Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions

Tactical Data Link Integration and Testing

Key words and phrases: tactical data link integration and testing, communications, platforms, testing and acceptance,

The Consultants employed by Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions have extensive experience and wide ranging expertise, gained over many years, in the fields of integration of communications systems into ground C2 platforms, airborne/surface C2 platforms and nonC2 platforms such as fighter aircraft. Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions has provided technical support on MIDS/JTIDS integration for a number of platforms, including:

United Kingdom:

  • Air Defence Ground Environment (UKADGE), including the JTIDS Air Platform Network Management System (JAPNMS) and the Transportable JAPNMS Facility (TJF).
  • E-3D.
  • Tornado F3.
  • Tanker aircraft.
  • Eurofighter (EF2000).
  • Carrier Vessel Support General (CVSG)/Type 42 ships.
  • Sea Harrier (SHAR).
  • Sea King Airborne Early Warning (AEW) helicopter (SKW).
  • Replacement MPA NIMROD 2000.

International:

  • Italian F3.
  • German F123 AAW Frigate.
  • German Air Force MIDS Programme.
  • Australian ADGE project; Vigilare.
  • Australian DOD AEW&C project; Wedgetail.

Testing and acceptance requires careful management.

The cost and time required must be balanced against the risk reduction that the testing is designed to provide. Not all testing can be done in the pre-acceptance phase where the procurement specification forms the basis of the tests. Further testing will usually be required to explore the performance boundaries of the system and to evaluate its operational effectiveness.

Where systems are safety critical, the importance of testing throughout the development cycle is paramount. Careful analysis is required to ensure that testing is not duplicated and that it is carried out at the most appropriate stage.

Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions has supported detailed testing of data link integration into individual platforms as well as interoperability testing among different platforms.

In particular, Lockheed Martin UK - Integrated Systems & Solutions has carried out the following activities:

  • Production of a test requirement analysis for a the UK MIDS/JTIDS Link 16 system.
  • Production of a simulation specification for the data link message environment in which the EF 2000 will be tested.
  • Production of detailed test plans for the integration of MIDS/JTIDS Link 16 into the E-3D Sentry aircraft.
  • Provision of support to customer validation of contractors' TDL system integration and test facilities.
  • Provision of technical support in conducting tests, analysing results and resolving problems in the integration of MIDS/JTIDS Link 16 into the E-3D Sentry aircraft, Tornado ADV, EF 2000, Sea Harrier, Sea King AEW and others.
  • Provision of technical justification for customer claims on platform integration contractors when integration specifications are not met.
  • Provision of support to the NATO Interoperability Sub-Committee Working Group on NATO Interoperability Environment Testing (NIETWG), including development of the Standard Interface for Multiple Platform Link Evaluation (SIMPLE) standard for interoperability testing.

Further information is available from:

Email:
Tel: +44 (0)1252 732555