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Secure Communications

MASS possesses the rare ability of being able to design, develop, build, integrate and support bespoke electronic hardware and real-time software systems to meet specific customer needs. We are used to working within tight timescales and are dedicated to delivering affordable, value-for-money solutions. Examples of rapid developments by MASS to meet urgent operational timescales include the RCADS communications management system and the ATRACKS helicopter data messaging system.

RCADS

The Radio Control and Audio Distribution System (RCADS) is designed to assist in the management of the heavy communications workload found in certain aircraft environments. RCADS is an airborne system for the distribution of audio signals between individual mission crew and any connected radio transceivers attached to the system. RCADS provides the facility for the use of both secure (encrypted) and open radio channels. Each user is provided with the ability to mix any of the received audio channels and to select channels for transmission.

SCA

Following on from the RCADS development, MASS was awarded the Secure Communications Architecture (SCA) contract by UK MoD to deliver a fully integrated mission communications and radio management capability for one of the RAF’s primary ISTAR assets. As prime contractor, MASS has delivered: the MASS RCADS; new UHF/VHF radios; a new air and ground SatCom communications system; a replacement intercom system; and an antenna management system. A fully representative System Integration Laboratory (SIL) was used for development, security accreditation and qualification testing. The first system was recently delivered on time and budget.

SCOT

In May 08 MASS was awarded the SCoT contract by Ultra Electronics to finalise the design and then manufacture electronic equipment for the RAF Tornado aircraft. The SCoT equipment provides new cockpit control units to allow the crew to operate the upgraded radios on the Tornado. These units provide secure communications within and outside the aircraft, and enable the aircraft to operate with coalition forces.

AHIU

The Active Noise Reduction (ANR) Headset Interface Unit (AHIU) has been developed to address the problems associated with the introduction of ANR headsets into legacy platforms. The new AHIU is a rugged, low powered unit designed to interface modern ANR headset technology with both new and legacy intercommunications and communication management systems.

For more information please contact:

David Cutforth

+44 (0) 1480 222600

Comms Systems Skills

MASS has current expertise in:

• Design, manufacture and integration of communications electronic units
• HF data messaging
• Design and accreditation of encryption devices
• Management of keying material
• Power distribution/conversion
• RF propagation modelling
• Antenna Management systems
• ANR Headset Interfaces
• Qualification for flight in military aircraft
• Low volume production
• Customer support of in-service equipment
  

Download Flyers (PDF Format)

• Radio Control and Audio Distribution System (RCADS)
• Secure Data Transceiver SDT-500 Encryptor (BIDC/5000/1)
• Common Fill Device CFD-900 Fill Gun (BIDC/5000/4)
• Radio Control and Display Unit (RCDU)
• ANR Headset Interface Unit (AHIU)