Case Studies

Sample Case Studies: Defence Projects
 

LAND17 - Indirect Fire Weapon System

SYPAQ performed Systems Engineering and Integration for LAND17 - Indirect Fire Weapon System. 

Sample activities included:

• Functional and Performance Specification (FPS) development, for the Command, Control and Communication aspect of the LAND17 system;
• Test Concept Document (TCD) development;
• Statement of Work (SOW) Engineering Section development;
• Development of Tender documents; and
• Review of the LAND17 Technical Certification Plan (TCP), ensuring suitable coverage of testing requirements and philosophy.

JP2072 – Battlespace Communications System (Land) – Acquisition Support

SYPAQ provided offer definition evaluation services to Defence Materiel Organisation Electronic Systems Division for Battlespace Communications System (Land), JP2072. 

This involved:

• Conduct offer definition workshops with the preferred tenderer (General Dynamics):
• Liaise with the preferred tenderer for the offer definition meeting schedule;
• Generate the agenda for offer definition meetings;
• Manage the progress of offer definition meetings;
• Record the outcomes of the offer definition meetings; and
• Report to the project director on the progress of the offer definition phase.
• Update the Offer Definition SOW:
• Review the tender SOW to identify any ambiguities or inconsistencies;
• With the assistance of JP2072 staff, identify areas where the preferred tenderer’s SOW response falls short of Defence requirements;
• Update the Offer Definition SOW; and
• Report to the project director on the progress of the Offer Definition SOW.
• Review contractor plans.

ATEA Radiation Project

SYPAQ, in association with TDA Systems Engineering Pty Ltd, conducted a study for the Army Technology and Engineering Agency on the Radiation Hazards (RADHAZ) associated with ‘Raven’ Combat Net Radios, which are used throughout the Army in ‘man-pack’ configuration or in vehicle-mounted installations.  SYPAQ provided input to the overall Defence Policy on RADHAZ and produced the strategic plan for Army’s approach to RADHAZ issues in relation to compliance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements, in particular Australian Standards AS 2772.1 and AS 2772.2. This included recommendations in relation to procedures, documentation, and training.  SYPAQ also developed the methodology and plan for conducting the field surveys and testing to verify the RADHAZ zones.  SYPAQ identified and pre-qualified external service providers to conduct the testing phase and prepared the tender documentation including specifications, SOWs, and selection criteria.

top ^

Improve Project Scheduling and Status Reporting Project 

SYPAQ provided coaching and mentoring services to DMO staff in project planning and status reporting under the Improve Project Scheduling and Status Reporting (IPSSR) Project based on the Open Plan Professional (OPP) tool.

AIR5418 – Follow-on Stand-Off Weapon Capability

SYPAQ provided Tenix with engineering expertise and support in the area of Aerospace Systems Engineering for AIR 5418 – Follow-on Stand-Off Weapon Capability.  SYPAQ was part of a team steered by the RAAF to provide project cost estimates for the development, integration and acceptance test of a cruise missile launch capability on RAAF AP-3C (Orion) aircraft. 

SYPAQ provided:

• Several iterations of budget and schedule estimates for the formal test phase;
• Defined the test aspects of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS);
• Authored a high level project Test Plan that arranged test methods, test phases and allocated specialty requirements to domain groups for test responsibility;
• Reviewed all project requirements for testability; and
• Provided a test description for each requirement, to be used as a starting point in a subsequent detailed Test Plan.

Manned Simulation Facility

SYPAQ, under sub-contract to Adacel Technologies Limited, prepared the Business Case for the Defence Science and Technology Organisation Manned Simulation Facility.  This study included assessment of the operational requirements, evaluation of options, definition of the systems architecture, preparation of the WBS and SOWs (including costing), and preparation of the Acquisition Strategy.

