Defence

Defence supports superior mission effectiveness by providing operators with an easy-to-use, comprehensive and secure toolset that includes everything needed for efficient mission management, securely combining RED/BLACK voice communications in one binaural headset and HMI. The operational, bulletproof technology designed with no single point of failure and built-in redundancy helps to ensure continuity of service, while the open standard compliant IP solution protects the investment with a proven track record of interoperability, guaranteed long-term support, unparalleled data security and straightforward scalability.

The state-of-the-art, scalable, IP-based secure communications system iSecCOM provides seamless integration into an IP infrastructure, thus offering operational advantages when it comes to availability and flexibility. Amongst the main benefits of the system are its open standard interfaces that enable high levels of interoperability between diverse communication components and direct access to already available legacy systems. iSecCOM supports the integration of voice communication systems, gateways including telebriefing and tactical data link voice integration, GFE/Crypto integration, legacy phone support and radio gateways. Meeting both security and safety requirements in one system, iSecCOM provides single and dual security domain (RED/BLACK) IP voice communications for mission-critical tactical and operational command and control systems, serving all forces within the civil and military sectors. Adhering to military and industry standards, it gives operators everything they need for effective mission management across telephone, intercom, radio, recording, data and conference services – all via a single operator position with customisable HMI.

Proven security and reliability

The iSecCOM secure audio switch (iSAS) ensures exceptional security and secure domain separation. iSAS is the world’s smallest switch and is certified by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) in accordance with Common Criteria (CC) EAL4+. Simultaneous operation within RED/BLACK security domains combines security with convenience. Integration of external GFE crypto equipment allows smooth exchange of classified information with other systems.

GuardX

GuardX is a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art recording solution designed to address the evolving demands in the defence industry. Working with an array of recording sources, GuardX ensures comprehensive coverage, capturing all essential data for analysis and review in various environments. The solution is also able to securely record and store confidential (including RED/BLACK) communication. Its user-friendly interface makes the replay of recordings a seamless experience, empowering users to extract valuable insights efficiently.
GuardX is fully integrated into Frequentis communications system for defence organisations and compatible with current as well as emerging technologies, ensuring the delivery of long-term benefits. For example, it enables the complete reconstruction of working positions for remote and digital towers, facilitating the recreation of both stitched and unstitched panoramic screens. 

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DIVOS 

DIVOS is a reliable recording system, integrated with the Frequentis voice communication portfolio. The product has evolved continuously and today provides a browser-based front-end with screen and video recording. Customers can migrate to the next-generation recording solution GuardX. 

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Matching military air traffic and safety demands with the right network is a considerable challenge. Working with a variety of defence customers, Frequentis experts regularly observe similar needs and business objectives, allowing them to provide a dedicated solution that satisfies customer requirements.

While combining all IP applications in one converged IP infrastructure helps to reduce operational costs, mission-critical applications require a dedicated solution. This is also a requirement for the implementation of SWIM, virtual centres and remote towers.

The need to integrate multiple technologies (e.g. MPLS, microwave, VSAT) in a single backbone from many providers creates additional challenges in a world where some of these networks are stationary and others deployable. The design of such a hybrid network has many challenges – different network delays, varying jitter, routing protocols support and failover behaviour.

These challenges are addressed by providing application-aware routing of communications based not only on the priority of the specific communications, but also on the current performance of the networks available to carry the traffic.

The vitalsphere network provides a level of safety and end-to-end performance not available within conventional networks, allowing for different backbone systems to be incorporated. Stationary and deployable command centres and units can be integrated into a single mission-critical network. In case of main line failure, voice and data communication can be dynamically re-routed via backbone transmission.

Intelligent routing & control

Matching real-time network performance and application needs. The coordination of requirements from different applications optimises bandwidth utilisation and operational cost.

Situational awareness

Vendor-neutral end-to-end monitoring of applications and networks. This includes real-time measurements for every backbone, as well as dedicated interfaces to VSAT modems.

Scalable networks

Integration of diverse technologies from multiple vendors. By partnering with different vendors to deliver any type of IP-, TDM-, or satellite-based network, all required transport technologies are supported.

Highest end-to-end performance for every application

Utilising brown-out detection allows for resolution of failures before they occur, as it enables action before a link black-out. This process uses real-time information on actual network performance to re-route mission-critical application flows before the link fails. Deterministic communication flows are the foundation for end-to-end path diversity – improving service availability by separating main and standby communication flows across the entire network.

A case in point is the Joint Forces Command (JFC). Even within long-standing, well-organised military organisations there are still silos in each domain as they have developed systems to meet their specific needs – be it for the air, land or maritime environment. This multiplicity of systems often prohibits easy collaboration and sharing across different commands. These diverse organisations work with diverse protocols, and different command and control (C2) systems at both tactical and operational levels.

