Free Webinar: Increase the Value of Interoperability Management

 Thursday, 12th May 2016  | 15:00 BST  |  1 hour 

 Free Webinar with Dr John S Hartas

SyntheSys is happy to announce our latest webinar which focuses on how organisations can increase the value of Interoperability Management.

The types, roles and environments of Tactical Data Link platforms are ever increasing, providing a greater cohesion of not just the Recognised Air Picture (RAP) but the entire battlefield.  Units on the battlefield require assurance that the information being presented is of high quality and can guarantee timeliness of contribution.  This can only be achieved effectively if the information enterprise is properly engineered.  Join this 1-hour session now to:

• Understand Tactical Data Links in a Systems-of-Systems context.
• Join a discussion on open systems interoperability.
• Consider how to establish national and platform requirements.
• Understand why it's imperative that systems are rigorously tested and learn techniques for doing this at reduced costs. 

·    To join this session visit: http://www.tdl-technology.com/#!webinars/tc38c

TDL Technology is back!

We are delighted with the response that we received from our first special edition of the TDL Technology publication in November 2015.  Our thanks go out to the many of you who subscribed and provided such positive feedback. Our second issue is now available and includes articles on: 

• Requirements Management & Model-Based Systems Engineering in Defence - Minimising issues early in the process
• Simulated TDL Environment with Daronmont- Daronmont Link Training Suite (DLTS) first choice for Australian Navy and Defence Force link training
• Ask the TDL Expert- Maximising the potential of rig to rig trial involvement

We are also giving away our Tactical Data Link Reference Guide to every reader which consolidates essential details on JTIDS MIDS/Link 16, Link 11A, Variable Message Format (VMF) and Combat Net Radio (CNR).  The guide provides useful information such as Initialisation Tables, Time Slot Packing Levels and Access Modes.

To read the free online version and to subscribe to future issues, please visit www.tdl-technology.com or if you would prefer to receive a free hard copy, contact tdltech@synthesys.co.uk

Finally, we would love to hear from you!  Have you got something to shout about?  A burning question to ask, or a topic you are passionate about and would like the opportunity to share your thoughts.  We are inviting members of the TDL & related communities to contribute to a TDL Technology industry forum for our next issue which is dedicated to you.  If you are interested in contributing to this industry magazine, please contact Sarah Thomas: sarah_thomas@synthesys.co.uk

Happy Reading! 

SyntheSys Commended whilst Supporting the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) United Kingdom (UK) Interoperability (IO) Trials Programme

Our clients come to us because we enable them to solve common testing challenges in a cost effective way.  The UK MoD is the latest customer to benefit from our unrivalled IO test facility.  The F-35 Lightning II JSF recently participated in the UK IO Trials Programme Event 6, part of an ongoing series of IO test events, designed to test the F-35 mission system tactical data IO with other UK platforms.  The UK IO Trials Programme uses a realistic simulation environment to connect UK Operational Facilities (OPFAC) over a secure wide area network.

In a simulated amphibious operations scenario, UK and US Navy pilots operated the F-35 mission system using Lockheed-built desktop simulators at BAE Systems’ UK Samlesbury site.

This event benefited from upgraded briefing/debriefing facilities at Samlesbury, which made for a more interactive and engaging test event, as evidenced by the comments and feedback received from the MoD customers and stakeholders:

“We very much appreciated the insight to the conduct of the experimentation and we were very impressed at the expansion and enhancements to your facility.”

“Through the event we are starting to see the advantages of digital control (C2)…….. We now need to grip Link 16 capability and push digital control forward.”

“The UK IO Trials Programme is delivering tangible and significant results…….. The Phase 1 Findings report has been well received in MoD and is extremely valuable.”

“The RNAS Culdrose Station Commander was mightily impressed with what he saw (from the Sea King lab) and …………plans to attend the next event.”

The scenario saw the F-35 successfully connected with the Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC) helicopter OPFAC at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose and the Type 45 Daring-class destroyer OPFAC at Portsdown Technology Park (PTP).  SyntheSys was responsible for establishing and maintaining the data exchange mechanism used in support of the SKASaC and Type 45 participation.

A total of three UK sites were networked together with exchange of Tactical Data between the participating platforms achieved by emulating Tactical Data exchange equipment and mechanisms.  The SKASaC and Type 45 OPFACs used the UK Multi-Link Test Facility (MLTF) equipment that enables tactical data exchange between real platform equipment, including Link 16 and radar scenario data, and the other platform desktop simulators.

SyntheSys provides the MLTF capability to the UK MoD, operating and supporting it for all Tactical Data Interoperability testing needs.  Use of the MLTF equipment in this event supports the UK MoD’s verification programme for ensuring the F-35 is interoperable with the existing and future UK inventory.

