership agreement

workshops and demonstrations with people who can give invaluable feedback. Whats more, its all in a realistic context. The facility does not use simulation to create some abstract environment: it uses an actual Bowman installation, available across four main member labs and one vehicle-based lab, so that suppliers can plug in their technology and prove that it works.

The way forward

Its clearly the right way forward. Even before its opening, EDGE UK attracted an impressive array of visitors not just from the UKs defence and security organisations, but also representatives from as far away as Malaysia. It was also the host for the CBI Wales SME forum. General Dynamics used it for its Joint Internal Research and Development (JIRAD) demonstration in November 2008, bringing together teams from the Companys operations across the UK, US and Canada. But most important, serious project work has already taken place. EchoStorm is one of the first three members (see box) and has completed a project that involves using video over Bowman. This US-based company is a fairly new entrant in the UK defence market and is using EDGE UK as part of its efforts to understand this countrys specific challenges and needs. Various formats for experimentation for the military have been tried to bridge the gap between advanced technology concepts and

EDGE UK Supporters
Supporters of the EDGE UK facility include: Bruhn Newtech Dytecna Systems Engineering FLIR Thales ITT Lockheed Martin Network Equipment Technologies Northrop Grumman Plextek Ultralife Selex Communications

Membership
If we think theres a genuine exploitation route, we start talking about a membership agreement, says Dean. Membership is free, though it obliges all parties to commit certain resources. The agreement also protects Intellectual Property for all concerned.
Dr Andrew Tyler, DE&S (right) with Dr Sandy Wilson, General Dynamics UK, at the official opening

says Richard operational capability, Campbell of EchoStorm. The approach taken through the EDGE UK facility appealed to EchoStorm as it appears to learn from previous experience and offers a practical way of bringing all interested parties together in a task oriented manner. With both suppliers and customers able to interact in a secure, realistic and productive environment, EDGE UK is helping to ensure that the right technology gets to the right people.

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A matter of priority
Advanced development methodologies now offer the agility needed in todays defence acquisition environment. Dynamics Systems Development Methodology in particular offers significant advantages.
The UK defence procurement organisation, DE&S, and the suppliers that work with them, are constantly seeking more agile ways of working. This agility means that improvements can be introduced incrementally, as and when they are needed rather than waiting months or years for major changes. The result is better control over schedules and costs, and earlier capability delivery.
Understanding user requirements is always a key part of this knowing what the customer needs and how best to deliver it. The Dynamic Systems Development Methodology (DSDM) has emerged as a key way of achieving this. It is an agile project delivery framework, focused on promoting greater responsiveness to change than traditional methods. This flexible approach to requirements management ensures that deadlines are met using techniques such as timeboxing. Collaboration is also a key tenet of DSDM, ensuring that the project team and stakeholders have a shared understanding and ownership of the project throughout its lifecycle.

MoSCoW rules
MoSCoW is a key concept in DSDM. It stands for Must have, Should have, Could have,Wont have: M MUST have: all items must be included in the deliverable. If one is missing, the project has failed. S SHOULD have if at all possible: almost as important as Must items, but there may be workarounds if they cant be included. C COULD have: these nice to have items should not impact the project (in terms of cost or schedule) but if they can be included they can significantly improve customer satisfaction. W WONT have this time, but would like it in the future. These items are not planned into the schedule but will be considered in future project iterations.

A matter of priority
Defence programmes are often run according to challenging schedules, especially those in response to Urgent Operational Requirements (UORs). Prioritising is an important tool in ensuring that programmes are run realistically, with achievable goals, while minimising delays. DSDM embraces the MoSCoW concept (see box) for prioritisation.

DSDM also enables the more rapid delivery of partial capability, and delivers solutions that are responsive to customer and stakeholder needs at every stage of the project. So it is particularly appropriate for assessment phase and research programmes, where project funding and duration are usually fixed but requirements are often flexible and evolve as the solution is developed. This demands a close working relationship between customers, suppliers and users, all acting as members of one integrated programme management team. General Dynamics UK has deployed core elements of DSDM for some time, and has now formally adopted the methodology in its Quality Management System. The Company uses DSDM on internal research and

development projects and is looking to apply it in support of the MoDs Combat ID Technolgy Demonstration Programme and Joint Data Networks Backbone programme. Ultimately, DSDM helps ensure that both customer and supplier have a clear, shared vision of what is needed and when, so that the right decisions are made.

