CASSIDIAN and FREQUENTIS deliver the first control and reporting centre using GIADS-III and KOFA-IP technology to the German Luftwaffe

28 April 2011

       * Major system handover in the area of mission control systems for the Luftwaffe
       * Mission Command 2 (Einsatzführungsbereich 2) reports GIADS III to NATO as ready for service
       * The KOFA/GIADS system is performing valuable service in securing Germany's – and Europe's – airspace

The consortium "KOFA – GIADS" (Cassidian and Frequentis Nachrichtentechnik GmbH) has delivered an ultramodern control and reporting centre (CRC) to the German Air Force, represented by the Federal Office for Information Management and Information Technology of the Bundeswehr (IT-AmtBw), in Erndtebrück.

Cassidian is supplying the "battlefield command and control system" component, and Frequentis the new IP-based voice and data communication system KOFA-IP. With this delivery, all German command posts of this Mission Command are now equipped with KOFA/GIADS-based technology.

This upgrade from GIADS II to GIADS III technology essentially increases the number of workstations per CRC by one third, doubles the number of radar interfaces previously supported and partially automates and extensively enhances the entire reporting system. New interfaces to the Bundeswehr's command and control information systems were realised (NCO capability). GIADS was expanded to include a map management subsystem and a planning component.

The analogue KOFA communication system previously used has been upgraded to state-of-the-art IP technology (KOFA-IP) for secure voice operation. The GIADS air defence system from Cassidian has been operational since 2000, with the task of military surveillance for the airspace over Germany and contiguous areas. The system processes the information about flying objects that is delivered by radar systems and presents it on the GIADS workstations. The military air situation displayed there is automatically supplemented with civil ATC data (e.g. air situation from Eurocontrol, flight schedules). Any objects detected are automatically identified using the latest technology, which provides a continuously updated air situation picture. Here, the Sentry™ system from the subcontractor ThalesRaytheonSystems LLC performs valuable services. The air situation data is exchanged with neighbouring CRCs within the framework of the NATO Integrated Air Defence System, NATINADS. The air situation picture, along with information relevant to the assignment, is put at the disposal of other activities and CRCs.

Through KOFA-IP, Frequentis is expanding the GIADS CRC electronics to provide workstations optimised for IP-based voice and data communication, including a fully integrated voice recording and playback system. The same IP infrastructure is additionally used to integrate a wide variety of IT services. The advantages of this IPbased system lie in the interoperability and flexibility in the networking of all voice and data interfaces, as well as the added value generated through the seamless interaction of all systems. This is the prerequisite for seamless communication between the voice and data media. By placing its faith in the latest technology offered by this trailblazing system, the Bundeswehr is set to become the world leader in this field.

Thus, the KOFA/GIADS system is performing valuable service in securing Germany's – and Europe's – airspace.

About CASSIDIAN (www.cassidian.com)

Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2010, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of € 5.9 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 121,000.

CASSIDIAN – Defending World Security



About Frequentis AG

Frequentis is an international provider of communication and information systems in the fields of Defence, Air Traffic Management and Public Safety and Transport (police, fire and rescue services, shipping and railways). A high degree of reliability, connections in the millisecond range and user-friendly design are the central features of Frequentis products. Together with a wide range of services, these products form the key components of a customisable control centre solution for the coordinated handling of security-relevant events, the main goal being to protect people and property. Roughly 14,000 workstations are currently in operation throughout the world. Frequentis possesses diverse competences and comprehensive project knowhow deriving from numerous international projects. With headquarters in Vienna, Frequentis employs a workforce of over 900 around the globe. Total sales in 2010 came to around € 155 million.

For further information please visit: www.frequentis.com

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