Hensoldt's Optarion mission support system successfully tested with Bundeswehr helicopters

An NH90 helicopter that participated in the Luftwaffe's ‘Timber Express 2024' exercise. (Bundeswehr)

Hensoldt's Optarion mission support system was used to connect an NH90 and a TIGER helicopter via a secure datalink to the Bundeswehr's digital command network without “having to modify the weapon system”, the company said in a press release on 18 November.

The test was part of the Luftwaffe's ‘Timber Express 2024', an annual multinational exercise that focuses on co-operation and interoperability between air forces, involving several NATO countries.

The principle of what the Bundeswehr calls a “multilink gateway” for tactical datalinks was first tested in an exercise environment in the ‘Timber Express 2023' exercise. In that exercise a Bundeswehr CH-53 helicopter acted as the “host” platform for the “translator” between the different tactical datalinks.

Hensoldt said the Optarion system enables different platforms and systems to connect via secure datalinks.

The key part of the demonstration included “the transmission of real-time data between the helicopters and other platforms” and the connection of the platforms to Systematic's SitaWare HQ battle management system, used by the Bundeswehr, Hensoldt said.

According to Janes C4ISR & Mission Systems: Air, Optarion is an air mission planning system including subsystems OptaPlan, OptaMission, OptaDebrief, and OptaLog. It is designed for everything from route planning, situational awareness, and order of battle to tactical datalinks; mission simulation and analysis; and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

For more information on this and other battlefield network programmes, please seeInformation advantage: Europe pursues ‘combat cloud' technology developmentsand Optarion .