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Summer 2009 Issue 8

Combined data
The General Dynamics UK NetLink gateway provides fast, reliable translation between tactical networks that previously couldnt share data. Now commanders and warfighters can have access to a unified picture of the battlespace
Somewhere over England, an E-3D Sentry AWACS aircraft receives signals indicating the real-time positions of military helicopters. But the operator aboard the aircraft is seated at a Bowman terminal which normally couldnt use this data because its from a different network. Fortunately, both ground station and aircraft are fitted with General Dynamics UK NetLink gateways that convert the data, rapidly and reliably, between the onceincompatible formats. Looking at just one screen, the operator has access to all information about the tactical situation, below, as it is unfolding.
-----This is not a hypothetical scenario: it was a real-life and highly successful demonstration of NetLinks capabilities. Developed by General Dynamics UK, this system is helping to realise the vision of Network Enabled Capability (NEC). During a trial at RAF Waddington, a General Dynamics UK NetLink gateway on the ground translated Helicopter Asset Tracking System (HeATS) data to

The General Dynamics UK NetLink gateway integrates data from many sources onto one display

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Variable Message Format (VMF). This was transmitted to the E-3D Sentry aircraft which was equipped with its own NetLink gateway. This converted the data into the Bowman ComBAT Infrastructure and Platform (BCIP5) format and displayed it using the Common Battlefield Application Toolset (ComBAT) on a standard Barco display. Bowman positional messages and freetext messages were then

might end up staring at several displays, each showing the same battlespace but with one showing the positions of helicopters, another showing ground troops, another showing fast jets and so on. The General Dynamics UK NetLink multi-link gateway has the capability to translate and forward data from one system to another. This means that a terminal designed to handle just one type of data can actually display information from previously incompatible systems.

Open systems
While it will typically be delivered on General Dynamics UKs mission computing hardware, NetLink is a software system and, as such, can be implemented on any hardware running a suitable secure operating system. This open systems architecture means that customers can choose the right hardware to meet their specific requirements. Thats important because different situations will require gateway capabilities to be made available in different ways. With NetLink, the gateway might be on an aircraft, a ship, a UAV, a vehicle anywhere where it can achieve the best connectivity. There is also the potential to use multiple gateways.

Independent format
NetLink grew out of General Dynamics UKs work on the Tactical Information Exchange Capability (TIEC) system for the Harrier GR9 and Tornado GR4. TIEC can take data from a Link 16 terminal and/or a data modem to do things like upload information from ground forces. At the heart of the TIEC solution is the Link Independent Format (LIF) a proprietary data format developed by General Dynamics UK. All incoming signals are converted to LIF and then converted again into the required outgoing format. The advantage of this approach is that any new external format requires the creation of just a single translator to exchange data with all the other currently supported systems. So far, General Dynamics UK has concentrated on supporting NATO formats, because those are the ones used by the UKs armed forces. But NetLink can easily adapt to others. In this way, NetLink protects current investments effectively extending their useful life by integrating them into the unified picture. It can also adapt to any future developments, including moves towards increasing interoperability between coalition forces.
The test team:Paul Freeman and Tony Malthouse (General Dynamics UK), Lt Steve Robinson (DstlTrials Officer), Douglas Celerier and Kelly Farley-Thompson (General Dynamics UK)

Proven capabilities
With its capabilities already so convincingly proven, General Dynamics UK NetLink now offers customers a fast and non-disruptive path to true enabled networks. Because it acts as a gateway, and doesnt require modification of existing systems, customers can implement the system quickly and incrementally either in response to an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) or as part of a larger programme. And that means that the path to a unified picture of the battlespace is available right now.

The demonstration used one General Dynamics UK NetLink gateway on the ground

exchanged between the E-3D Sentry and the ground station over a Bowman UHF High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR) network. The trial during which the E-3D became the fastest platform to participate in a Bowman network was significant in the way it used live, rather than canned or specially prepared, data. It clearly demonstrated the speed and flexibility of the General Dynamics UK NetLink concept. The demonstration was supported by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the E-3D Sentry Integrated Project Team and the E-3D Sentry Operational Evaluation Unit. And it followed on from previous successful demonstrations of the system at the Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstrator (CWID) events in 2007 and 2008.

Supported formats
General Dynamics UK NetLink can be adapted to work with almost any format. Currently it supports: AFAPD (Apache) Bowman BCIP5 HeATS/GrATS (Helicopter and vehicle tracking) Link 11 (RN) Link 16 VMF

Unified picture
Todays battlespace is already a highly networked environment. But each network whether its Bowman, Link 16, HeATS, the Variable Message Format (VMF) or one of many others in current use uses its own protocols and formats, developed to meet the specific needs of each system and is highly effective in that context. But the inability to talk to other systems means that the picture each presents is only partial. A commander, for example,

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Leading edge
The successful conclusion of a C4I contract for the Dutch Marines demonstrates how the UK has developed world-class capabilities in this domain

The UKs armed forces are not the only ones to reap the benefits of Bowman. The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNLMC) is also enjoying the advantages of this advanced tactical Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence (C4I) technology thanks to a two-year contract that is now coming to a successful conclusion.
Vehicles are fitted with NIMCIS at a special conversion facility

