Defence Forces Ireland has installed the Systematic SitaWare command-and-control (C2) suite on its fleet of four Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft in a move that will improve networked ability and information sharing between the platforms.
Operated by the Irish Air Corps, one aircraft is configured for the utility role while the three Spectre platforms provide an intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability to the Defence Forces.
SitaWare Headquarters and SitaWare Frontline both feature on the aircraft, with Headquarters used for overall mission management and Frontline to interface with ground and naval components. The software can draw on data from the multi-mission sensors that are fitted to the Spectre platforms as well as information from external sources.
According to a mid-September release from Systematic, SitaWare enables data to be shared with all mission participants, aiding C2 operations and near real-time situational awareness across domains and command levels.
“Onboard the PC-12s SitaWare is intended for a range of military and non-military roles,” stated Capt Paul Shorte, CIS Officer at the Defence Forces Training Centre.
“The software… enables us to seamlessly handover the management of an operation to a new aircraft when it comes on-station. When they arrive they already have all of the mission data and are fully appraised of the situation,” Shorte added.
The SitaWare system is also set to be integrated on the two Airbus C295 aircraft that are due to enter service with the Irish Air Corps in 2023, which will primarily focus on maritime patrol duties.
SitaWare has been used in a number of operational roles with Defence Forces Ireland, such as fisheries protection and counter narcotics. Recently SitaWare was used by the Defence Forces as they assisted in the Irish government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