Time Management System

SYPAQ developed a Labour Management System (LMS) for the ANZAC Ship SPO, which interfaces with the Commonwealth’s IPSSR Reporting requirements. Resourcing applied to Alliance projects is currently applied by the Industry Participants and contained within their respective systems / processes.  The ANZAC Alliance LMS permits schedule resource loading.

top ^

AIR5431 – Air Traffic Management / Air Defence Architecture Study

SYPAQ developed the National Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Air Defence (AD) architecture study document for the progression of AIR5431.  The study provided authoritative and reliable guidance to AIR5431 and described the ‘end state’ environment for which the project, through both the First Pass and Second Pass Cabinet approval stages of the acquisition process, will deliver the necessary capability for the ADF.

The study:

• Articulated a National ATM architecture, focussed at the 2015 to 2020 timeframe, and provides a broad National ATM operational concept which also includes tactical and deployable military specific ATC requirements;
• Considered necessary interfaces and/or support to the Aerospace Surveillance and Battlespace Management (ASBM) environment within the current and likely future National security contexts and the potential for ASBM systems to support ATM functions;
• Developed a joint National Roadmap which consolidates and aligns Airservices Australia (ASA) and Defence ATM imperatives with the rationale to provide a framework for consideration for AIR 5431 and other related discrete projects and initiatives, i.e. AIR 5432 – CNS/ATM and Joint Project (JP) 90 – ADF Identify Friend or Foe (IFF);
• Considered equipment specific aspects of a National ATM architecture with attention towards identifying potentials, including timeframes, to move to a common ATM operating system while not ignoring tactical and deployable military specific ATC and ASBM requirements; and
• Considered the issue of architectural and operational interoperability between ASBM and military and civil ATC functions as well as the ability of ASBM systems to support national ATM functions.

JP2008 – Military Satellite Communications

SYPAQ developed the Preliminary OCD and Preliminary TCD for JP2008 Phase 4.  SYPAQ was awarded a sole source contract in recognition of SYPAQ’s unparalleled reputation and experience in CDD process knowledge and the ability to produce quality deliverables within demanding timeframes.

The OCD is the primary reference for determining fitness for purpose of the desired Satellite Communications capability to be developed, and is a complementary document to the Satellite Communications Function and Performance Specification and the TCD, which form the Capability Definition Documents that collectively define the Satellite Communications capability system baseline.  The Satellite Communications TCD provides the basis for the client to develop a Test and Evaluation Management Plan, and is the highest level document that considers Test and Evaluation requirements within the capability system’s lifecycle management. 

The OCD will permit the client to approve:

• The broad functions and performance of the Satellite Communications capability;
• The high level timing for engagement with industry, as well as partial to full operational release planning;
• The suite of feasible capability options that are to be explored in more detail;
• The broad costing for each of these capability options, including consideration of organisational, personnel, training, facilities, and through life support cost impacts;
• Further studies or other activities necessary to support the development of these options;
• Development of a Business Case; and
• Additional funding to support the above activities.

top ^

JP5408 – GPS Enhancement

SYPAQ prepared the OCD for JP5408 – GPS Enhancement.  JP5408, ADF GPS Enhancement, aims to increase ADF capability by reducing Global Positioning Systems (GPS) vulnerability to Electronic Attack (EA) (jamming and deception), and to provide improved navigation to meet emerging Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) requirements.  The Phase 2 task was to develop an OCD for JP5408 Phase 2 suitable for higher committee approvals. 

The OCD was developed in two parts:

• The development of Part 1 (Sections 1 to 4 plus Annex A and Annex B) was focused on capturing a solution independent view of the operational requirements and a description of the existing system and its shortcomings. The OCD was circulated to all stakeholders for validation; and
• The OCD Part 2 (Section 5 plus Annex C) development commenced after validation of OCD Part 1.  The OCD consisted of Section 5 plus Annex C for each of the options.

The Phase 3 task required a review to determine the priority platforms to be included in phase 3 of the project. 

The review entailed:

• Examining the results of the original PDS and confirming assumptions made are still valid; and
• Determining platforms to be included in the capability proposal first pass by removing projects covered by JP5408 Phase 2 and projects whose planned withdrawal date would preclude them from being a viable option, and selecting the highest priority platforms from the platforms remaining within the confines of the allocated budget.