The programme was made possible by the extensive domain expertise created by General Dynamics UK. Having developed this highly advanced communications technology and the capabilities to install, support and further develop it General Dynamics UK is in a strong position to explore C4I export opportunities. This has already borne fruit with tactical communications systems for Romania (see box). These contracts both exploited aspects of the technology, skills and knowledge developed as a sovereign capability in the UK. In the case of the New Integrated Marines Communication and Information System (NIMCIS) for the RNLMC, however, the programme utilises the full Bowman system. In addition to providing secure voice and data communications

replacing a number of legacy systems NIMCIS provides the Dutch Marines with a network-enabled architecture for a range of C4I applications. It also provides interoperability with the UKs

There is also greater potential for interoperability with other allied or coalition forces in the future. The Bowman system provides a state of the art, transformational voice and data capability that will put the Dutch Marines at the leading edge of proven network-enabled battlefield says Sandy command and control, Wilson president and managing director of General Dynamics UK. It is right and fitting that the Dutch Marines would want the advanced capability British forces are already receiving.

There is potential
for interoperability with other coalition forces

Special facility
Bowman system. The Dutch Marines are part of the UK/NL Amphibious Force, alongside 3 Commando of the Royal Marines. Both forces are currently equipped with the 4f version of Bowman and will be uplifted to the latest BCIP5 capability in due course. The 94 million contact, led by the Royal Netherlands Navy, involved the digitisation of around 300 platforms at a conversion facility specially created for the Dutch Marines. Many of the vehicles involved such as BV206, Landrover, Viking and so on

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are common to those used by UK forces. And the equipment suppliers, such as ITT, Harris, Selex, EADS and so forth, are the same. However, this was not simply an extension of the UK work. Acting as prime contractor and systems integrator, General Dynamics UK engaged with Dutch companies, including Cablescan and Tecnovia, in areas such as wiring. Some of that work was also undertaken by the Netherlands Naval Support Establishment based in Den Helder, with General Dynamics UK providing systems engineering and programmatic support. Close co-operation and collaboration were important because RNLMC opted for a slightly different installation design from the UK one better suited to their operational methods. Planning was key to achieving a smooth-running programme, and this is where General Dynamics UK was able to bring to bear its extensive experience on Bowman. This proved invaluable in areas such as programme management processes, procedures, systems engineering, installation design and certification, integrated logistic support, training, conversion management and supply chain management. Its important not to underestimate the design to delivery process, says Patrick Brown, programme manager for NIMCIS, particularly the design elements as these drive the manufacturing and production phases.

Flexibility and agility were also key assets in this programme, he says. On the whole the NIMCIS programme has been very successful achieving all its major milestones in a timely manner, although this wasnt without many challenges and workarounds along the way. In parallel with the platform conversion programme, the RMLMC is carrying out training at the Naval Training Centre in Amsterdam. This uses a Computer Aided Interactive

Training facility provided by General Dynamics UK. Wilson points to the significance of this successful programme in the way that it demonstrates the world-class C4I export capabilities that General Dynamics UK has created. A key element of the Defence Industrial Strategy is a self-sustaining UK industrial capability, and this Bowman export contract substantially enhances Britains industrial base.

Export successes
The C4I domain expertise of General Dynamics UK has already resulted in some significant export contracts: Romania In 2005, the Romanian Ministry of Defence achieved full operational capability with a secure voice and data system provided by General Dynamics UK. Three battalions of armoured vehicles were equipped with the solution which, because of its high level of interoperability, enabled the Romanians to contribute a mechanised battalion to NATO forces. The systems were fitted by General Dynamics UK and in-country partner Interactive Business Solutions. The Romanian MoD subsequently contracted with General Dynamics UK to equip a further two Battalions of Mountaineers as well as helping to define an end-to-end communications architecture. Netherlands The Royal Netherlands Navy has been supplied with the New Integrated Marines Communications and Information System NIMCIS. NIMCIS provides the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps with a secure voice and data communications infrastructure capable of supporting a range of network-enabled command, control, communications, computing and intelligence systems. In addition to the standalone system capability for the Marines, a key feature of NIMCIS is the interoperability it provides between the Netherlands and UK forces, as allies and as part of the UK/NL Amphibious Force, as well as interoperability with other allied forces. NIMCIS replaces a variety of legacy communications systems within RNLMC.

Training is a key part of NIMCIS and all C4I solutions

Trusted to deliver

TRUSTED TO DELIVER
by those who matter.
General Dynamics UK is a leading integrator of defence and security systems. We deliver decisive advantage for military and government customers worldwide. As well as providing integrated mission and tactical solutions across the C4ISTAR domain, we also specialise in the integration and digitisation of Armoured Fighting Vehicles and the protection of critical national infrastructures. With our world-class team and industry-leading knowledge, we have a proven track record. Were trusted to deliver.

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