Combining all of this information in a scalable, easy-to-use and secure JFC is the goal of Frequentis. When envisioning how the interaction between the different organisations and systems could work, the concept addresses several main issues:

• Common Operational Picture (COP): One COP with visibility across all forces and the ability to make command decisions cross-functionally.
• Command and Control: One Joint Forces Command tool with force tracking and integrated voice communications.
• Voice Communication System: One secure voice communication system (G/G and G/A) to enable consistency of contact medium across all forces.
• Incident Management: One system providing customised workflow support and incident management adaptable anytime.
• Decision Making: Secured mobile tablets providing the decision maker with relevant information, such as COP, reports, and media.

Each force commander will continue to use their current well-known systems and is responsible for providing verified data to Joint Forces Command to the next hierarchy level.

The integration of civil aviation authorities makes the scenario even more complex, but Frequentis has a solution. Air Policing is based on the Frequentis Component Framework - a flexible software framework for emergency and incident management that can easily be adapted to any customer’s processes. Its core features are:

• A common operational picture based on a geographical information system (GIS), as well as interfaces to central data sources. As a vital part of the system, it combines a correlated, recognised air picture based on military and civil radar data sources and the NATO-recognised air picture (currently Link 1) with ground and relevant aeronautical information. It also provides the user with a broad feature set that supports the decision-making process when incidents occur.
• A collaboration and decision-support service improves operators' actionability by providing appropriate workflows to guide them through entire incidents. All required information is added automatically or, wherever possible, preselected by the system. Operators’ decisions are assisted by pre-evaluation and provision of weighted scores calculated using defined rules applied to available information. All incidents and actions taken are completely documented to support subsequent evaluation and provide comprehensive records that satisfy all legal requirements.
• The integrated voice communication service connects the system with the operational voice communication system in use. A critical operator task is to get quickly in touch with those who fulfil relevant responsibilities. The system supports this by using different integrated communication services.
• An integrated legal recorder records all actions, communications, incident management and ambience for training and legal purposes.
• The system integrates mobile decision makers with full situational awareness in their hands, displayed on secured tablets.

In addition to Air Policing and Joint Forces Command, the Defence situational awareness capabilities include search and rescue (SAR), drone defence (DD), and border control – for both military operations, as well as for civil-military co-operations (CIMIC).

We draw on extensive cross-domain expertise in the field of situational awareness accumulated together with CNS Solutions, member of the Frequentis Group.

Modernising and digitalising military air traffic control

Frequentis leads the way in introducing remote digital tower (RDT) to address military air traffic management challenges. RDT replaces the out-of-the-window view of traditional air traffic control towers with a visualisation system. Advanced sensor technology creates a virtual air traffic control (ATC) tower, capable of controlling airbases remotely.
 

Improving safety and situational awareness

By digitalising ATC services, the Frequentis solution improves controllers’ situational awareness, and enhances flight safety and training. Advanced visual and thermal sensors together with artificial intelligence improve vision in low visibility conditions, automate object detection, and record data for after-action review.

Enabling strategic advantages

Extending tower operation beyond the airfield, delivers command advantages, while improving staffing flexibilities. Controllers can now work from a secure, strategic, and controlled environment, improving mission efficiency and staff morale, while moving them out of harm’s way.

Reducing cost

Frequentis RDT drastically cuts both CAPEX and OPEX funding requirements. The solution reduces capital investments by replacing conventional ATC towers by 80%, and optimizes force efficiency and operational cost by 18%
 

Approaching missions with greater capability and confidence

RDT adds new capabilities for military ATC use cases to ensure successful achievement of different types of missions.

Remote and centralised ATC

RDT is a cost-effective alternative to constructing new towers or renovating out-of-date infrastructure. It can act as a contingency tower when something goes wrong or provide uninterrupted 24/7 ATC services.

Deployable ATC solution

Protecting controllers is of utmost importance to support mission success. The deployable digital tower solution increases situational awareness and allows traffic to be controlled from a protected environment.

Enhanced vision for military ATC

Frequentis offers a scalable solution with a wide range of digital vision tools to optimise existing ATC towers. Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras replace binoculars. Small visual and thermal panoramas reduce blind spots and improve night vision.
 

FIRST US DOD Digital Tower CONTRACT AWARDED TO FREQUENTIS

To learn more about Frequentis Defense, Inc. digital tower contract with the US DoD please visit the Frequentis Defense, Inc Digital Tower website. 

Serving all needs of military ATC

As the importance of military mission fulfilment grows, many aerodromes – domestic and abroad – are challenged by the need to deliver safe, reliable and efficient air traffic control services using a complex mix of legacy and newer technologies. For military aerodromes, there may be additional challenges around meeting international safety and quality standards. The ongoing digitisation of the industry offers opportunities to consolidate and improve the services while reducing costs and securing the most reliable equipment. Military aviation commands and ATC providers can choose from the broad variety of single products for an aerodrome upgrade up to a complete solution for a newly-built military ATC tower or aerodrome. Frequentis technologies will integrate seamlessly with each other and with legacy products or new technologies from other providers.

