Challenge
The existing standard and proprietary OEM solutions do not meet the exact operational requirements and are unable to provide the flexibility and capability needed to respond to rapidly changing operational requirements. Existing solutions lack the scalability and supportability needed to ensure the mission system remain operationally available and relevant through life.
Solution
Nova Systems developed and integrated the prototype version of an airborne mission system into our own EC-135 systems testbed helicopter to explore and demonstrate the potential benefits of a scalable architecture, and to validate key mission system architecture. Working with partners Safran Electronics & Defense, CarteNav, Smith Myers, RDDS Avionics, Avalex and Astronautics, the prototype mission system design was completed within 29 weeks from initial design to first flight.
The mission system integrated the Safran EUROFLIR 410 electro-options sensor, the Smith Myers ARTEMIS mobile phone detection and locating system, RDDS touchscreen displays, Avalex video recorders and the Astronautics secure air-toground cellular communications system with the CarteNav AIMS mission management software into a connected integrated mission system.
Outcome
Nova Systems hosted airborne law enforcement, coast guard, border control and military helicopter operators at the Brighton City Airport, in a series of flights demonstrating the capabilities and potential for a connected and customised modular airborne mission system.
The operational capabilities of the mission system were explored in airborne law enforcement, ISR, and search and rescue in operationally representative overland and overwater scenarios. The EC-135 C4ISR Demonstration was a key building block to demonstrating the art of the possible with Nova Systems’ Turnkey Airborne Mission System Solutions offering.