Allied Forward Air Controllers (FAC) recently utilized data link management systems implemented with Rockwell Collins’ [COL] Rosetta Technology to seamlessly interoperate with each other and network command and control nodes. The successful demonstration, involving FACs from the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway and Germany, took place during Bold Quest 2009 at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Bold Quest is an annual exercise held in the United States that provides a venue for the demonstration of fielded and experimental data links, target identification and control systems. Typically attended by at least a dozen countries, Bold Quest provides an ideal venue for coalition interoperability testing.
“Where voice communication might have been a challenge due to language differences, digital interoperability smoothed the way for the coordination, control and publication of tracking information across the entire Bold Quest exercise space,” said Alan Caslvaka, vice president and general manager of Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “Our Rosetta Technology supported this exchange of information by providing seamless network interoperability and data link control.”
Rosetta Technology simplifies the complex business of sensor and data link management on the battlefield and provides the critical situational awareness picture for successful tactical operations. Rosetta Technology has been certified by the U.S. Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and is fielded in nearly 1,300 systems worldwide.
In the United States, Rosetta Technology is fielded in the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Close Air Support System (CASS). The United Kingdom, Germany and Estonia use Rockwell Collins FireStormTM targeting system, which is built upon Rosetta Technology and in Norway, Rosetta Technology is integrated with the Forward Air Controller NAVigation (FACNAV) system. In each instance, the technology provides network interoperability and data link control.
Cobham is significantly enhancing its existing presence in India through the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary, Cobham India Private Limited. With offices in New Delhi and Bangalore, Cobham India Private Limited will open during the first quarter of 2010.
“Cobham is committed to building a significant long-term investment in India,” said Andy Stevens, who takes over as CEO of Cobham plc in January 2010. “We already knew that India was one of our most important export markets, however, our Liaison Office in New Delhi, which we opened in 2008, has given us a much better understanding of the needs of our customers and partners. As a result, we have decided to significantly enhance our permanent presence in India in 2010. Looking to the future, we plan to increase our industrial participation, strengthening cooperation with both public and private sector companies.”
Cobham India Private Limited will provide all Indian customers with a single point of contact resulting in closer working relationships with key customers and partners such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited and the Indian armed forces. Focusing on long-term strategic partnerships that create sustainable value to Indian industry, Cobham is also actively engaged in pursuing technical and business partnerships with private Indian companies and institutions.
Andy Stevens adds, “We recognise that defence offset is an important issue for the Indian Government. Part of the remit of Cobham India Private Limited includes putting in place structures and processes to ensure that we are well positioned to respond to defence offset commitments.”
Cobham is currently pursuing opportunities across all sectors of the Indian market: defence, security and commercial aerospace.