Connecting the F-35 facility at BAES Samlesbury to other UK platforms using real Tactical Data exchange equipment and MLTF, for example the UK Sentry E-3D and Sentinel aircraft, allows validation of the F-35 IO capability.  In addition, it could also support the reverse principle of confirming the IO of other coalition partner platforms, potentially from all over the world, with the F-35.

For more information about our Testing Services, download the information sheet [here]. 

Will we be seeing you at NTDLS 2015?

We will be in Calpe, Spain, attending and presenting at this year’s NATO Tactical Data Link Symposium (NTDLS).  NTDLS 2015 gives us the opportunity to talk to our community about our innovations and products.

In keeping with this year’s theme, 'Challenges for Tactical Data Links - Legacy TDLs and Evolving Technology', we will be discussing our capabilities in the areas of:

•          TDL Test & Evaluation
•          Interoperability Assurance Management
•          Data Link Sustainment - What Next?

If you would like to discuss any of your requirements with our Technical Consultants, please contact info@synthesys.co.uk.

Reach Your Potential in the Tactical Data Link Capability Team Interoperability Test Syndicate (TDL CaT ITS).

SyntheSys is pleased to announce the launch of our new TDL Training Course:

Introduction to Tactical Data Link (TDL) Interoperability Testing (Foundation)

This one day course equips students to fully understand the benefits of participation in the Tactical Data Link Capability Team Interoperability Test Syndicate (TDL CaT ITS). The course provides an in depth understanding of the process involved when a platform team participates in a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)/Partner Tactical Data Link Interoperability Test (TDLIOT). The course teaches project managers, as well as engineering and operational professionals how to get the most out of being involved in the Test Syndicate.

Military card holders will receive 5% discount for this course, which can be delivered in house or off-site.

Contact training@synthesys.co.uk to book your place now or for further course information download the information sheet here.

Great to see you at IDLS!

As Berlin marks the 25^th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall on 9^th November 1989, we reflect on our attendance at the International Data Link Symposium (IDLS) 2014.

In keeping with our overall business objective to create an integrated Tactical Data Link (TDL) Community, we were pleased to see so many delegates participate in our ‘Follow the Link’ activity. Congratulations to Mads Pedersen and Andreas Saatze who were each the lucky winners of a Kindle Fire HD6.

Our training day for this year’s show took an interactive approach and was based primarily on our Data Link Manager/Interface Control Officer (DLM/ICO) training course.  The DLM/ICO course is designed to inform individuals with little or no knowledge of TDLs and associated responsibilities to a stage where they can plan, design and manage Data Link Networks.  Many thanks to those who attended.

The Data Link Training Suite (DLTS) was in full force at the event and we are eagerly anticipating further discussions about this powerful application and how it will shape the future of TDL Training.

Our educational contribution did not end there.  Our Advanced Link 16 presentation, as part of the educational stream, gave delegates an understanding about Joint Tactical Information Distribution System/Multifunctional Information Distribution System (JTIDS/MIDS) Link 16.  The presentation focused on time slot structure and how to calculate a specific Network Participation Group (NPG) capacity within Network Designs which stimulated some excellent discussion points.

For delegates particularly interested in Variable Message Format (VMF), we delivered a presentation on Day 2 giving an introduction to this subject.  

You can access the presentation material relevant to the workshops and courses you attended on the IDLS website.  

We extend special thanks to Diginext with whom we partnered to deliver our Open Test Lab.  The Test Lab enabled us to establish a common interface in order to demonstrate requirements engineering, development engineering, testing, training, analysis and results recording.  These functions are then able to support individual programmes and the system-of-systems for interoperability through-life.

Here at SyntheSys, we look forward to the annual IDL Symposium and this year’s event did not disappoint.  It was a great opportunity to talk to our customers and friends, old and new and as ever, we had an enjoyable time in Berlin. 

Visit our IDLS Virtual Networking Site or contact info@synthesys.co.uk 

17th NTDLS, Calpe - In the spotlight

We’ll be in Calpe, Spain for 17th NATO Tactical Data Link Symposium (NTDLS).  Learn about the latest developments in TDL & related training methods, interoperability assurance and requirements management through presentations & demonstrations from our tech experts. For the full agenda and further information visit our Virtual Networking site here: http://ntdls.synthesys.co.uk/

See you there! 

2013 in Reflection

As 2013 comes to a close, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the successes of the year for the team here at SyntheSys.

Tony Castle and his Training team have been very busy providing training on Link 16, VMF, JRE(AP), network management and TNDS training both in the UK and across Europe. We also extended our training capabilities into non-military domain with Systems Engineering in support of the UN International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.

Mark Hudspeth and his MLTF team have been very successful on TDL Testing with the Multi Link Test Facility for UK and International Interoperability Trials, support to the F-35 Lightning II, and the Joint Maritime Theatre Missile Defence Experimentation.  We look forward to the increased use of MLTF in 2014 to support interoperability testing between UK and other nations.

