The German company Hensoldt has completed the modernization project “Einsatzunterstützungsanlage Neue Technologien” (EUA NT) after testing the system at four helicopter bases of the German Armed Forces successfully completed. The aim of the project, which was commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in May 2022, is to upgrade the EUA, which has been in use for more than a decade, for the next 15 years of operation.
“With the New Technologies mission support system, we are creating a future-proof solution based on an established system that will sustainably strengthen the Bundeswehr’s operational capability,” says Alex Irmscher, program manager for ground stations at Hensoldt.
The modernized EUA NT is a deployable complete system to support the Bundeswehr’s rotorcraft, consisting of two container types:
- The system container contains a fail-safe basic IT system with network technology for connection to Bundeswehr IT systems at the operational level up to the “VS-GEHEIM” classification level, modernized application software and the communication systems required for data and radio communication with the aircraft. The system container can be used as the smallest fully functional, deployable command cell with two IT workstations to support NH90 and Tiger helicopters, for example, before, during and after deployment.
- The personnel container supplements the system container with a control center and additional workstations for six more operators. Up to three personnel containers can be combined with one system container. In addition, several EUA-NT systems can be connected to form a data network.
The radiation-protected units are equipped identically in terms of air conditioning and power supply. They have a power generator that starts automatically when used on vehicles or in the event of an unstable power supply, as well as an uninterruptible power supply to ensure IT operations.
According to a recent Hensoldt statement, the EUA NT will provide the Bundeswehr with “a modern, commercially available system which, with its modular and open architecture, not only represents the ground station platform for the Bundeswehr’s current rotorcraft, but is also equipped for future requirements and weapon systems”. In the next step, Hensoldt will implement series production, retrofitting of the systems currently in use and measures for replication.
Irmscher concludes: “The close cooperation with the customer and end users, as well as the consideration of operational experience from Afghanistan and Mali, have made it possible to develop a new system that is modular and highly flexible and therefore able to meet the challenges of the coming years. In addition, precautions have been taken to further improve usability for future weapon systems.”
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