EID's UT-422 intercom unit, part of its ICCS shipborne C3 system. (EID)
Portuguese command, control, and communications (C3) systems firm EID, part of Cohort Group, has deepened research and development (R&D) efforts to enhance its integrated communication system (ICS) amid orders from NATO and other international customers.
Speaking to Janes in February, EID's executive president Martin Bennett said the ICS is being upgraded to enable embedded network solutions for internal and external communication onboard ships to accomplish complex tasks such as maintaining situational awareness and co-ordinating vessel operations.
The Integrated Communications Control System (ICCS), a warship communication system also being developed by EID, includes automation tools to deliver information while handling sensitive data. This is achieved through three rings of data classification, which the company has termed ‘secret', ‘classified', and ‘unclassified'.
EID said the latest seventh-generation version of ICCS can protect against cyber attacks using data diodes and gateways. The company added that it is in compliance with NATO-level data security standards. “All the contract orders from the middle of 2024 are for ICCS 7th generation,” Bennett said. A training simulation mode allows for exercises in human-machine interfacing and corrective maintenance activity.
System enhancements
Bennett said artificial intelligence (AI) tools are planned for background noise reduction, support and fault-finding, and for an Internet of Things (IoT) interface. Future developments will include speech-to-text-to-data that can be used to action commands or conduct data analysis, and a language translation system.
EID is working on developing a cloud-based system for warship mission needs, where the combat management system (CMS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), ICS, and systems including navigation appear as software applications. In efforts towards this, developing a whole-ship network is the first strategic step, Bennett said.
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