Combat System Highway (CSH)

The J+S solution to make CSH supportable and capable for the future.

The Challenge:

The Combat System Highway (CSH) is a robust and resilient LAN that distributes Combat System data in the form of messages, between weapons, sensors, command, control and communications equipment, on RN ships. J+S developed the CSH 25 years ago but due to the Type 23 Ship Life Extension Programme it required upgrading to ensure its utility to beyond 2030. In developing a solution we had to be cognisant of two key constraints:

• The support budget was very limited and did not permit a complete system re-design and replacement.
• CSH had to be capable of communicating securely between other legacy networks and future LANs, using Open Standards and Open Architecture principles and to gain leverage from commercial LAN initiatives.

Our Solution:

Our system engineers conducted a detailed analysis of the options and constraints and constructed an incremental upgrade programme embracing the following principles:

• Maximum use of COTS technology.
• Minimal bespoke design work.
• Maximum use of flexible FPGA technology.
• Development of UML based, real-time embedded software designs.
• Development of open Ethernet protocol standards with the MoD.
• Publication of software drivers and message class libraries to Member System equipment developers.
• Pull through of technology from each incremental upgrade step to the next, thus reducing risk and maximising return on investment.

Key Upgrade Activities:

CSH Simulator MK2 (CS2)

Obsolete boards and hardware reduced to a single be-spoke board, real-time Ethernet interface and COTS laptop with encrypted drive introduced.

Communications Unit (CU) MK3

PEC from CS2 modified, adding Ethernet functionality and a PMC site for future capability expansion

Highway Controller Upgrade

CU MK3 is the basis to replace Highway Controller boards. Hand Held terminal being updated and open architecture future proofing design features in-built.

In addition we have developed a new generation of support products to further reduce hardware costs and integration complexity. Message Generation and Editing for CS2

• 3D Scenario Modeling and Message Generation
• Combat System Performance Monitor (CSPM)
• CS2+ providing low cost data logging capability, CS2 functionality, CSPM and able to host other software and analysis tools
• CSH Interface Unit provides "off the shelf" CSH to Ethernet connectivity

The Result:

Incremental technology insertion has successfully been used to overcome obsolescence problems in CSH and is continuing with the current Highway Controller upgrade programme. CSH now has a new lease of life and will remain supportable into the future.

The introduction of new technology, open architecture and future proofing principles has generated increased capability within the CSH. Its potential expandability through Ethernet switching / interfacing and plug in COTS boards facilitates bridging to legacy networks and open LANs.

Our continuing investment in support products and future network technology that incorporate open architecture principles significantly reduces future hardware and integration costs.