COMMON OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

 "The COE is not a system, it is the foundation for building a shared system"

 

A critical requirement of any NCW system is the need to exchange tactical data at all levels amongst all services. NATO’s success in moving towards a networked force is primarily due to the interoperability made possible by their tactical data links (TDL) and the definition of a Common operating Environment (COE).  The need for reasonable ranges in wireless environments will continue to mean that the practical, maximum available bandwidth (that which is actually available for transmitting data) will be restricted.  While IP protocols will certainly allow the use of familiar applications such as word and email, the use of these in a battle environment can cause the network to collapse with insufficient bandwidth.

Intaero has considerable experience of Common Operating Environments and is currently developing an open COE with the following elements:

	Operating system and operating environment (Kernel)
	Common infrastructure services Real time, tactical data store Tactical data link based on but mapped, formatted messages Track correlation Data encryption Communications management
	Common support applications to enable interoperability
	Mission applications

All entities (tracks, vehicles, weapons etc.) are stored in a Tactical Data Store, and Intaero has developed data stores which are totally reliable and exceptionally fast.  For each entity defined in the Tactical Data Store entity register a corresponding message/messages is defined in the Link, which also support the dissemination of commands and entity status.  The Tactical Data Link allows for the exchange of real time data amongst operational units. The real time data consists of sensor derived information, own units position, status etc. and allows for the command and control of units participating on the link.  It also has to reflect the specific way in which the services fight the battle and interact, which makes each data link specific to the operational requirements of the users

Intaero also has worked with NATO links (Links 11, 16, 22 etc.) which come with a radio and US-based encryption.  However we recognise that not all countries will have access to these links and as part of the COE we are developing an open, Tactical Data Link, based on bit mapped, formatted message, which will allow all data to be transmitted in it's smallest binary format.  This link will also incorporate communications management, which is a very positive benefit as it means data can be sent of any means of communication (wireless, WAN, LAN, satellite) and over any frequency, including  HF, VHF and UHF.

In order to take full advantage of the benefits of modern, data radios, Intaero has designed an architecture which allows for the integration of real time data and off-line data for planning and logistical purposes without compromising mission critical information.  To accomplish this there is a bridge between the TDS and a "Smart" data store, within the COE kernel.  This "Smart" data store has an open standard interface that will allow for the real time tactical situation to be exchanged with any other form of database.  In addition, it will enable third party software tools, such as Microsoft Office or existing C2 applications, to make use of the availability of IP networks, as well as enabling efficient compression of images and video.  This unique combination of data stores and data analysis tools will be a critical, enabling technology for non-NATO services as they move from platform centric to network centric operations.

For information on how Intaero can support with development of a COE, tactical data link, or interfacing with existing data links or C2 systems please contact us at info@intaero.com