Cyber-Physical Systems

The Defence, Security and Humanitarian Mission Systems program include the following four main research themes:

Theme 1:  Advanced Navigation and Guidance Systems

The primary focus of this research theme is on the development of innovative and cost-effective Navigation and Guidance (N&G) systems for high-performance military aircraft and UAV based on GPS, Differential GPS (DGPS), GPS/INS and DGPS/INS for a variety of flight test/training and flight inspection applications, as well as other mission- and safety-critical GNSS applications (including precision approach and operations in GNSS-denied environments). The main research projects in the area of N&G are listed below:

• GPS and DGPS Time and Space Position Information Systems (TSPI)
• Development of an Integrated DGPS/INS Position Reference System
• GNSS for Precision Approach and Landing
• Innovative Augmentation Techniques for Safety-Critical GNSS Applications
• Integrated Navigation Systems for Military Aircraft and UAV Applications
• GNSS for Aerospace Vehicles Attitude Determination and Control

Theme 2:  Electro-Optical Sensor Systems

Another important contribution of our research is the development of aerospace electro-optical sensors/systems for a obstacle avoidance and weapon guidance. Besides contributions to various hardware and software components of the systems, we developed innovative techniques and instrumentation for electro-optical systems test, evaluation and certification. The main reserach accomplished in this field include:

• Development of a Laser Test Range for the NATO Defence Forces
• Airborne Laser Systems Performance Prediction and Safety Analysis Software
• Development of a Laser Radar (LIDAR) System for Helicopter Obstacle Warning and Avoidance
• Simulation and Operational Mission Planning Tools for Active and Passive Electro-Optical Systems
• Innovative Methods for Laser Remote Sensing

Theme 3:  Avionics Systems Design, Integration, Test and Evaluation

We performed several RDT&E activities on a large variety of defence/security aerospace electronics and electro-optical systems, including navigation systems, airborne computers, displays, Night Vision Imaging Systems (NVIS), RADARs, airborne lasers, Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems, voice/data/network radio communication systems and satellite communication systems. All these RDT&E programs included several laboratory, ground and flight test sessions, combined with extensive simulation activities for performance prediction, safety analysis, mission planning and post-mission data analysis. Development, integration and verification of modern avionic systems (digital and integrated systems) are very challenging tasks, especially on high performance military aircraft. In almost all cases, it is in fact necessary to implement novel design approaches, as well as adopting innovative Flight Test Techniques (FTT) and dedicated Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) that allow an in-depth analysis of the systems performance in a wide range of operating conditions and in representative portions of the aircraft operational flight and mission envelopes. The main topics of our research in the area of avionic systems design, integration and verification are listed below:

• Avionic Systems Development and Test Using Commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) Components
• Integration of Laser Designators and Laser Guided Weapons in Military Aircraft
• NVIS Design, Performance Modelling, Test and Evaluation
• GPS Modelling, Simulation and Testing in a Jamming Environment
• Modelling, Simulation and Flight Test of SATCOM Avionics Terminals

Theme 4:  Network-Enabling Data Link Communications

Our experience in Network-Enabling Data Link Communications includes the following projects:

• MIDS Platform Integration and Verification
• Development of Distributed Simulation Networks
• MIDS Terminal Modernization and Upgrades
• Data Link Relative Positioning for Multi-sensor Navigation Systems
• MIDS JTRS Research, Development, Test and Evaluation

The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is an advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence (C4I) system designed to support key operational functions such as surveillance, identification, air control, mission coordination, etc. The system provides jamming-resistant, wide-area communications on a Link 16 network. In addition to performing C4I functions, MIDS serves as a navigation aid by providing relative navigation position-keeping functions through the use of Precise Participant Location and Identification (PPLI) Link 16 messages and incorporates TACAN functionality. MIDS is also designed to be fully interoperable with the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), which is an earlier generation Link 16 system.

All MIDS related research, development, integration and test activities are managed by the MIDS-Internatioanl Program Office (IPO). These activities are jointly funded by the US DoD, the French MoD, the Italian MoD, the German MoD and the Spanish MoD. Furthermore, MIDS Third Party Sales (3PS) and NATO Agencies also contribute to a significant portion of R&D and support-services funding. Industries involved in the MIDS-LVT and in the MIDS-JTRS programs are British Aerospace (BAE) Systems, ViaSat, and a consortium of European companies called EuroMIDS. This consortium includes THALES (France), SELEX-Communications (Italy), EADS (Germany) and INDRA (Spain). Laboratory experimental activities are conducted at industrial facilities (US and Europe) and at the US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). MIDS platform integration, ground and flight test activities are conducted in the US at the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps Test Centres. Similar activities are also conducted at European Test Ranges and Research Laboratories located in France, Italy, Germany and Spain, as well as in the 3PS Nations and NATO Agencies involved in the program.