Our IBM team was bolstered in the summer when Hitesh Bechar joined us from IBM. Hitesh has made an immediate impact in the provision of technical support and delivery of IBM Rational technical services to our clients. SyntheSys have been supporting new and existing IBM Rational clients as the technology of software and systems development increases ever more rapidly.

We wish all our customers, clients, colleagues and partners very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

SyntheSys provide Test Support to Sweden ASC890 Program

SyntheSys is providing test support to Sweden’s ASC890 programme.  We are tasked with development and execution of a Link 16 TDL Interoperability Test event between the Swedish ASC890 and UK E-3D Sentry platforms, over NATO and UK secure networks, interfacing at the E-3D Mission Equipment Facility (MEF), Royal Air Force (RAF) Waddington through the UK Multi-Link Test Facility (MLTF) operated by SyntheSys.

The test is planned to take place in February 2014 and SyntheSys are not only developing the test plan and test procedures, but also providing the test direction on site at the Swedish ASC890 facility in Malmslätt.

 

On behalf of SyntheSys Systems Engineers Ltd,  Phil Angus and Paul Czajkowski will be attending this year’s IDLS in Norfolk, VA. Our latest  training course brochure may also be downloaded from our website  http://lnkd.in/bu9UkbT

VECTOR Service launched

SyntheSys is pleased to announce its VECTOR (Validation, Evaluation and Compliance Testing Of Requirements) service.

Based on previous experience gained from our support to the UK Multi-Link Test Facility (MLTF), VECTOR has been developed and fielded to support and sustain cost-effective national/international tactical communications and network-enabled capability testing in both synthetic and live environments. Whilst VECTOR will focus on requirements test and evaluation, it will also facilitate the preparation of test scripts and the comprehensive analysis of results from test scenarios. It is not just confined to the military domain; we fully intend to utilise VECTOR in support of civil and commercial customers with a need for requirements testing, validation and verification. VECTOR will be integrated with our SPIRIT capability to manage nations’ requirements for interoperability testing and assurance. We will be demonstrating VECTOR’s attributes and services at this year’s International Data Link Symposiumin October at Norfolk, Virginia.

SyntheSys’ Theatre Missile Defence Experimentation Success

Test Directors and managers on both sides of the Atlantic have heaped praise on SyntheSys’ experts’ contributions to joint Maritime Theatre Missile Defence experimentation.  The US Test Director commented that the SyntheSys contribution was “amazing” and that it was a “pleasure” working with such a professional team, whilst the UK MOD project manager described the contribution as “outstanding”.  These comments followed the latest in a continuing series of experiments to test the Royal Navy and coalition forces abilities to defend surface targets in a virtual Maritime Theatre Missile Defence scenario utilising the US-led Coalition Distributed Engineering Plant.

SyntheSys contributes Multi-Link Test Facility services that provide secure communications between the UK Type 45 destroyer test facility, located at the Maritime Integration Support Centre in Portsmouth, and other coalition naval test facilities in Europe, North America and Australia.  The Multi-Link Test Facility equipment provides sensor feeds to excite the various Type 45 radars and emulates the Link 16 and Link 11 Tactical Data Link networks to share surveillance, command and control, and other information between network participants.  This is a safe virtual environment in which to test equipment, refine tactical procedures, and train operators for engaging ballistic and conventional missiles in preparation for live firing trials planned for 2015.

As well as providing the Multi-Link Test Facility equipment and assisting in the conduct of the tests, SyntheSys supports the tests by coordinating UK government and industry stakeholders to develop test objectives, reviewing and determining scenario changes, and undertaking performance analysis for future tests and exercises.

John Miller, SyntheSys’ Technical Director, commented that “This is a great example of the way in which the Multi-Link Test Facility is providing a very low cost and a very effective way of testing tactical communications systems - analysis shows that it is in excess of 70 times cheaper and has greatly increased control and repeatability when compared with equivalent live tests.”

For more information, please contact SyntheSys at marketing@synthesys.co.uk.

Air Defence System Integrator Upgrade Testing Success

The Air Defence System Integrator (ADSI) which is operated by Number 1 Air Control Centre, RAF, has just undergone a software and hardware upgrade to become more sustainable. Ultra Electronics Command and Control Systems delivered the new hardware and software and the SyntheSys testing team supported the upgrade on behalf of the Situational Awareness Command and Control (SACC) Delivery Team (DT) by providing a Subject Matter Expert to act as Test Director and independent observer.

John Miller, Technical Director for SyntheSys commented that “The service provided included a series of factory acceptance and site acceptance tests.  To provide further test evidence we also utilised the Multi Link Test Facility (MLTF) to test for the ADSI conformance to TDL standards and interoperability with other UK air platforms such as the Sentry E-3D.  These further tests demonstrated how the MLTF provides a highly effective, low cost and low risk approach to testing.”

For further information on Multi Link Test Facility interoperability testing, contact us at marketing@synthesys.co.uk or on 01947 821464.

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