1. SPIES (Sensor/Platform Interface and Engineering Standards)
Overview for SAE Technical Assessment Panel Selection of Interfaces to Standardize May 2009
Many of the slides came from: 11 - Open Architecture by Walles.ppt

2. SPIES Program Goals
Standardize EO-IR sensor/platform interfaces for future upgrades and acquisitions
Enable reduced life-cycle costs on future upgrades/acquisitions
Acquisition (simplify process, increase consistency)
Integration (simplify, reuse of hdwe/sfwe)
Maintenance (reduced spare sets, reduce training)
Upgrades (reduce cost, increase competition, increase flexibility)
Promotes Modular Open Systems Approach
Promotes Open Architecture
Maintains or increases warfighting capability
IS supported by Industry and Navy organizations
DOES NOT reduce system performance, reliability, maintainability or
availability of critical sensor systems
Develop a methodology and process for maintaining and
revising the standardization
Note: Standardization can include profiles, design guides, recommended engineering practices, standards, interoperability requirements, integration requirements, etc.

3. Purpose of This Meeting
Identify platform/sensor interfaces applicable to present and future aircraft and sensor subsystems
Prioritize those platform/sensor interfaces that provide the most value
THINK ………….FUTURE, FUTURE, FUTURE, FUTURE

4. EO/IR Systems Under Consideration
Gimbal-Turret Imaging and Targeting Sensors
EO, MWIR, LWIR, SWIR, Multi-spectral
Laser, Navigation, Targeting
Pod Mounted Sensors
Defensive Electro Optical Suite
UV, IR, EO, Multi-spectral, IR threat tracking sensors, Laser CM
Advanced Sensors
Active Laser Imaging Systems, Hyperspectral Imaging, Synthetic Aperture Imaging, Active Hyperspectral Imaging
Distributed Aperture Electro Optical Systems
NEED TO CONSIDER ALL TYPES OF EO SYSTEMS TO
DETERMINE INTERFACE BOUNDARIES TO ALLOW FOR MAXIMUM
FLEXIBILITY FOR LEGACY UPGRADES AND FUTURE SYSTEMS 4

5. Definitions (from Dave Neel)
Interoperability: - The ability of two different systems (using "open" interfaces) to work together correctly.
Interchangability: - The ability to replace one system with another

6. Definitions (SPIES)
Interoperability: - The ability of two different systems, subsystems, or modules manufactured by different companies (using "open" interfaces) to work together correctly.
Interchangability: - The ability to replace one system with another that is similar but not the same model or built by the same manufacturer.

7. Initial Platforms of Interest
Fixed
Wing
JSF, F-18, EA-6B, AV-8B, EP-3, P-3, P-8, C-130J
Rotary
Wing
MH-60,H-53,V-22,AH-1W,AH-1Z,UH-1N,UH-1Y,VH-71
May be considered
with STUAS if it
becomes a program
of record
UAVs
BAMS, Fire Scout, STUAS, N-UCAS
Long Life to Influence Saving
Opportunity to Influence Interfaces
JSF
P-8
V-22
STUAS
H-53
Number of aircraft
Major EO-IR Sensor Upgrades
Distributed Sensor Architecture
Initial Selection

8. Legacy System Architecture
Sensor manufacturer hardware/software
Aircraft
ECU
ECU*
Operator’s Station
MWS
Turret or
Pod 8

9. Future System Architecture-1
Sensor manufacturer hardware/software
Platform/integrator hardware/software
Part of Aircraft Systems
(Multifunction Displays)
Aircraft
ECU
ECU*
Operator’s Station
MWS
Turret or
Pod 9

10. Future System Architecture-2
Sensor manufacturer “A” hardware/software
Processor manufacturer hardware/software
Sensor manufacturer “B” hardware/software
Sensor manufacturer “C” hardware/software
Platform/integrator hardware/software
Part of Aircraft Systems
(Distributed Processing)
Platform or
Integrator
Software
Part of Aircraft Systems
(Multifunction Displays)
MWS +
LWS
HFI
Aircraft
ECU
ECU
Operator’s Station
Sensor
Manufacturer
Software
Sensor
Manufacturer
Software
Turret or
Pod 10

