London, 2003

Logica recently announced a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), won through Competitive Tender, to enhance its battlespace capabilities through the development and implementation of a Pilot Battlespace Spectrum Management System (PBSMS).

The solution, developed by Logica, prime contractor for this initiative, and ATDI, spectrum management specialist, is highly sophisticated and raises the bar for similar solutions globally by allowing all UK armed forces to make most efficient use of the electromagnetic spectrum for radio communications dynamically and reliably.

The PBSMS will be capable of organising large amounts of information about military units and their spectrum needs and then use this information to provide working communications to all Joint service users of radio communications on the battlefield, in a rapidly evolving environment.

«The UK is one of the first nations to take steps to provide a dedicated Spectrum Management capability for it"s armed forces. Our military customers widely recognise that such a capability is essential in maintaining an operational edge in the modern Battlespace. The Pilot BSM System will provide an initial operating capability which will allow us to review the evolving user requirements, emerging user business process and operational concept, whilst also assisting in establishing a baseline for the mature BSMS.», said Neil Jarvis, a DPA representative.

«The Logica and ATDI solution will enable the military spectrum managers to take account of terrain, weather and other prevailing conditions affecting Maritime, Land and Air Component radio communications, as well as allowing them to assess potential interference from other in-theatre users. In the interim it will become a key element in enabling the effective and efficient management of the users spectrum needs, and where responsibility dictates the needs of our Allied and Coalition partners.»

To meet the MoD's requirements Logica will develop the user interface, interoperability and specialist application software and will undertake systems integration with ATDI's application software onto 'semi-ruggedised' hardware. Logica will also provide initial equipment training to MoD military staff and in-service support for the solution throughout its lifecycle. ATDI will provide all of the COTS spectrum management solutions and specialist applications know-how to Logica.

Historically, military planners have viewed the spectrum as an infinite resource and have allocated users individual radio channels well in advance of any operations. This situation is no longer valid; modern military tools make increased demands on the available spectrum with every system from aircraft navigation to smart bombs and tanks being fitted with radio. This increase in military demand has been occurring just at the time when military spectrum is being released to civil applications to cater for the explosion in the use of mobile phones and other communication technologies. The challenge is now to provide a system capable of organising large amounts of information about military units and their spectrum needs and then using this information to provide working communications to all elements on the battlefield in a rapidly evolving environment.

John Berry, managing director of ATDI, said, «This system effectively addresses the complexity of modern military use of electromagnetic spectrum in a way never before achieved. Our tools were central to the success of the bid and we are pleased to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Logica on such a ground-breaking initiative.»

Gary Lay, Logica's business manager, commented: «This latest win with the MoD is another illustration of our proven experience with the Department. The Logica-ATDI partnership was crucial to winning the contract as we are well matched with complementary capabilities. Logica's proven consultancy and systems integration expertise within the space and defence sector combined with the quality of ATDI's products will provide the MoD with the cutting-edge solution that is needed».

Contact Adrian.graham@atdi.co.uk for more information.