Saab Selected for WISE integration abilities
At the announcement of the successful applicants for round 13 of the Capability and Technology Demonstrator program for 2009 Saab was selected for a demonstration of a tool to establish an integrated C4I(*) environment. The Minister for Defence Personnel Materiel and Science, Mr Greg Combet congratulated Saab for this innovative application.
Saab will use its Widely Integrated Systems Environment (WISE) tool to establish data exchange connections between a range of maritime, land and air C4I systems to build displays in a Joint Force HQ. The initially systems will be BCSS1, ANZAC 9LV combat system, GBAD TaCCS and Data links 11 and 16.
The WISE tool is an innovative, Swedish developed, software technology that permits systems to be rapidly connected together such as within a Network Centric Warfare environment. This allows operators to monitor and view operations and events in real time or near-real time. WISE integrates information flows between systems, regardless of architecture, communication standards and protocols.
The key benefits to the ADF will be the development and dissemination of a common operating picture (COP) from existing C4I systems through the merging of operating pictures within currently independent maritime, land and air C4I systems to create a Joint COP.
This low cost technology will enable a wide variety of systems from different sources to be connected without the need to re-write the software of either system. It can be used to determine future C4I systems requirements and as a test bed for evaluation of competing systems to see how they will interact with existing Australian network based systems. Finally, it can be used to optimise the performance of operational C4I systems and to align scenarios with operational systems for on-the-job training opportunities.
*See Glossary at the end for all acronyms.
About WISE
The Australian Defence Force has made a significant investment in Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence (C4I) Systems. These will be supplemented by additional Battle Management Systems soon be introduced into service. While capable in their own right, these systems will only provide a true force multiplying effect when they are operating within a networked system exchanging relevant data.
The Widely Integrated Systems Environment (WISE) is tool was developed in Sweden to enable computer based systems to connect and share information irrespective of their design, architechure, communications standards and protocols. It is low cost, quick to achieve effective integration and flexibile in that it does not need to amend the software of any systems it connects to.
Saab’s CTD proposal will demonstrate a capability to get C4I systems to exchange information. It will demonstrate the potential for increased ADF capability through:
- increased connectivity between disparate C4I systems enabling information sharing in a joint environment;
- creation of a Joint Common Operating Picture (COP) through integration of existing maritime, land and air C4I systems;
- increased situation awareness for commanders and their staff enabling faster decision cycles and reducing the risk of fratricide;
- a facility to reduce the risks associated with acquiring, integrating and sustaining future C4I capabilities; and
- optimising current operational C4I systems to produce better performance and training outcomes for the ADF.
Potential future uses of the WISE C4I Connector:
- It will assist capability development by allowing an earlier and deeper appreciation of future capabilities and consequent interoperability requirements.
- It will assist Defence industry to build its skills in the enhancement of command and control systems expertise and C4I systems integration for future capabilities.
- The system can subsequently assist a smoother transition of C4I capabilities into service both as a means to connect existing, fielded systems and as a C4I test bed for candidate C4I systems.
For further information, please contact:
Mark Proctor, Marketing Manager, Saab Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, +61 413 893 446
www.saabgroup.com
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.
Glossary
9LV Saab’s product number for naval combat management systems
ADF Australian Defence Force
BCSS Battlefield Command Support System
C4I Command, control, communications, computers and intelligence
COP Common operating picture (tactical)
CTD Capability and Technology Demonstration program
GBAD Ground based air defence
Link 11/16 NATO tactical data links 11 and 16.
TaCCS Tactical Command and Control System for air defence missile systems
WISE Widely Integrated Systems Environment (Saab product name)
 16 July 2009
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