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Presentation of specialist area Command and Control Systems

The specialist area Command and Control Systems (SA C+C) is a part of the competence sector Command and Control and Reconnaissance Systems (CS C+R). The CS C+R is responsible for implementing pioneering C4ISTAR systems. The services and products are also available to other customers in addition to the Armed Forces. SA C+C is one of the four specialist procurement areas in the CS C+R and is responsible for various departments in the overall C4ISTAR spectrum.

Stefan Keller, Specialist area Command and Control Systems, Competence sector Command and Control and Reconnaissance Systems

Soldiers use the medium-range thermal imaging device 19 (WBG MR 19) in observation activities

 

We would like to introduce the SA C+C and its fields of activity over a series of articles. This month, we would like to start with an overview of the specialist area as well as the cluster Optronics. We will present other clusters at a later point in time.

The specialist area Command and Control Systems implements projects from the C4ISTAR area in the following six clusters:

The six clusters of SA C+C: optronics, radar, command and control, reconnaissance, meteo, surveillance and special projects.

The SA C+C consists of 23 employees who ensure that projects are implemented in the six clusters. The specialist area consists of the head of the specialist area, their deputy, an assistant and 20 project managers at all levels.

Employees sometimes work across clusters and are each involved in several projects at the same time.

The range of topics covered by the SA C+C is wide-ranging and varied, as shown above. The SA C+C covers a wide spectrum, from residual light amplifiers, radar systems, command and control systems, meteorological systems, surveillance systems for target projection, to x-ray systems and document verification devices.

A brief overview of the individual clusters and their fields of activity is given below.

Cluster Optronics

The graphic shows a thermal imaging device
The graphic shows a drawn thermal imaging device on orange background with the writing "optronics"

The Cluster Optronics is responsible for the procurement of optronic devices. Optronics, the combination of optics and electronics, deals with modern optical surveillance and reconnaissance systems.

In the Cluster Optronics, optronic systems are generally considered to be thermal imaging devices (WBG), residual light amplifiers (RLV) and the respective laser modules (LM) laser light modules (LLM), as well as multifunctional laser range finders (MLEM).

Cluster Radar

The graphic shows a radar

In the Cluster Radar, we distinguish between air surveillance and approach guidance systems. In airspace maintenance, an integrated Recognized Air Picture (RAP) must be created to be able to lead and deploy own forces in the entire area of interest of the Armed Forces and in particular for the Air Force.

The approach guidance systems are used to control take-off and landing of the planes at the airfields, at any time of the day or night as well as in all weather conditions.

Cluster Command and Control and Reconnaissance

The graphic shows a command and control device

The Cluster Command and Control and Reconnaissance procures, on the one hand, C2 systems (command and control), which enable various data to be networked and displayed, thus helping to ensure the command and control of missions.

However, it also procures tactical reconnaissance systems, which make a valuable contribution to command and control.

Cluster Meteo

On the graphic there is a cloud and sun

As the name implies, the Cluster Meteo deals with projects which are related to the weather. Meteorological data together with their preparation and provision are key for planning, executing and controlling operations on the ground as well as in the air.

Cluster Surveillance

The graphic shows a surveillance camera

In the Cluster Surveillance, systems are procured which are used to monitor objects or, for example, also to monitor the aircraft noise on the military air bases.

Cluster Special Projects

The graphic shows some drones and buildings

The Cluster Special Projects deals with projects which are difficult to assign to other clusters or which relate to several clusters simultaneously.

Projects such as defence against mini-drones, luggage x-ray units, document verification devices, metal detectors, etc. can be summarised here

Detailed information on the respective clusters and the associated projects will be published in future armasuisse Insights articles.