INTRODUCTION

Thales Systems Canada provides a complete Software Development capability from conceptualization, requirements analysis, design, code, integration, testing, system integration, system testing, installation, and support (maintenance). This group interfaces with the Systems Engineering group to provide complete "turn-key" systems to both Canadian and International military and non-military organizations. The group's exceptional quality results are a direct consequence of the rigorous processes and procedures implemented to attain SEI SW-CMM Level 2. As part of Thales Group initiatives, Thales Systems Canada is improving its software engineering practices to better align with CMMI Level 3.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Thales Systems Canada tailors the development approach to the project requirements. In the past, we have developed software in accordance with DOD-STD-2167A and MIL-STD-498, and are now migrating to IEEE/EIA 12207. We have also used the "build approach" and rapid application development. Customer requirements for Man Machine Interfaces are normally addressed through Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions.

Software Lifecycle Skills

Thales Systems Canada's Software Department has been involved in all aspects of the software/system lifecycle as follows:

Development:
Process Implementation;
System Requirements Analysis;
System Architectural Design;
Software Requirements Analysis;
Software Architectural Design;
Software Detailed Design;
Software Coding and Testing;
Software Integration;
Software Qualification Testing;
System Integration;
System Qualification Testing;
Software Installation; and
Software Acceptance Support.
 

Operation:
Process Implementation;
Operational Testing;
System Operation; and
User Support.
 

Maintenance:
Process Implementation;
Problem and Modification Analysis;
Modification Implementation;
Maintenance Review/Acceptance;
Migration; and
Software Retirement.
 

APPLICATIONS

The software development application expertise is divided into three categories: Tracking Systems, Command and Control, and Communications.

Tracking Systems:

Thales Systems Canada has developed expertise in Tracking Systems through the Active Phased Array Radar (APAR) project and the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) project.

APAR: Thales Systems Canada has been involved in the specification, design, implementation and testing of the "Tracking Management Unit" (TMU) associated with a multi-function, four face, Active Phased Array Radar (APAR) for naval applications. The TMU is the APAR sub-system which performs all tracking functions by coordinating the use of the four, independent faces. The TMU is also the unit that interfaces with the operators(s) via the Command and Control system. The main functions of the TMU include:

· Air Target Tracking (straight and manoeuvring targets);
· Surface Target Tracking;
· Background Tracking;
· Horizon Searching;
· Volume Searching;
· Cued Search;
· Target Designation;
· Gun Fire Support (Splash Detection);
· Missile Support (Guidance Uplink);
· Missile Support (Guidance Uplink);
· System Maintenance (Health Monitoring/Reporting);
· System Control (Hot Standby); and
· ECCM.
 

The TMU runs on a battery of Sparc processors (eight in each of the main and standby unit), in a VME environment, and over a UNIX-based real-time operating system (VxWorks). The software is written in C, but the structure borrows some of the concepts of the Object Oriented languages. The software was developed based on an incremental development approach, where the functionality was distributed over a sequence of six complete mini-development cycles. Each cycle consisted of a detailed design phase, a code and unit test phase, and integration phase, and a formal "system level" test phase. Each cycle added to the functionality of the previous cycle. This approach helped alleviate some of the risks associated with such a research intensive development.

SIRIUS: Thales Systems Canada has been involved in the implementation of the Data Processor (DP) of the Infrared Search and Track System (SIRIUS) for Naval Applications. The DP is responsible to produce tracks from the scan to scan plot data, classify each track, and report them to the command and control system.

Communications Systems:
 

Thales Systems Canada has developed three products that are applicable to communications systems. These products are MHS, CCMS, and RC&MS.

Message Handling System (MHS): Thales Systems Canada's Message Processing System (MPS) runs under the WindowsNT and UNIX operating systems and is used to prepare, transmit, receive, and distribute radio teletype (RATT) messages. The MPS is a stand-alone client-server system, which can be used in practically any military communication system. Additional hardware interfaces can be installed in the MPS computer to connect to a local area network (LAN), in order to distribute message preparation and delivery functions. The MPS system currently processes messages from up to three radio receivers, one of which is dedicated to the "broadcast" channel, and the other two for half-duplex channels. The system can support up to 12 channels of simplex, half-duplex and duplex channels. Advanced message handling features have been incorporated as follows:

· distribution by Subject Indicator Code (SIC) and Classification;
· simultaneous real-time visualization and management of multiple circuits;
· users, roles, and permissions;
· releasing officer support;
· message search functionality;
· security functions and audit trail;
· pick lists, hints, online help;
· automatic error checking; and
· other automated functions.
 

Communication Control and Monitoring (CCMS): Thales Systems Canada's Communication Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) controls and monitors radio communications equipment and its associated hardware, (e.g., modems, audio matrix switches, RF switches, and voice and data terminal equipment) over asynchronous serial interfaces and runs under the WindowsNT operating system. The CCMS is a stand-alone client-server system, which can be used in practically any naval communication system. Additional hardware interfaces can be installed in the CCMS computer to accommodate additional radio circuits. Background polling tasks performed by the CCMS, present the operator with virtually immediate notification of equipment fault or failure, such capability being limited only by the ability of the equipment to determine and report its own "health" through Built-in-Test-Equipment (BITE). The ability to conduct preliminary diagnostics and trouble-shooting makes corrective maintenance more efficient and cost-effective.

