Immenstaad, Germany. HENSOLDT has successfully completed the modernisation project “Einsatzunterstützungsanlage Neue Technologien“ (EUA NT) after testing the system at four Bundeswehr helicopter bases. 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.
The modernised EUA NT is a deployable complete system for supporting the Bundeswehr’s rotorcraft, consisting of two types of container:
The system container contains a fail-safe IT base system with network technology for connection to IT systems of the Bundeswehr at the operational level up to the classification level of VS-GEHEIM (classified up to secret), modernised application software and the communication systems required for data and radio communication with the aircraft. The system container can be deployed as the smallest fully functional, relocatable command cell with two IT workstations to support NH90 and Tiger helicopters, for example, before, during and after the mission.
The personnel container supplements the system container with a control centre and additional ergonomic workstations for six additional operators. Up to three personnel containers can be combined with a system container. Furthermore, several EUA-NT systems can be linked to form a data network.
The radiation-shielded units are identically equipped in terms of air conditioning and power supply. They have a power generator that starts automatically when used on vehicles or when the power supply is unstable, and an uninterruptible power supply that ensures IT operation at all times.
In the next step, HENSOLDT will implement the series production, the retrofitting of the systems in use and measures for replication. With the EUA NT, the Bundeswehr is receiving a modern, commercially available system whose 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.
“With the New Technologies Mission Support System, we are creating a future-proof solution based on an established system that will sustainably strengthen the operational capability of the Bundeswehr. 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 thus ready for the challenges of the coming years. In addition, provisions have been made to further improve usability for future weapon systems,” says Alex Irmscher, programme manager for ground stations at HENSOLDT.
