Successful radio integration tests under the technical direction of armasuisse S+T
As part of the IPLIS project (Integrated Planning and Situation Monitoring Information System), armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) supported the Command, Control and Specialised Systems Centre of the Land Forces in implementing tests. The main focus of the latest test suite was on the data transmission of the IPLIS system using existing tactical transceivers.
Dr Denis Sallin, scientific project manager, Communication and Electromagnetic Protection, armasuisse Science and Technology
In brief
armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) took over the technical management for radio integration tests in the IPLIS project (Integrated Planning and Situation Monitoring Information System) in close cooperation with the CCSS Centre (Command, Control and Specialised Systems) of the armed forces. The examination enabled new insights on data transmission of the IPLIS system to be gathered, thus contributing to the successful development of the IPLIS project.
So that the armed forces can operate efficiently over all domains of operations, the existing command and control systems are currently being integrated in an overarching system called IPLIS – Integrated Planning and Situation Monitoring Information System. IPLIS enables operational skills for all domains of operations and command levels of the armed forces to be digitally supported and simplified. However, tests are constantly required for this purpose.
Can data be transferred via existing VHF transceivers?
One of the tests aims to demonstrate whether the IPLIS system can transmit data via VHF (very high frequency) transceivers. VHF transceivers are used in particular for communication over short distances (such as the zone of action of a battalion). As the responsible technical instance for the examination runs, the specialist area Communication and Electromagnetic Protection of armasuisse S+T proffered its expertise. This includes radio systems, digital electronic interfaces and information ciphering, as well as the laboratory infrastructure.
The test runs took place between 9 and 12 December and involved the deployment of 14 vehicles, which operated on predefined routes in the Bernese Oberland. Each vehicle had an IPLIS system which transmitted its position and various additional data to the other vehicles in the network via the tactical radio system. Several radio propagation scenarios (over short and long distances) were tested for this purpose. The update rate of the transmitted positions, the effective data rate and the error rate for the evaluation of the test runs were measured.
Successful integration of the IPLIS system with existing transceivers
The subsequent analysis of the findings was altogether very satisfactory. Specifically, this means that the position could be transmitted very quickly. In addition, data transmission remained reliable even in difficult radio propagation situations. These tests can be viewed as «proof of concept» and demonstrate the usability and performance of the IPLIS system with VHF transceivers at lower tactical level, in other words, at the level of company to battalion.
A «proof of concept» demonstrates the feasibility of a method or an idea. This enables the practical suitability of a method or an idea to be gauged before it is followed up.
These results provide a confident glimpse into the further course of the project, particularly in conjunction with the planned replacement of the armed forces’ telecommunications systems. In addition, the supporting role of armasuisse S+T in such projects encourages cooperation with the armed forces. This improves and optimises the use of synergies within the DDPS on a continuous basis and strengthens the mutual exchange of knowledge.