The CCMS' performance is achieved using an audio matrix switch, which allows versatile interconnection of communication assets as required. While in practice, any remotely-controllable switch can be incorporated in the communications system to be controlled and monitored, the switch which Thales Systems Canada uses is physically compact, yet modular (in building blocks of 31 inputs and 16 outputs). The remote control feature of the switch allows the system to automatically reconfigure a circuit in the event of equipment failure. This feature greatly enhances the robustness of the system.

Using a database of communications and equipment set-up plans, the CCMS controls parameters for the following equipment:

· LF/MF/HF Communications Receivers;
· Pre-selectors and Power Post-selectors;
· Exciters and Power Amplifiers;
· UHF Transceivers and Receivers;
· Modems and Demodulator;
· Audio Matrix Switch; and 
· Antenna Couplers and RF Switch.
 

Remote Control and Monitoring System (RC&MS): Thales Systems Canada's Remote Control and Monitoring System (RC&MS) is designed to provide a configurable application for monitoring and controlling radio and ancillary equipment from remote and local locations.

Thales Systems Canada's RC&MS is a comprehensive and tightly integrated communication asset control system. As such, it provides complete general status for each site, including type of transmission, and provides access to status information for individual equipment via a generalized graphical representation of the equipment. Such equipment representations reflect the status of the equipment via meters, digital displays, indicator lights, text, and "sliders" as required. The operator is free to view any so represented equipment at any time. However, even if the equipment is not specifically displayed, any faults will be reported via a pop-up alarm box. Clicking the indicator light will then cause the equipment representation to be displayed with all current status information. Generally, RC&MS commands issued by an operator will cause an immediate reaction and hence no command status information is required. The Client/Server architecture of Thales Systems Canada's RC&MS allows for normal network interoperability. That is, the operator at one station can, with administrator rights, access any other computer on the network to perform system administration duties such as uploading or downloading new RC&MS software or configuration files. Furthermore, the Client/Server architecture will allow any Client to access any Server; hence any radio can be accessed from any position with client software. Radio status reports can be printed from any client. The RC&MS is fully configurable (systems, assets, devices, attachments, alarms, and events) by the operator or supervisor, locally or remotely all configurations can be stored for later re-use.

Command and Control:

Thales Systems Canada is developing a new system for Maritime C³ called COMMANDER C³.

It is involved in the Canadian Army's C² program called LFCS, it has developed Protocol converters to interface sensors with C² networks and has developed Naval C² technology for the Canadian Navy.

COMMANDER C³: COMMANDER C³ is Thales Systems Canada's newest Maritime Command, Control, and Communications System. COMMANDER C³ provides seamless near real-time sharing of contact data, messages, and geo-referenced map overlays between vessels, helicopters, and shore installations. COMMANDER C³ also provides gateway interfaces to achieve interoperability with major naval data link standards.

COMMANDER C³ is ideal for both civilian and military users who require an effective, affordable solution to address the technical and interoperability challenges associated with co-operation and co-ordination among police, coast guard, and naval authorities in the performance of the following tasks:

· Search and Rescue (SAR);
· Coastal defence and surveillance;
· Smuggling and drug interdiction;
· Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) protection;
· Customs/immigration patrol;
· Fisheries patrol;
· Fleet management;
· Vessel Traffic Management (VTM); and
· Naval Control of Shipping (NCS).
 

By using the most advanced commercial technology available, COMMANDER C³ provides the functionality of expensive military data link networks such and Link-11 and JMCIS at a cost affordable for civilian and small naval vessel applications. At the same time, the COMMANDER C³ gateway interface concept allows the COMMANDER C³ network to operate with major military networks, making it an ideal tool for inter-agency co-operation.

COMMANDER C³ uses a vessel's navigation radar and Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to gather local contact information and own ship position. Other sensors, including AIS, can also be supported. This information is propagated about the COMMANDER C³ network and is fused at each node (a vessel, shore installation, or helicopter) with data received from external data links, coastal radar's, and GMDSS distress calls to provide a common integrated tactical picture. Other information such as HF e-mail and map overlays can also be transferred between nodes using the same network.

Land Forces Command System (LFCS): The Athene Tactical System (ATS) is a computer based Command and Control System for the support of Canadian Land Force Commanders. Thales Systems Canada is supporting a Thales company in the adaptation of the SICF software developed for the French Army to the specific requirements of the Canadian Land Forces and the Athene Tactical System.

Protocol Converters: Thales Systems Canada has developed several Command and Control nodes designed to interface between sensors/weapons and the command and control system of a naval vessel. These nodes are essential real-time, protocol converts.

Naval C³ Technologies: Thales Systems Canada's software department has been involved in a number of Naval Command and Control technology areas including:

· Expert System Threat Evaluation and Weapon Assignment;
· Real Time Data Fusion Testbed;
· Tactical Above Water System Performance Simulators;
· Hard/Soft Weapon Co-ordination; and
· EW Control Processor.

DEVELOPMENT LANGUAGES, TOOLS, PLATFORMS, METHODOLOGIES