Sagem Defense,
Sagem Defense Securite (SAFRAN Group) and L3 Communications (Communication Systems-West) have signed a deal to develop a new networked tactical information system for air-land targeting, designed RT-SAATS (Real Time – Situational Awareness Airborne Targeting System).
RT-SAATS complies with NATO interoperability standards, linking ground soldiers and aircraft in inter-allied and inter-service operations.
A forward observer will supply with RT-SAATS aircraft or the command with real-time images of the situation or targets, with precise coordinates. This new system contributes to short-notice operational decision making by providing forces with enhanced efficiency. It covers a wide range of missions: special operations, intelligence, evacuation of nationals, close air support, precision strikes, etc.
The system uses proven and available equipment, with a ground station for the advanced observer and an airborne station.
The ground station contains the following:
– A JIM LR (Long Range) day/night multifunction imager connected to a tactical terminal, both developed by Sagem Défense Sécurité
– A Rover/Mini Tactical Common Data Link, developed by L3 Communications, to transmit data, images and video from the JIM LR
The airborne station is developed jointly by both companies. It consists of a unit for receiving and viewing data, which enables the target coordinates to be entered in the aircraft’s navigation and attack system.
A dynamic demo of the new system will be held at the two companies’ stands at Eurosatory 2008.
The new system integrates feedback from recent military operations – especially in urban environments. It is designed to meet the growing tactical information needs of militaries, namely with respect to asymmetric threats. Its development draws on the two companies’ know-how in battlefield digitization programs.
Sagem Défense Sécurité is a high-tech company in the SAFRAN Group. It is a world or European leader in solutions and services in optronics, avionics and critical software for the civilian and military markets. Sagem Défense Sécurité is the European No. 1 and worldwide No.3 in INSs for aeronautic, naval and land applications. It is also the worldwide No.1 in helicopter flight controls and the European No.1 in optronic and tactical UAV systems. Present across the globe via the SAFRAN Group’s international network, Sagem Défense Sécurité and its subsidiaries employ 6000 people in Europe and the US.
L-3 Communication Systems-West (L-3 CS-West) located in Salt Lake City, Utah (USA), is the pre-eminent supplier of wideband data links and mobile surface and airborne satellite terminals for military applications in the world. They have over 40 years if experience in providing robust, mobile microwave, satellite terminals and wideband data links for airborne platforms, including manned and unmanned platforms, operating in a variety of environments.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 64,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2007 sales of $14 billion.
