LION - Link Inter Operability Network testing service

LION is the Link Inter Operability Network testing service being provided by Aerosystems International, in conjunction with the UK Ministry of Defence. LION enables interoperability tests to be conducted between geographically separated datalink equipped integration rigs, through ISDN lines. This avoids the restrictions imposed by the use of live radio transmissions. The system uses the NATO agreed Standard Interface for Multiple Platform Link Evaluation (SIMPLE).

LION provides the cost effective means of testing actual hardware, without the expense of operational trials, and forms the useful bridge between paper analysis and actual platform trials. The service is available and can be purchased by third parties to carry out their own interoperability testing.

Features:

• Link 11 and link 16 initial capability with expansion capability for Link 22.
• Five initial platforms with expansion capability for additional platforms.
• International connection provided to allow tests with other SIMPLE compliant networks.
• Extensive on-line and post test analysis
• Based on current COTS

LION- The Testing Service

The architecture has been designed to allow third parties to use it for interoperability trials. By providing a rig interface unit and ISDN line at the required site, the LION team can provide an extensive and cost effective testing facility. The LION team has in-depth experience of analysing interoperability problems, to identify the cause of the issues under test. The testing can be tailored to suit individual customer needs.

Architecture

LION utilises a Central Scenario Facility (CSF) which provides scenario data over ISDN lines to individual Rig Interface Units (RIU) at each platform datalink rig. The CSF ensures that each platform is operating with the same scenario data and performs the function of a central message router for all datalink messages. The RIU provide a SIMPLE interface to the network and tailored interfaces to each platform rig, and contains cryptographic equipment to ensure the security of the information transmitted over the ISDN lines. It has the capability of operating as either terminal or host simulator to ensure platforms can participate in the network.

For efficiency, the LION network utilises a star topology with the CSF at the centre. Addition ports in the CSF are provided for the international connection and to also allow for the introduction of additional platforms. A new platform can be introduced by the addition of an RIU together with extra bearer and cryptographic equipment at the CSF.

A significant advantage of the RIU's is that they will contain the full scenario generation, execution and analysis facilities provided at the CSF. Thus local testing at a single rig will be possible without the necessity of a SIMPLE connection.

Platforms

• Current platforms · E3D · Tornado F3 · Seaking AEW · Sea Harrier · T42/CVS
• Future platforms · Eurofighter · Transportable JTIDS Facility · Nimrod MRA4 · Astor · Others as contracted

Interoperability Tests

In general, the network will provide 3 levels of test to confirm interoperability.

• System Wide Checks - to detect system wide issues concerning data link operation and implementation. These will involve multiple platform rigs, augmented by simulation.
• Focussed Testing - used to investigate and focus in on specific interoperability issues which have occurred either in service or identified through paper research.
• International Tests - used to examine the Interoperability between the UK and other nations data link equipped platforms

Additional tests can be added to meet individual customer requirements..

For more information contact:

AEROSYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL
West Hendford
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2AL
Tel: +44 (0) 1935 443000
Fax: +44 (0) 1935 443111
www.tadil.net

sales@aeroint.com

Support

Customers can expect long usage from our products. During contract negotiation, a support service level agreement (SSLA) is put in place which defines the obligations against which AeI will deliver and the appropriate level of response that our customers can expect. The SSLA will vary from a five star service (such as very short response times, full upgrades) to some lower levels of support which can be obtained under reduced pricing regimes. Customer can judge the price/response balance to match their needs.

Test and Trials

Low cost, highly capable test equipment is easily installed in vehicles, allowing the whole system to come to the customer. Acting in either a fixed ground reference role, or by acting as the Net Time Reference.

AeI Link 11 (TADIL A & TADIL B), JTIDS Link 16 (TADIL J) and IJMS trials equipment is operationally proven, and is capable of worldwide deployment in combat vehicles.

Integration and Interoperability

With over fifteen years in the tactical data link business, integration tools have been developed and refined to meet customer integration and interoperability testing requirements. An extensive suite of tools is available which allows users to create, monitor and examine tactical data link messages.

Datalink networks can be simulated, stimulated and monitored, and equipment
can be configured as host computers, terminals or external datalink networks. Datalink
consultancy skills can be brought to bear to analyse and
resolve interoperability problems.

In conjunction with the UK Ministry of Defence,
Aerosystems International has developed
LION - The Link Inter Operability
Network testing service.
Enabling interoperability tests to be
conducted between
geographically separated datalink
equipped integration
rigs, through ISDN lines.

Training and Simulation Systems

Simulation programs allows the generation of up to 10,000 simulated link-received tracks and 1000 timed messages can be generated automatically using positional data derived from simulated objects.