11. Interface Type Commonality
Notional Example
Interface Types
JSF
P-8
V-22
H-53
STUAS
NUCAS
1. Imagery Data
(a). x,y, intensity/radiance (video/still imagery)
(b). x, y, range (Imaging LADAR, Flash LADAR)
(c). x, y, spectral (HSI, MSI)
(d). Future sensor technology ✔
2. Metadata
3. Command and control
4. Elec. Power
5. Thermal
6. Software
7. Software Tools
8. Mechancal
A. Connectors
B. Physical mounting

12. Interface Hierarchy System (Aircraft) System (Test)
System (Ground Station)
Components
Subsystems
Modules
System (Aircraft)

13. Interface Hierarchy Sensor Subsystems System (Aircraft) System (Test)
System (Ground Station)
Components
Subsystems
Modules
System (Aircraft)

14. What is the Value in Standardizing a Specific Sensor/Platform Interface ?
Value Elements
Importance
bad good
1. Improve value to warfighter (better, faster, more)
2. Reduce cost of future upgrades (acquisition, integration)
3. Improved flexibility (missions, modularity, configuration)
4. Improved interoperability within aircraft avionics
5. Improved interoperability within system of systems
6. Simplify acquisition process
7. Reduce life-cycle maintenance costs
8. Reduce obsolescence (affordable upgrades, more often)
9. Reduce integration risks
10. Reduce training costs
11. Increase software and hardware reuse
12. Minimize proprietary software/hardware/interfaces

15. Tools That Might Help Increase Value
Technical
Impact
Business
1. Designate key Interfaces
2. Encourage competition and collaboration
3. Modular Open System Approach
4. Modular design and design disclosure
5. Open Architecture
6. Open interface standards 7. 8. 9.
10.

16. FACILITATE DISCUSSIONS
SLIDES TO
FACILITATE DISCUSSIONS

17. System of Systems View
Aircraft / Sensor Interface
Air Vehicle
Manned or unmanned
Sensor
Command & Control /
Imagery & meta-data
Information Grid
Aircraft / Outside World Interface
Data Link
AV Command & Control
Our task does not explicitly include interfaces to the rest of the world, however, we can utilize some of those interface standards and approaches in doing our standardization effort. i.e. why re-invent the wheel. Also, this would make it easier for the platform systems integrators to do their work and will promote interoperability. 17

18. Data: Sensors and Command & Control Details
(Notional)
A/C skin
Gimbal Status Data: Azimuth,
Elevation,
temperature,
etc.
Data Out: Imagery,
Meta-data, Range,
etc.
Sensors
Control IR
Sensor(s) EO
Sensor(s)
INS Sensors
LRF
Position
Sensors
Zoom/Focus
Motors
Gimbal
Motors
Other
Other
Gimbal/Turret
Sensor commands:
zoom, focus, shutter, speed, gain, ping (range), etc.
Gimbal Commands: Slew, tilt, etc.

19. Systems & Systems Integration Division
SPIES Organizational Relationships
AIR 4.5
NGA
EW Systems
Comm. Systems
NIAT
Radar Systems
Global Partners
GWG Focus Groups
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
NGA
Other
Other C O N T R A S
SPIES
EO-IR Sensors Interface Standards Overview Committee
GWG
MDR
Strategic Partners
DISA
ITSC
NAVSEA
OPNAV
NAVAIR (PEOs)
NAVAIR (PMAs)
Other
DISR
SAE
From the Solar-system level, focusing in on the SPIES globe:
GWG Geospatial Intelligence Standards Working Group
NGA National Geospatial Intelligence Agency
NITFS National Imagery Transmission Format Standard
SAE Aerospace Council
AIR Chair
AIR Co-Chair
AIR Sec
GWG FG Rep
SAE Rep
S&T Rep (NRL, ??)
AIR 5.0 (T&E ) rep
AS-1
Aircraft
Systems & Systems Integration Division
Sub-committees