ATC solutions for tomorrow’s needs

ATC solutions enable military aviation commands and ATC providers to improve safety and situational awareness, ensure mission success, enhance operator efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, increase standardisation and extend ICAO compliance. By bringing together all relevant information, such as weather, ATIS messaging and navigational aid status in a digital format and integrating it for presentation to the controller – with layers of automation and increased usability through intuitive interfaces – situational awareness is improved. From military heliports to fighter airbases, from naval airbases to military transport commands, the Frequentis portfolio can address all requirements.

The modular nature of these ATC solutions enables rapid implementation and strengthened support for an exceptionally broad range of legacy and modern aerodrome equipment. From simple to complex requirements, and from low- to high-traffic volume aerodromes, the air traffic control solutions are optimally sized for the specific needs of today and will scale to whatever the future may hold.

Frequentis Comsoft – the competence centre for surveillance within the Frequentis Group – looks back on a long history of experience with the supply of innovative surveillance solutions. The product portfolio includes surveillance data distribution and processing systems, and surveillance displays.
 

Surveillance Data Distribution – SDDS-NG

In ATC, the need to integrate an increasing number of surveillance systems is well-known. Due to changing technologies and additional surveillance data users, the necessary stability of surveillance distribution environments is at risk.

The Next-Generation Surveillance Data Distribution (SDDS-NG) is a state-of-the-art solution for the easy and safe interconnection of any system that handles surveillance data. SDDS-NG is a scalable solution, supporting all current and future surveillance distribution needs by providing the single access point for surveillance data.
 

Surveillance Data Processing – Tracker

For over a decade, Frequentis Comsoft has been providing one of the most advanced and successful surveillance data processing systems worldwide.

The surveillance processing system integrates all surveillance data sources and establishes a coherent and accurate air situation picture for downstream systems.
 

Air Surveillance Displays – ASD

Safe and efficient management of flights around aerodromes and en-route are dependent upon a real-time air traffic picture. Frequentis Comsoft ASD is a high-performance, flexible and configurable HMI providing seamless air/ground awareness for air traffic controllers and aerodrome flight information service officers.

The ASD consists of the main traffic window, enabling the controllers to stay focused on the traffic in the assigned area. Additional support sub-windows provide the right information at the right time. The optimised design of the user interface further reduces the workload. It is designed by controllers for controllers, driven by ATC operational experts.
 

Portfolio

• Surveillance Data Distribution – SDDS-NG
• Surveillance Data Processing – Tracker
• Surveillance Displays – ASD

The Frequentis group’s aeronautical information management (AIM) solution is a complete system landscape of modular components that provide full interoperability along the digital aeronautical data chain. Consistent with the latest AIM standards, as outlined in ICAO Annexes and Manuals, as well as with European and national regulations, we created these solutions to enable a smooth and cost-effective migration from AIS to AIM. The modular system design facilitates a step-by-step replacement of existing AIS infrastructure.

The paradigm shift towards AIM replaces the traditional product-centric provision of aeronautical information with a data-centric solution. Instead of creating and maintaining individual documents with complex release processes the focus is on the maintenance, integrity and accuracy of the aeronautical data.
 

Serving all AIM stakeholders

The challenge for AIM stakeholders is the automation of data management processes by eliminating all manual interactions and thereby guaranteeing no degradation of data quality along the data chain. Here, any lack of standardisation would jeopardise interoperability.

We have supported many customers worldwide in analysing their current AIS situation and developing a solution recommendation, along with an implementation plan for the migration to AIM as an end-to-end solution concept.

The Frequentis group is an AIM supplier with expertise in multi-tenant systems and experience in serving the complex needs of civil and military service providers.
 

Covering all AIM use cases

With all applications sharing the same data, the integrity and consistency of aeronautical information is dramatically increased while the effort involved in service provision is reduced. The key to the success of AIM is the standardisation of data encoding and presentation, together with standardised interoperable interfaces.

Combining these factors with state-of-the-art data access, the provision of aeronautical information is now no longer limited to users of the ATM network both on the ground and in the air.
 

Providing a complete AIM system landscape

We offer the complete information backbone along the digital data chain: from data origination, data handling and data management to a platform for easy sharing of this information. Our solutions comprise modules for long-term information management, publications, short-term information management and workflow management.

Through our commitment to SESAR2020 and the ASBU initiative, through working hand-in-hand with ANSPs, ICAO, EUROCONTROL and additional industrial partners we keep our solutions on the leading edge of technology and in line with what the market needs.

For more information about our solution, click here to join our Frequentis Connect session.

Explore the Frequentis Comsoft website for a deep dive into our AIM landscape.