STEWART PENNEY / LONDON

Army Air Corps attack helicopters to get warfare capability using improved data modem, without need for modification

UK Army Air Corps (AAC) Westland Apache AH1 attack helicopters are to be given a network-centric warfare capability using the existing improved data modem (IDM) and without changing the machines' systems or software.

Aerosystems International (AeI), which supplies the Apache mission planning system (MPS), is supplying a software-based ground system to allow the IDM to link into the UK Army's Bowman digital radio network. The system will be two-way, allowing communications between the ground and the helicopter.

Bowman prime contractor General Dynamics has awarded the £6 million ($9.6 million) Apache Bowman Connectivity (ABC) contract to Westland Helicopters. Westland and AeI will emulate the Apache MPS on Bowman user data terminals that will be distributed to headquarters and other units, some in "gateway" vehicles.

Development is believed to have started in January, with handover due by the end of the year. Service entry is scheduled alongside Bowman in 2005.

"[ABC] gives connectivity without the full Bowman being on the Apache," says Chris Hubbard, AeI ABC project leader.

The capability will be integrated on to the Apache without changing the machine's hardware or software, Hubbard says. Nor will there be changes to the Bowman hardware because the system is software-based, amalgamating AeI's MPS capabilities with the radio system's situation awareness module.

Apaches rely on IDM for air-to-air data transfer, but the system is line-of-sight, restricting its range, particularly when the helicopters are operating at very low levels.

AeI demonstrated ABC in 2000 during trials based at the AAC's Middle Wallop, UK headquarters. AeI has also developed a system for sending Apache position information to the Link 16 tactical datalink network, allowing creation of a fuller integrated air picture.

Hubbard says: "We have gateway enabled vehicles which are seen as an Apache by other Apaches. And the data then goes seamlessly into the Bowman network." Initially, about 100 vehicles will be equipped as gateways.

Although data could be automatically disseminated by the system, for now, a man will remain in the loop for decision-making.

Source: Flight International