Assisting UK's Commando Helicopter Force

Citation

(2000), "Assisting UK's Commando Helicopter Force", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 72 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2000.12772faf.007

Assisting UK's Commando Helicopter Force

Assisting UK's Commando Helicopter Force

Keyword: Mass Consultants

Mass Consultants Limited of Little Paxton, UK, reports that it has developed a PC-based communications system to assist the Royal Navy helicopters when flying missions in support of the Royal Marine Commandos. Known as ATRACKS (Automatic Tasking, Relay and Acknowledgement System), the system uses Litton Data Systems' Handheld Terminal Unit (HTU) Computer, a portable lightweight ruggedised computer developed for military use (Plate 3). The system is said to have performed well on early trials and is now being developed to provide a real overall enhancement to the Commando Helicopter Force.

In flying support missions, it is critical for the Naval and Royal Marine commanders to be able to quickly update amphibious support mission plans and target positions to helicopters in mid flight. This is known as Tasking, and ATRACKS has been specifically developed to provide this function quickly and efficiently. The system meets the Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) requirement to task and re-task in the air, with an Extended Line of Sight (ELOS) network, and to provide automatic message acknowledgement. It also meets the requirement to handle transmission errors and to update tasking information to any aircraft rejoining the network.

Plate 3 Mass Consultants' ATRACKS system, a PC-based communications system developed to assist the Royal Navy helicopters, uses Litton Data Systems' Handheld Terminal Unit (HTU) Computer

The system is described as lightweight, mobile and capable of being fitted in ships, support helicopters (with minimum aircraft intrusion), brigade headquarters, forward operating bases, mobile air operation teams (MAOTS) and forward refuelling bases. The HTU, measuring only 9.75" x 3.0" x 6.5" and weighing just 4.5lbs, is tested and field-proven itself and forms an integral part of the system.

The HTU includes a 133MHz Pentium processor and 520MB hard drive, and can also incorporate a tactical modem and an optional Tactical Communication Interface Module (TC1M) compatible modem that reportedly provides most military communications protocols, including those associated with combat net radio systems. The ATRACKS system uses existing VHF and HF aircraft and tactical ground radios, making it simple to use and incorporate into aircraft and vehicles, and includes a printing capability.

In early 1997, Mass produced, fitted and trialled a highly successful four-unit demonstrator system in two and a half months using VHF (FM). This included the HTU, which it is reported was chosen not only for its reliability (5,000 hour ground-mobile mean time between failures (MTBF)), portability and features, but also as a result of its durability in any conditions. The HTU is stated to meet the US military standards for shock, vibration, EMI and high impact resistance. It also is stated to operate over a temperature range of –25°C to 49°C and is stated to be water immersible. The ATRACKS demonstrator system is said to have performed extremely well in both ground and air trials; the results obtained reportedly exceeded expectations and proved conclusively that the system could be developed to meet the full MoD requirement.

The initial demonstrator contract was followed by a further one to extend and develop the system to allow for larger networks with more aircraft and ground stations, use HF as well as VHF (FM), develop a more integrated aircraft fit and to incorporate security features. Modelling of expected system performance was undertaken to maximise the design for operational performance, diagnostic tools were developed to assist ground crews maintain the equipment, and other PC tools to allow post-run operational and exercise analysis and to assess performance and to provide simulator training. The involvement of key users has been maintained throughout, with their advice and suggestions incorporated.

Details available from Litton UK Ltd, Data Systems Division. Tel: +44 (0)208 329 2041; Fax: +44 (0)208 329 2042; e-mail: jjy@litton-dsd.co.uk; www.litton-dsd.co.uk