Phase 3 also required a Capability proposal, which included First Pass documentation.  Sections 1-4 of the JP5408 Phase 2 OCD fulfilled the requirement for part 1 of the phase 3 OCD.  The task involved:

• Capability Proposal First Pass;
• An Initial Business Case for each option including documents such as a POCD Part 2 (Section 5 plus Annex C), a Preliminary FPS, Preliminary TCD and Outline Acquisition Strategy (OAS); and
• A Project Management Plan (PMP) from First to Second Pass Approval.

Phase 3 was shortened once the CNS/ATM complexities were uncovered and following involvement with the CNS/ATM working group it was decided that JP5408 would pass GPS related CNS/ATM issues to AIR5431/5432 even though considerable investigation had already been conducted.

Deliverables:

• OCD Sections 1 to 5;
• Preliminary FPS;
• Preliminary TCD;
• Outline Acquisition Strategy;
• Initial Business Cases; and
• Project Management Plan.

AIR9000 Phase 4 – Blackhawk Midlife Upgrade

SYPAQ prepared the OCD, PMP and Initial Business Cases for AIR9000 Phase 4 – Blackhawk Midlife Upgrade (Airborne Systems and Avionics).

top ^

JP2065 – Integrated Broadcast System

SYPAQ provided systems engineering support for the review and upgrade of the Capability Development Documents (CDD) for the JP2065 – Integrated Broadcast System (IBS). The work included assessment of the integration cost and risk to interface with legacy systems (communications, C2 and Command Support Systems). Visits included 92 Wing, JORN JCC (41 Wing), DSTO, Naval Systems Command, Maritime Intelligence Centre and RANTEWSS.

The IBS manages and disseminates tactically significant information, which is produced by Australian and allied intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and ‘Blue Force’ tracking systems, directly to deployed forces. The Australian IBS vision includes an information management centre that manages and bridges information between computer networks and satellite components with suitable gateways to real-time tactical data links.

SEA1448 - Anti Ship Missile Defence

SYPAQ, under sub-contract to EWA Australia, prepared the TCD and OCD for Project SEA1448 Anti Ship Missile Defence.

SEA1442 – Maritime Communications and Information Management Architecture Modernisation

SYPAQ provided consulting service to DMO to assist in the preparation and committee second-pass Capability approval (i.e. OCD, FPS, TCD) for Maritime Battlespace Communications, SEA1442 using CORE and DOORS.  SYPAQ also conducted a Life Cycle Cost Analysis.  Architecture options included the introduction of Software Defined Radios (e.g. Joint Tactical Radio System JTRS, phased array antennas, higher degrees of integration with JP2043 HF MOD and JP2008 MILSATCOM). SYPAQ engineers have extensive experience in projects assessing these projects and technologies. The convergence of audio, video and data services using IP technology is a specialist area from the commercial sector where SYPAQ engineers have been active and may have a future growth path for Defence C4I systems.

JP2072 – Battlespace Communications System (Land) - CDD

SYPAQ provided consulting services to DMO ESD to assist in the preparation of the extant OCD for JP 2072.  This was carried out in accordance with the Capability Definition Documents Guide and DID-ENG-DEF-OCD-V using a SYPAQ “Experienced CDD Developer”.  Specifically, SYPAQ provided significant input into the development of Capability Needs including the Operational Scenarios (using Enhanced Functional Flow Block Diagrams in CORE), Operational Needs/Processes, Mission Overview, User/External Interfaces, Logistic Needs, Internal Needs Constraints and Objectives, as well as traceable Operational, Functional and Performance Requirements.  SYPAQ also provided a draft Test Concept Document.

top ^

JP2030 - Air Command Support System

SYPAQ provided systems engineering and project support as part of a EWA-Australia team to prepare Operational Concept Document for the Air Command Support System. The work included assessment of the effectiveness of communications between nodes of the system especially for the nodes in operational deployment zones. Limitations of SATCOM links, network access and management procedures were analysed and recommendations made to change the architecture to improve performance (equipment and personnel).

