EADS Demonstrates Network Centric Operations Simulations at ILA Berlin

EADS Defence and Security Systems Division, created a year ago to specifically develop integrated and network enhanced solutions for military customers, has made significant progress in further developing their skills in their simulation hub, Network Centric Operations Simulations (NetCOS). Two of the integrated Business Units of that Division, Defence and Communications Systems (DCS) and EADS Military Aircraft, have connected their simulations systems for the first time at the ILA Airshow in Berlin.

NetCOS (Network Centric Operations Simulation), as the modelling and simulation hub of EADS, provides the virtual environment to design, evaluate and demonstrate new defence and security network-enabled concepts of operations and associated further capabilities. To illustrate an air defence scenario in a realistic manner and demonstrate NetCOS capacity to interface with real systems and man-in-the-loop, a virtual-reality cockpit simulator in Mako configuration, representing the manned airborne defence element, is integrated into the overall NetCOS system. This simulator link aims for the real-time implementation of a state-of-the-art fighter-type flying weapon system into the NetCOS scenario. Mako is intended to become available both as a high-energy advanced trainer aircraft and as a light combat aircraft.

“Linking NetCOS with various other simulators such as the virtual-reality cockpit simulator gives a good example of how we are integrating our business and interacting between the many programmes within our division. At ILA this year, we are showing the first example of such interaction between our various simulation tools”, said Tom Enders, Member of the Executive Committee of EADS and Head of the Group´s Defence and Security Systems Division.

NetCOS has already connected the air defence test bed, which demonstrates the capabilities of DCS in the area of large system air defence, including ground based air defence. A further integration of the advanced naval combat management system will tie naval defence into the scenario.

The NetCOS demonstrator which is on display at the International Aerospace Exhibition in Berlin is a multifunctional simulation system designed to develop and test new defence concepts. NetCOS incorporates all of the latest advances in simulation and data fusion technology in order to reproduce realistic military crisis-management scenarios. Within the framework of Network Enhanced Capabilities, NetCOS merges the data received from many types of sensor (day / night optronics, electronic support measures, radar, etc.) in a virtual environment in order to create a precise and reliable picture of the tactical or strategic situation. This simulation capability makes NetCOS an indispensable tool for testing and perfecting sets of innovative defensive moves suited to today’s real military challenges.

The demonstration system being presented at ILA will simulate an interactive air defence scenario, featuring engagement with critical moving targets such as ballistic missiles. It will illustrate all of the steps in the process between detection of the target and its destruction, otherwise known as the “sensor to shooter” loop. It will also display real time data from Surface-to-Air Missile Operations Centre (SAMOC). NetCOS is also a valuable tool for developing new equipment and for testing its interaction with other systems within a virtual environment.

EADS Defence and Communications Systems Business Unit (DCS) is the Systems House of EADS and is an integrated part of the Defence and Security Systems (DS) Division of EADS. DCS has been created in order to better respond to the new evolution of the defence markets which are more focused on global solutions and integrated systems. EADS Military Aircraft, another of DS´ integrated Business Units, incorporates all EADS capacities and capabilities in the design, development, integration, production and logistic support of high-performance fighter aircraft, manned mission aircraft, Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs), trainer aircraft and related ground-based equipment.

DS, with revenues of about € 5.2 billion in 2003 and roughly 24,000 employees across nine nations, forms the defence pole within EADS. It offers integrated systems solutions to the new challenges confronting armed forces and homeland security units. It is active in the areas of military aircraft, missile systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems with manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), battlefield management systems, defence electronics, sensors and avionics, and related services.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2003, the Group generated revenues of over € 30 billion and employed a workforce of more than 109,000.

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