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BAE SYSTEMS pilot direct broadcast system successfully tested by UK Armed Forces

07 Nov 2001

The Pilot Direct Broadcast System (DBS), designed and supplied by BAE Systems to support the information needs of British forces during expeditionary deployments, has now completed the first on-line trials of its Interim Operating Capability.

The system delivers military information on a world-wide basis over a one-way, secure, satellite broadcast system to multiple, geographically dispersed, military client communities, tailored to their specific requirements. The Pilot DBS providers supply relevant information against the selected criteria, with field commanders authorising and controlling user access. Typical examples of information transfer activities include the broadcast of tailored video briefings, dissemination of knowledge from defence information systems, and transmission of data from civil and military geographical applications.

The Pilot DBS features robust security measures. User benefits also include reduced manpower requirements, low lifecycle costs and comprehensive support.

Reflecting the UK Ministry of Defence's Smart Procurement Initiative, the Pilot DBS will now be developed incrementally over the next two years through Mid Operational Capability and Full Operational Capability stages.

At each phase, BAE Systems and the MoD, working closely together, will use lessons learned from preceding increments to develop successive stages. This will provide flexibility of use and future growth potential, supported by innovative techniques supplying a complete managed capability for the dissemination of information.

BAE Systems' response to the Pilot DBS requirement reflected its comprehensive understanding of communications requirements. It reflects the company's experience of programmes within the digitized battlespace, such as the Generic Communication and information services Management System. A modular, phased approach to system design allowed best-of-breed product selection from both existing military and commercial product suppliers. The company's knowledge of broadcast system management and interfaces, and in overall systems integration and project management, were also reflected in its innovative approach to this major communications project. The BAE Systems Avionics Communications & Defence Infrastructure team - based at its Portsmouth site - includes partners Kencast, Computacenter, Vertex, QinetiQ and General Dynamics Information Systems.

Background information

The Communications & Defence Infrastructure (CDI) division of BAE Systems Avionics supplies tactical and strategic communications systems for all three domains, together with innovative information infrastructure and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, to support battlespace digitization. The division develops defence applications based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) sub-systems and accepts development risk from customer organisations. CDI's approach features the creation of Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) with procurement specialists and user representatives, and the development of industrial alliances with other major industry centres of specialist expertise in associated fields.