NATO AEP-84.1 PDF

Background

This Implementation Guide was written to facilitate implementation of a STANAG conforming system and its requirements for system developers. As a parallel effort, a Validation Guide was written to provide guidance on methodologies for ensuring that Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Control System (UCS) equipment is compliant with the STANAG. Together these two documents along with the STANAG 4586 document define the requirements for NATO interoperable UCS equipment, provide guidance on the implementation of such equipment, and provide guidance on confirming that this equipment complies with the STANAG.

The STANAG defines common interfaces and architectures with the intention of providing interoperability within and between the various NATO allied forces at various Levels of Interoperability (LOIs). These levels range from Level 1 (indirect receipt of UA related data) to Level 5 (control and monitoring of the UA (Level 4), plus launch and recovery functions). Particular STANAG requirements are tailored specifically to each LOI.

The Implementation Guide provides guidance for NATO governments and industry to assist in developing nationally designed and built UCSs. It describes the overall Core UCS (CUCS) architectural characteristics, concerning both hardware and software, necessary to support STANAG 4586 requirements. Examples are given for various LOI architectures addressing standalone configurations, portable configurations, and networked configurations. Technical information and guidance on the implementation of the Vehicle Specific Module (VSM) functions, Command and Control Interface Specific Module (CCISM) functions, Control Data Terminal (CDT) functions, launch and recovery systems and mandatory protocols and standards as well as incorporation of related STANAGs into the UCS are also addressed.

The recommendations for design and implementation of a STANAG 4586 compliant UCS contained in this document were based on the lessons learned from the development of a prototype STANAG 4586 compliant UCS (focusing on the Data Link Interface (DLI)) funded by Canadian MOD, similar developments by NIAG SG 73 industry members as well as further analysis of the STANAG 4586 Edition 4/AEP-84 by the STANAG 4586 Custodian Support Team (CST).