Workshops: 26th February 2010

9:00 - 12:00 Workshop B: Data Links in support of planning for dismounted operations

Led by Major Iain Mackey (rtd) Independent Defence Consultant

The Chair will provide a presentation on Land orientated planning/execution tools and then invite others to deliver short briefings before exploring how recent operational C2 tools developments in the Land arena may impact upon current and Air and Maritime C2 applications. Particular threads of interest will be Counter-IED and joint/coalition ISR. Major Mackay’s experience in working with US and UK tactical HQs, coupled with his operational experience on deployed operations with the Parachute Regiment will ensure a strong operational focus to proceedings. The workshop will go on to identify how tactical data is used currently used to support planning for dismounted operations and then go on to elicit how things could be improved for the future. Other delegates with knowledge of this subject and an interest in contributing to the workshop should contact the organisers.

You should attend this workshop if you have an interest in data links and C2 applications for the Land Environment.

About your Chair: Iain is an experienced former Parachute Regiment Major with a proven record in a variety of operational theatres in Africa and the Middle East. He has wide operational experience as a junior commander and staff officer and an in-depth operational knowledge of US Army staff procedures and C2 systems for Brigade level and below. His last 2 tours were with 2/101st Airborne (AS3 J5) and UK SFSG (SO2 J5). Since leaving the army last autumn, Iain has been involved in a number of ISR and data link related workshops and continues to provide independent support through the defence consultancy house 3SDL.

13:00 - 17:00 Workshop C: Critical Issues in Tactical Data Link Development

Led by Paul Casey, BD Director, Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems & Global Solutions, Middle East and Africa

Facilitated by Peter Davies, Principle Consultant, Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems & Solutions and Dr Grigorios Koutsogiannis, Research Director, Lockheed Martin UK Integrated Systems & Solutions

Building on the success of previous introductory workshops, this will provide a comprehensive overview of next generation data links and their applications. It will offer an insight into the increased capabilities made deliverable by recent technological advances. The workshop will enable you to gain up-to-date insights into key TDL issues and advance your programme from conception to delivery, resulting in a full understanding of TDL development issues and the crucial role of TDLs in achieving Network Enabled Capabilities. The issues covered in this comprehensive overview will include:

  • Advanced Data links
  • Network Enabled Capabilities and Shared Situational Awareness
  • Data Forwarding and Gateways
  • Full Motion Video and Geo Spatial data across Data Links,
  • Data Links supporting Security Operations in an Urban Environment
  • Data Links to support Close Air Support (CAS)