ISI showcases its Universal Link System
At MAST Asia, Interoperability Systems International (ISI) showcased its Multi-Tactical Data Link Gateway – The Universal Link System (ULS), which allows integration and interoperability between different platforms, enabling Network-Centric operations, generating the Common Operational Picture and increasing Situational Awareness.
In the demonstrated scenario, a multitude of airborne and naval assets, including an MPA, a Naval ship, an AEW&C using different type of Data Links (Link 11, Link 16 and Link 22) and a Command & Control center are shown to be integrated using the ULS ensuring accurate, reliable, secure and fast information flow among all participating assets.
The ULS is a network-centric software solution that enables the integration of Data Links on land, sea and air platforms and assets. Thanks to its open architecture and information exchange interfacing protocols, the ULS can be easily integrated into any existing Command & Control system to expand its capability in delivering the Common Operational Picture (COP).
Nikos Ghikas, Director of Business Development and Marketing at ISI, explained: “One can think of the ULS system as the ‘gateway’ between different platforms using dissimilar Data Link protocols allowing them to communicate with each other, correlate and fuse the tactical information presented, generate the COP, increase the Situational Awareness and facilitate effective decision-making in a Network-Centric environment.”
Whereas before a platform (Ship, MPA, AEW&C etc.) would only communicate and receive information through its own Data Link network, thus obtaining part of the tactical picture, now it can receive the COP, as generated by the integration of all participating platforms. “This provides a force multiplication effect and extends the operational capabilities of each participant in a complex warfare environment,” concluded Mr. Ghikas.
ISI has already deployed the ULS in different configurations in more than eleven countries worldwide. The company is currently completing its Link 22 implementation, the latest addition in the ULS, further expanding its Multi-Link capabilities.
