Greatly Enhanced C2 Functionalities for Naval Commanders
Building on its operationally-proven SitaWare suite, Systematic has now extended the command and control (C2) functions of the software to the naval domain and will take the opportunity of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions in Abu Dhabi this week to highlight the flexibility and enhancements this offers for naval commanders.
Visitors are able to take a first look at the way in which SitaWare provides a comprehensive Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) and a range of maritime-focused tools to give naval commanders an operational advantage.
“We have recognised the benefits that our core software suite can bring to naval commanders,” explains Systematic Product Manager and Maritime Domain Expert, Stig Meyer. “Adding specific maritime functionality greatly enhances the commander’s decision-making process.”
Systematic is continuing its open-architecture approach, enabling a wide variety of information sources to be drawn upon and ensuring interoperability with partners.
Among the advanced C2 capabilities being brought to the maritime domain is the ability to introduce numerous information overlays in a format easy to view and interrogate, ranging from meteorological data to Air Tasking Orders. Exclusion zones, such as those around naval mines, or threat ranges from ground-based air defence systems, for example, can also be displayed and automated alerts established, ensuring that commanders are aware of any dangers presented to their assets.
“As you would expect From SitaWare, interfaces are intuitive and ensure ease of use; it is also straightforward for commanders to tailor the level of detail in the situational awareness picture to meet their requirements,” notes Meyer.
Systematic is also enabling operations in satellite communications-denied environments, with its technology supporting low-bandwidth communication over HF radio. “It has been recognised that denying satellite communications will be one of the first aims of peer or near-peer adversaries. Our ability to operate over HF can act as a force multiplier and go some way to negating the impact of the loss of satcom,” he adds.
Among the other features that Systematic is demonstrating at IDEX 2019 is the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in anomaly detection and track correlation.
“The naval domain is not entirely new to SitaWare [….] The Irish Navy has employed our software for several years and the Royal Danish Navy is equipping a number of vessels and has operational experience. Indeed, the RDN is employing SitaWare Headquarters on HDMS THETIS as that ship acts as the lead for NATO Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1,” concludes Meyer.
