MKIII OBSERVER
Integrated Airborne Management
Your airborne platform is designed to deliver a service, be it life saving Search and Rescue, Police Law Enforcement or Medical Evacuation; Observer provides the integration level needed to succeed:
- Multi-crew workstation support and displays integration
- Target designation and rapid area search planning
- Camera target tag & track stand off capability
- Real time data link reporting
- Post flight analysis
With Multiple Databases, intelligent Search Engine, Search Flight Plans, Area of Probability, Geo-referencing of Camera Imagery, Camera Groundspeed, AIS Data, DF & Search Radar Targets, SATCOM & AIS Data Links, Aerotech Ground Station Link, and integration with Skyquest displays and a network centric system for multi-user data access Observer MKIII delivers.
MKIII OBSERVER (OB2000)
The Observer Systems is a mission management system which provides highly detailed mapping for the military, paramilitary and corporate user. Certified to EASA ETSO C113 as a Multi-Function Display, it can be used for navigation in a VFR environment and as a mission system workstation in all weathers when managed by the tactical commander.
As a task management system Observer creates a paperless cockpit for the airborne commander and his observers in the military, police, emergency or utility environment. Primary roles for the system include Airborne Law Enforcement, Search & Rescue, Surveillance and Border Patrol.
Human Factors Engineering coupled with customer configurable mapping, imagery, data bases and multi sensor interfaces allows the complete system to be tailored to meet a particular end users need. With features that include flight logging and communications links, post flight analysis and re-tasking the Observer is a management tool that can be used to ensure cost effective and tactically efficient use of limited airborne resources.
The heart of the Observer system is a sophisticated mapping, navigation and sensor integration 3/8 ATR Rack Mounted Processor which is capable of interfacing to and being controlled by up to seven workstations. The Processor has ARINC 429, RS232 and RS422 communication ports, which can be used for connection to an external FMS/GPS, AHRS, Radio Altimeter, AIS Transponders, DF Systems, Search Radar (target designation) and EO/IR Cameras.
In addition a Control Panel allows for distributed command and control to each of the workstations and high speed Ethernet port for data uploads and a PCMCIA Card Reader for flight downloads, the next generation Panel will also support USB Data Transfer of key data. The system interfaces with the Aerotech Ground Station for post mission analysis and can if connected through a SATCOM link work interactively with the ground station on re-tasking and data updates whilst on a mission.
Mapping can range from the simple introduction of scanned Aeronautical Topographical Charts (e.g. CAA 1:250,000 or US Sectionals) which have been integrated with Jeppesen® data for the less mission orientated operator; to a complete suite of mapping down to house and street level with satellite imagery if required. This allows decisions regarding hazard avoidance to be made en route for the approach to target or landing zone, thereby ensuring a safer incursion and egress for the paramilitary user. Use of high quality mapping and DTED data coupled with camera target plotting and a powerful database search engine allows optimum control of data gathering and command and control activity.
The baseline MKIII Observer is a standard package that has been designed as a modular “installation considerate” system. From the baseline system, Honeywell can offer both hardware and software solutions that can be tailored to suit a customer’s needs in the stringent requirements of an airborne environment.
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MKIII OBSERVER
System Elements
Architecture
The complete Observer System comprises a Processor, a Control Panel, a Display/Control Head and various controlling devices which can be configured to meet each customer's operational need. The modular nature of the Observer System gives the customer flexibility when deciding the number and choice of displays and controlling devices to meet a specific installation. Optionally, Observer can be interfaced with a large display at the mission operator’s workstation and also to a smaller Sentinel display for use by the flight crew. The Sentinel is a 6.5” VGA display in a 6.25” rack-mount package with NVG option. It has controls that would allow the pilot to operate the Observer system if desired, and it is also available with an optional internal processor so that the pilot could have an independent highly-detailed moving map, with additional pilot-oriented information such as TCAS overlay.
Processor
The Observer Processor is mounted in a 3/8 ATR Rack and forms the hub of the system. Operating software is run from removable solid-state PCMCIA memory and any customised memory intensive data, such as raster charts are loaded into a customer-specific removable Data Cart which can support up to 80GB of data. The processor is environmentally isolated and fan cooled and has an ARINC 404 connector at the rear to allow for multiple input & outputs options to be configured for the customer’s application.
Control Panel
The Control Panel, which is DZUS rail mounted (typically in the cockpit central console), provides a smart distribution point for up to 7 controlling devices for the system. It is also an access point for the up/down loading of mission/flight log data. It can be configured for NVG applications (designed to meet MIL-3009 Class A and B) as part on an integrated NVG cockpit
Controllers
The choice of controlling devices include a Hand Remote Controller, a DZUS Remote Controller with lighting that complies with MIL-L-85762A, a Mini Keyboard or 5 soft keys and joystick that are built in to Sentinel, or display monitors available from RDDS or Skyquest. Certain displays manufactured by Skyquest Aviation allow touch-screen control of Observer.
System I/O
- 1 Aircraft DC Power 19-33V
- 1 Ethernet
- RS232 COM channels
- 1 RS232/RS422 port Software Selectable
- Receive and 2 transmit ARINC 429 ports
- Composite video outputs either NTSC or PAL
- 1 VGA output
- 1 RGB output
- 1 video output configurable as VGA or RGB
- 1 0-20V analogue input
- 2 discrete inputs
- 1 GPS Antenna
System Interfaces
The features described below provide an overview of the current and possible future capabilities of the Observer system software. Skyforce is currently engaged in a major project to create a new software baseline to enable future software features, and we welcome discussions with customers regarding their need for interfaces and other future features.