JP126 Phase 2 – Joint Theatre Distribution

SYPAQ is currently supporting DMO Land Systems Division with the following JP126 Phase 2 Mechanical Engineering tasks:

• Reviewing current FPS;
• Conducting gap analysis on current FPS documentation;
• Conducting FPS workshop with LEA;
• Develop FPS into Technical Specifications;
• Producing the SEMP;
• Producing the TEMP;
• Preparing technical documentation required for RFT;
• Assisting in tender evaluation;
• Developing the Project Quality Plan;
• Ensuring Technical Regulatory Framework requirements are incorporated into project deliverables;
• Assisting in technical certification; and
• Participating in LSA workshops. 

SEA4000 - Air Warfare Destroyer Combat System Systems Engineer

SYPAQ is presently under contract to Raytheon (Air Warfare Destroyer Combat System Systems Engineer) for SEA4000 Phase 1D to undertake PDS/Systems Engineering activities (requirements engineering, subsystem analysis, market surveys, trade studies and Expressions Of Interest/Evaluation) related to Communications and Information System (CIS), Undersea Warfare Systems and Air Warfare Systems (Very Short Range Defence Subsystem [VSRD - Surface and Air).

SYPAQ (a Tier One Capability Service Provider to Raytheon) received an award for Best Small to Medium Enterprise in Nov 2006 in recognition of SYPAQ’s performance and capability to impart knowledge and equip Raytheon with a sustainable capability on the AWD Project.

The AWD CIS is a ship wide integrated communications and information infrastructure supporting all AWD combat system and platform subsystems.  Exceptions will generally include the subsystems supplied under the USN Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case (Aegis and tightly integrated subsystems) where direct connections and/or dedicated networks are utilised.

The CIS incorporates the functionality previously/traditionally provided by the following subsystems:

• External Communications (UHF/VHF/HF/SATCOM/ Datalinks);
• X/Ka band SATCOM;
• Secure Voice;
• Military Messaging;
• Ships Telephone;
• Tactical Intercom;
• CCTV Surveillance Systems;
• Ships Entertainment System;
• Audio Visual Display System;
• Data / Voice / Video Recording & Playback;
• Flight Deck Communications;
• Information Networks;
• Sensor Distribution;
• Damage Control Circuits; and
• Sound Powered Phones.

The AWD VSRD Subsystem is a shipboard weapon system that will defend the AWD as a means of last resort from a broad spectrum of threats at very short range. VSRD is a defined layer of the AWD layered defence model and is being designed so that it compliments outer defence systems such as ESSM and SM 2.

The VSRD Subsystem will be AWD’s primary defence system when the ship is unable to utilise its primary weapon systems (SM 2, ESSM or 5” gun) in varying operational environments/operational modes (such as an EMCON silent condition or threat saturation).  The VSRD will be capable of operating in a secondary Doctrine and Control mode as a standalone system while the AWD Combat System is in EMCON silent mode or the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) is not available.

top ^

Terminal Approach Radar System

SYPAQ provided consulting services to ThalesATM for the submission of their Air Services Australia Terminal Approach Radar System tender response. 

SYPAQ deliverables included:

• Technical Writing across most of the tender response (modelled on ASDEFCON);
• Authoring of an ILS Plan, OH&S Plan, TEMP, and Quality Plan;
• Life Cycle Costing; and
• SEMP and CMP reviews.

SEA1405 – Seahawk Helicopter

SYPAQ provided Tenix with systems engineering expertise and support in the area of aerospace systems engineering for SEA1405 – Seahawk Helicopter including achievement of technical and airworthiness requirements.

SEA1348 – ANZAC Ships – Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar

 SYPAQ provided Tenix with expertise and support in the area of systems engineering, requirements engineering and specification development for the ANZAC Ship Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar.

SEA1448 – Anti Ship Missile Defence

 SYPAQ provided Tenix with expertise and support in the area of systems engineering, requirements engineering and specification development for IRST, ESSM and Guided Weapons aspects of SEA1448 – Anti Ship Missile Defence.

JP2025 – Jindalee Operational Radar Network

SYPAQ (under contract to SYDAC) provided RLM Systems with software testing services for the Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar Network (JORN) Radar Control software. This involved development of Test Plans, test harnesses and test requirements databases, as well as conducting the testing cycles, reporting and remediation.

top ^