Naval programmes
ADS (www.ads.co.za), where the acronym stands for African Defence Systems, has had a long and successful history. The company was originally two separate entities, UEC Projects, located in Durban (Mount Edgecombe), and Teklogic located in Midrand. Since the '70s UEC Projects was a leading supplier of combat command and control systems for the South African Navy. Teklogic, which was established later, focused on land systems, specifically artillery. Both companies also developed various simulators for both armoured land and naval systems. Altech acquired UEC Projects in 1986 and Teklogic during 1991, and in 1996 combined the two entities to create Altech Defence Systems. Altech decided during the late 1990s to exit the defence market and in 1998 sold 50% of ADS to Thomson-CSF. The remaining 50% was acquired by Thomson in 1999 and the name was changed to African Defence Systems, the acronym ADS being retained. Thompson has now become Thales.
There is no doubt that ADS is capable of installing naval combat suites. As UEC, the company was responsible for the design, production and integration of the systems for the Navy's Strike Craft, and two generations of such systems as upgrades for the Daphne submarines. With this pedigree ADS was awarded the contract for the combat suites for the new Valour Class corvettes and here it will be assisted by other local defence companies.
Naval products currently produced by ADS include the TAC SA Combat Management System which uses advanced COTS (commercial off the shelf) technologies to provide high-end military performance at a fraction of the normal cost. As an example of its capability the TAC SA system allows the operator to manage engagements through providing the following functions:
* Display of gun arcs, safety/fire zones, gun and tracker information, etc.
* Automatic evaluation of all air tracks and the creation of a threat list, ranked in order of priority.
* Designation to engagement channels.
Over the last 30+ years ADS has built up an impressive base of systems engineering and programme management competencies that allow the company to specify, design, integrate and deliver combat systems for naval vessels. Apart from the major programmes listed above, the company has successfully integrated systems onto patrol vessels, mine counter-measure vessels and auxiliary support ships.
ADS also developed a mine hunting tactical display system that allows the command team to plan, execute and debrief a complete mine hunting mission. Using previous mission information as a basis, the underwater scenario is presented as a realtime, high resolution, dynamic tactical picture on a modular multifunction console, based entirely on COTS technology.
ADS also produces ruggedised COTS-based operating consoles and computing hardware for naval applications. The consoles produced are multifunctional and the Valour Class corvettes will be fitted with the latest Cyber range of consoles. The computing hardware is based on the same building blocks as the consoles and is qualified to the same exacting specifications. Not only is the ADS hardware in service with the SA Navy, it has been selected to supply suites for several export programmes
Land programmes
The land activities of ADS are centred on the AS2000 system for which it is believed that a major contract will shortly be approved.
The ADS 2000 is a solution for artillery fire control. In the first place, computer systems are deployed on all command and execution levels from the gun to the artillery division HQ. These are fully networked using tactical radios. This ensures rapid information dissemination and provides the complete artillery system with the capability of concentrating the fire of dispersed deployed guns within minutes. The software has many features but one of note is that it can optimise the weight of fire onto targets, reducing logistical problems associated with the re-supply of ammunition. The computer hardware itself is compact and militarised so that it can operate in harsh conditions.
The main purpose of the AS2000 is to:
* Provide timeous information to execute artillery planning.
* Optimise the application of artillery fire.
* Integrate observation (the Cyclone electro-optical system from CSIR's Defencetek is used here), meteorological data and muzzle velocities with fire control.
* Execute target engagement calculations.
* Ensure safety improved fire control.
Besides conventional artillery (eg, G5 or G6) the system can also be used with artillery mortars, multiple rocket systems and other ballistic systems. As with the naval activities the consoles and electronic processing units are constructed using COTS technology.
Simulation and training
ADS is heavily involved in the development of simulators and these include flight simulators, armoured vehicle simulators, artillery command and control simulators, air defence control simulators and naval simulators. This has been a long-time activity and the company also used to make simulators for commercial applications (eg, train simulators).
The flight simulators cover an extensive range and include training aircraft, fighter aircraft and helicopters. The vehicle simulators cover virtually all operational armoured vehicles and also include military trucks. The capabilities of the simulators include gunnery and driving training. The latest addition to the simulator product line is a Combat Team Trainer for the new Meko A200 patrol corvette.
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