Monitors with Integrated Controls
The system supports interfaces with Skyforce’s OB3000 “Sentinel” Navigation & Display System, the OB1110 Display Head and third party monitors from RDDS and Skyquest which mirror the soft key and joystick functionality. Skyforce are investigating the means to allow Observer to be controlled using the keys on the Honeywell EPIC MCDU, thereby eliminating the need for additional controlling devices on aircraft that have both systems fitted.
Flight Plan & Waypoint Transmission
Observer is capable of exporting flight plans via suitable communications protocol to other Navigation Systems. Observer currently supports full flight plan output using the ARNAV format, and single waypoint transmission using an ARINC 429 interface.
Honeywell EPIC
Observer is today the only mission system that has fully demonstrated in service the capability of processing flight plan information sent by the current EPIC FMS in ARINC 429 format. The displayed information is scheduled to be expanded to include Distance-to-Go, CDI, and active leg information on a future release’s of the EPIC code. The Observer video signal can be displayed directly on the EPIC MFD displays by using an interface unit available from RDDS.
Skyforce is investigating the means to allow flight plans defined by the mission crew using Observer’s easy user interface to be sent to the Epic FMS.
Cameras
The Observer system is capable of interfacing with Wescam & FLIR airborne gyro stabilized camera systems and can display the viewed footprint or central point of impact on the map. Camera types supported include:
- Wescam MX15/20
- Wescam M12DS
- FLIR Star SAFIRE
- FLIR Sea FLIR II/III
- FLIR Leo MK I
(Others may be added at customer request)
Observer can display the exact camera point-of-impact by using a high-resolution database of terrain elevation points to correct for the height of the point. Performance is usually acceptable using DTED 2 terrain elevation data, which is available to government agencies in most countries. If the camera does not correct for heading, pitch and roll internally then Observer can correct for these parameters using suitable ARINC 429 and radar altimeter data so as to increase the accuracy of the camera point-of-impact calculations. If the correct communication protocol is available between sensor turret and Observer, the system will allow a single key press slew of the turret to the desired position with an accuracy limited only by the source data (normally much better than 10m). Additionally Observer is able to calculate and display the speed of the camera point of impact on the ground.
DF Antenna
Observer can use information from a Chelton 931-16 Direction Finding antenna to triangulate and suggest the most likely source area for radio transmissions. The best search area is identified as a ring on the map.
Skyforce intends to add the capability to process and display COSPAS/SARSAT information provided by the antenna, thereby allowing reported ELT positions to be plotted directly on the map. Other future growth options include other antennas such as the Chelton 935 family that is able to process signals from multiple sources simultaneously.
AIS Maritime Transponde
Observer interfaces with the SAAB R4A Transponder and will display shipping targets on the map. Ship icons can be interrogated for additional information where available, such as call sign, country of registration, cargo etc as defined by the AIS standard. The database of known ships can be searched for specified vessels and ships can be used as destinations for Observer “Direct To” flight plans. Observer can use the R4A transponder to exchange text messages with any ship that is capable of exchanging AIS-protocol messages.
Observer could be modified to allow the operator to select a limited number of AIS targets and re-transmit them to a suitably configured receiver over the Satcom Datalink. Such a modification could also include adding the ability to tune or control the operating mode of the R4A transponder.
Search Radar
The Observer system will interface with a Telephonics RDR 1500 B+ Search Radar system. It will display up to 20 radar targets as radar icons overlaid on the map.
Satcom Data Link
The Observer system has been designed to connect to SkyConnect Iridium Satcom equipment (preferred SkyConnect configuration includes messenger port and “tracker module”. SkyConnect can recommend specific part numbers). This Datalink makes text messages to or from the aircraft available at the SkyConnect ground hub, which can be linked to a PC at the customer’s site by a number of means. When used with suitable ground equipment this could allow the ground station commander to control the flow of messages between the aircraft and the ground or even between aircraft. This capability could potentially be expanded to include the transmission of mission data, tasking requests (possibly including flight plans) and sensor data (e.g. AIS targets – see above) while airborne.
Ground Station
The Observer system is designed to interface directly with the aerotech Easytask Observer Pro software to create flight plans and user waypoint information that can be transferred to Observer via the control panel. Observer also has a flight logging function, storing information such as date, position, track, on & off task, plus ground speed. This information can be retrieved via the control panel and transferred to an aerotech ground-based station for post flight analysis.
System Mapping
Navigation
Navigation can either take the form of a Direct TO, a flight plan, or a search pattern. Basic navigation is as simple as moving the on-screen pointer using the joystick to the desired location and pressing the “Direct To PTR” key. Alternatively selecting the “SEARCH” key will access the internal database (which can include airports, VORs, NDBs, address data, user defined databases, etc.) and allow the operator to select a specific navigation point. While en route to the target, one press of the “Target POSN” key will switch the operator to the destination location allowing situational awareness of the area around the destination.
Flight Plans
Waypoints
Up to 65,536 user waypoints that may be incorporated into routes or which may be set to notify the user when the waypoint is nearby according to user-defined criteria. Users may associate stored images with waypoints.
Routes
System holds up to 98 reversible routes, incorporating up to 500 turning points.