LUCY CANNING
ERA Technology has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence to provide support for complex defence software systems on a number of major projects.
ERA (Hall 3, A20) has extensive knowledge of system safety and operational performance, and is closely involved in MoD projects to upgrade platforms and improve operational performance – one example being the BAE Sea Harrier FA2.
ERA's role has involved extensive assessments of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). As a contributor to the integrated project team, ERA helped the MoD identify, manage and mitigate the risks associated with the upgrade, so guaranteeing software system safety.
Fuctionality
Work included the definition and introduction of new systems and software processes and tools. ERA monitored and reported on progress to ensure the JTIDS system development teams were provided with mature processes, stable tools and effective guidance.
The upgrade project started in the mid-1990s. During the feasibility study, ERA advised the project office on software-related aspects of the development, including effort estimation, process and planning, architecture and safety integrity.
The project involved maintaining the existing functionality as well as introducing JTIDS. In particular, ERA made estimates of the processing power and memory required for the JTIDS upgrade to verify that the proposed hardware was fit for purpose.
Source: Flight Daily News