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BAE SYSTEMS Australia Unveils Advanced EW Controller For ECHIDNA

28 Jan 2003

BAE Systems Australia has unveiled the existence of one of its most closely guarded EW technology developments known as SIIDAS - Sensor Independent Integrated Defensive Aids Suite.

The advanced airborne EW controller technology has been developed in its EW laboratories in Adelaide, South Australia.

The software-based controller allows diverse EW sensors and countermeasures to be fully integrated and controlled by intelligent and adaptable self-protection programming.

SIIDAS has its heritage in the Australian Wedgetail AEW&C EW Self-Protection suite designed for the RAAF by BAE Systems Australia.

The company stated that the SIIDAS controller "forms the core of the BAE Systems solution" for the ADF Airborne EWSP Upgrade Program known as Echidna and is fully compatible with the Wedgetail EWSP suite and infrastructure with "more than 80% commonality".

The system includes a speech processor and can utilise commercial standard interfaces such as Ethernet (multiple ports), CAN bus and FireWire for connectivity and high speed, cross platform passage of large amounts of data.

SIIDAS makes use of COTS hardware that allows for rapid adoption of new IT industry standard technologies over time which means that the military customer will more rapidly benefit from the technology drivers in the global IT sector.

"We are thrilled by the prospects that this technology holds for our defence force and for Australia's growing global reputation for excellence in airborne EW," said Patrick Stringer, Deputy Director Marketing - Aerospace Programs, BAE Systems Australia.

"SIIDAS now allows us to provide a level of commonality, survivability and affordability, which many experts in the global EW community said was simply not possible.

"Australia has access to the Intellectual Property and our customer will be able to adapt quickly to the changing threat environment and growth in technology without the need for re-certification of the entire suite," he said.
About BAE SYSTEMS:

BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including Joint Ventures, and has annual sales of around 13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.

In Australia, the company employs 2,500 people, supports customers at more than 50 locations across the country and has its centre of operations in Adelaide. BAE Systems is a leader in engineering and systems integration and is a major supplier of support services, electronics and software.

Issued by Corporate Affairs, BAE Systems Australia