Preserving capacity, General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, Keys to Canadian SAR
Issue link: http://vanguardcanada.uberflip.com/i/235053
Edge of Tech E completed its first successful test flight, demonstrating the use of advanced SATCOM and networking systems. Two months later, RIFL2E's capability was showcased in an operational demonstration during the CAF's annual Operation Nanook – that year in the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories and in Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay – successfully transferring ISR data from Inuvik to various CAF sites and fusion centres across the country. With the success of Op Nanook, the CAF are now evaluating where the RIFL2E technology can best be used in the development of future equipment and what new ISR technologies can be tested. Although it is an air force project, the technology was "developed with flexibility to ensure it can be used by nearly any user, whether aboard a Royal Canadian Navy ship or by a Canadian Army ground user," Keyser said. He noted that a new imaging system was recently integrated into the NRC aircraft, significantly increasing the capability of the platform. The system was then used during a demonstration flight this past October that featured the first airborne Canadian control of a remote-operated camera via SATCOM. The control was done through a baseline application on a DND network, demonstrating the benefits of standardization, and will pave the way for future UAV controls and remote control of sensors onboard manned aircraft, such as a cameraequipped transporter. Among its many goals, RIFL2E was developed not only to demonstrate a capability but also to encourage the standardization of ISR-related equipment. Consequently, the project has maintained a strong connection with industry. "All of the technology used in the project is commercial off-the-shelf, and follows NATO standardization agreements (STANAGs) where applicable," Keyser said. "RIFL2E shares its results and lessons learned with the industry. This includes SATCOM, imaging, networking experience, and the use of STANAGs to achieve the goals of the project. This sharing of knowledge exists to enable and encourage the widespread adoption of standardization within the ISR community. This will allow for a fully integrated military, capable of sharing information when appropriate, without the hindrance of incompatibility." While the RCAF and DRDC have led the project, RIFL2E represents a multiorganization effort. According to Anthony Damini, a defence scientist with DRDC, the system design and integration were conducted by an integrated team consisting of DRDC, NRC, Communications Research Centre Canada and Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel) staff. "Each group played a vital part in the develop- ment of RIFL2E, from system design to integration and employment," he said. Although the technology demonstration project is nearing completion, RIFL2E's technology, equipment and expertise will be essential for further research and development. They will play a key role in the capability development of future ISR assets such as the Joint Unmanned Surveillance Target Acquisition System. www.vanguardcanada.com DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014 45