Publication: Command and Control
Issued:
Date: 2007-03-07
Reporter:
Stunning and
Brilliant
SUBMISSION NO : AG959R
FILE NO
: Q21521813
DIVISION : COMMAND &
CONTROL
DATE :
7
MARCH 2007
GENERAL MANAGER
FINANCE
Background
During the late 1980's and early 1990's, technology research was being
undertaken into future Naval Combat System Architectures and the related
computer networks under Project Diodon. This work was initially carried out by
UEC (Pty) Ltd (later ADS). During 1993 this work was transferred to CCII, a
start-up company of ex UEC employees. Orders KT444586 (1993) and KT444687 (1994)
were placed to provide for this research. This work was
successfully completed and led to the architecture and computer networks for the
Combat Suite for the envisaged Corvettes for the SA Navy.*1 This project has
subsequently gone into full scale acquisition which will culminate in the
delivery of 4 Corvettes to the SA Navy over the next 24 months.*2
*1All except the last sentence of
this Armscor memo are absolutely true.
It is signed by the Senior Manager of Armscor Command and Control Division.
*2It is a great tragedy for the SA Navy, Armscor, CCII
Systems and myself personally that the last sentence of this Armscor memo is not
true.
As one can see by the dates (starting late 1980s) I gave up a good deal of my
professional life to successfully complete what led to the architecture and
computer networks for the Combat Suite for the envisaged Corvettes for the SA
Navy, only to have this cast rudely amongst the swine of Thomson-CSF and ADS.
There was no risk, the price was half, its was local, the system architecture
was leading-edge (not bleeding edge) and the networking concept was nearly 10
years ahead of what the US Navy is now implementing *3.
*3Self-learning, self-healing network system based on
message-orientated middleware (MOM), producer consumer data paradigm and the
survivable adaptable fibre optic embedded network (SAFENET) in alternate path
topology. *4
*4All for R38 million plus VAT in 1999 Rands for 4
corvettes, including warranties, spares and some short-term support.