GDR 99 - Missile Systems

Oerlikon Aerospace:
More than ADATS


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Top: The ADATS system, mounted on a M113 chassis, stands guard during a deployment to the Middle East

Oerlikon Aerospace is recognised as the manufacturer of the ADATS short-range air-defence missile system, but it has a much wider remit.

Oerlikon Aerospace (OA) Inc, a member of the Oerlikon Contraves Defence Group, is internationally recognised as the manufacturer of the ADATS short range air defence (SHORAD) missile system. Although ADATS is the company's principal product, OA is more than just ADATS. In fact, OA is a systems integrator specialising in the design, assembly, integration and testing of advanced air-defence systems and related technologies. The company also has applied its unique engineering expertise and skills to other related sectors such as the integration of air defence C3 systems and provides a full range of software services for dealing with the infamous Y2K software bug, specifically in real-time, embedded systems.

The development and production of ADATS requires a very sophisticated workforce comprising the full range of engineering disciplines, with a strong emphasis on software and systems engineering. ADATS is fully effective in accomplishing its mission thanks to the many unique technologies that include a high-performance C3 system. This system allows all the ADATS systems in a battery interactively to exchange air-defence command, control and track data in near real-time, both among themselves and with battery command posts as well as with higher echelon air-defence and surveillance systems using the standard, secure communications protocols. This means that commanders have access to an integrated air-defence picture, permitting them to order the appropriate ADATS fire units to track and engage threats passively.

The original C3 concept developed for the Canadian and US forces has now evolved into a new C3 system - tactical military internet or TMI. This system has been delivered to the Canadian's already under the transportable battery command post project that provides a C3 network integrating the Canadian's Skyguard fire control units and command posts by using the latest UHF data radios with an effective throughput of 288kbps.


Integration and testing facilities at Oerlikon Aerospace

The TMI system was developed following the Canadian forces' participation in the Roving Sands 1996 air defence exercise at Fort Bliss, Texas, where an integrated air defence network with coalition air-defence forces was deemed to be essential in order to keep pace with the evolving, complex air-defence environment. TMI is an integrated air-defence C3 network solution that makes use of the commercial TCP/IP protocol. This system has an enormous potential and provides an immediate solution to commanders wishing to integrate their air- defence systems and sensors into a single, integrated, secure, high-speed C3 network. Internet protocols and an open architecture are used to permit greater flexibility in integrating legacy communications while employing standard software and messaging systems over TMI, allowing users to employ COTS software in a familiar environment, increasing user/system performance while reducing maintenance and training costs.

OA has also made a major breakthrough as a Y2K service provider. ADATS systems comprise many high-performance, real-time software programmes that are embedded in processors and chips, therefore OA has developed considerable software and systems engineering expertise in this field.

Unfortunately, most of the attention on resolving the Y2K bug has been focused on MIS systems, while the mission-critical problems that are concealed within the software in real-time embedded chips, are often overlooked by firms who have little or no expertise in embedded systems. OA has successfully achieved SEI Level 2 certification and has developed a comprehensive Y2K process that it uses in identifying and solving problems for a variety of customers. OA is one of the leading Y2K suppliers to the Canadian government, providing a full-range of software evaluation and conversion services for embedded, mission-critical systems.

With respect to ADATS, it is the most effective SHORAD system today and remains unique in its capability to defeat the complete spectrum of low-level air and surface threats, while remaining passive. The system's success rate against air and surface targets exceeds 80 per cent, even though threats are becoming harder to detect and engage because of their lower altitudes, higher speeds, reduced radar cross-sections and stealth technologies. OA's engineers continue to monitor current technological trends and solicit customer feedback to develop technological improvements that enhance ADATS' formidable capabilities. As a result, a new Mk2 version has been developed for future customers. Emphasis has been placed on enhancements that are based on commercially-available products that reduce risk while enhancing maintainability and shortening delivery times. ADATS' modular concept was designed from the outset to facilitate such upgrades and keep pace with the threat. ADATS Mk2 will provide customers with an enhanced growth potential and a flexible topology for follow-on improvements.

The current ADATS Mk2 incorporates:

enhanced C3 system with new UHF, high-throughput digital radios and high performance tactical military internet;

multi-purpose operator consoles providing improved man-machine interface and one-man operation;

new tactical processing unit to increase growth potential and reduce life cycle costs;

new electronics cabinet;

new missile fuse for improved performance in a coastal environment;

eye-safe laser rangefinder.

On the naval front, OA is teamed with GEC-Marconi Radar & Defence Systems and two other companies to offer a ship-borne version of ADATS, known as Sea Sprint, as a contender for the inner layer missile system requirement for the Horizon frigate programme. Sea Sprint's primary mission will be to provide protection against the extreme threat posed by supersonic, sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. In keeping with ADATS heritage, Sea Sprint also will be able to engage surface targets such as patrol boats and landing craft.

Link: www.ocdefence.com

OA has come a long way since its inception in 1986 and will continue to be a major contender in the international SHORAD marketplace for many years to come. Its innovative TMI system delivers a high-performance solution for air-defence forces trying to resolve their C3 problems. In the shorter term, its services are available to those having to resolve Y2K problems with embedded systems.