Platform Services

Total solution provider Platform integration and engineering design Test facilities Engineering innovation Open architecture brochure

General Dynamics UK deliver a platform integration service for communication, electronic counter measures and other complex C4I equipment into military vehicles on behalf of the UK MoD and other prime defence contractors.

Borne out of the Bowman Tactical Communications programme, our Platform Services capability has integrated a number of different electrical and electronic systems for over 50 main vehicles, 750 individual designs and over 15,000 vehicles.

Bringing together multiple systems to co-exist ensures that platforms have the ergonomic capability to house the entire mission systems as one holistic design and minimise interoperability issues.

Our experience in the integration of mission systems include: Bowman, TACSAT, Electronic Magnetic Compatibility, Situational Awareness, Electronic Force Protection, Survivability, Remote Control Weapon systems, Drivers Visions systems, Vehicle Power Management solutions and driver monitoring systems.

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Total solution provider

Platform services 2General Dynamics UK provides an end to end solution to deliver exactly what the customer requires and user demands. This means our core competencies cover both the technical capabilities and the service provisions required.

  • Human Factor assessments
  • Integrated Logistics Support maintainability assessments
  • Installation and Design
  • Testing and Certification
  • Electronic Architecture
  • Electrical Power Management
  • Survivability
  • Programme Management
  • Configuration Control
  • Material Management
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Platform integration and engineering design

The General Dynamics UK integrated approach ensures that key areas of design are considered as one system. Such areas include: MMI location, common cable routes, appropriate separation of cables, common powers solutions, Rad Haz/EMC/TEMPEST and mutual interference.

Following a strict design process, our approach starts the installation as a collaborative venture, utilising resources from other companies to ensure that cable routeing and clipping are appropriate, and reducing the installation time and difficulties. Additionally, TEMPEST is considered with respect to cable layout, and appropriate precautions are taken to reduce contamination.

Best in class process and tools

The General Dynamics UK design and analysis solution enables the customer to get real-time visibility of progress, early acceptance and adoption of the design concepts.

Our analysis tools allow the engineering team to produce Finite Element analysis of the design in real-time that help reduce lead time on finished designs, increase product reliability and improve platform safety.

The design process culminates in a PIDR2 sign off of the proposed installation at General Dynamics UK or third parties premises.

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Test facilities

Platform services 1Boasting the UK’s leading military vehicle testing facility General Dynamics UK is the only UK site which can perform a extensive range of tests at one location, including a Section 5 fire arms licence and crypto handling authorisation.

The General Dynamics UK testing facility at Pershore performs a range of specialist tests for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV) and soft skinned military vehicles including:

  • Fully supportable system for lightweight platforms EMC testing (DEF-STAN 59-411)
  • Antenna Radiated Patterns (Polar Plotting)
  • Radiation Hazard (Personnel, Fuels & Ordnance) (JSP 375, OB Pillar Proc 101 & DEF-STAN 59-411)
  • TEMPEST testing (SDIP 27 Chapter 11 and level C)
  • Platform mobile integration and development trials
  • Human Factor assessments
  • ILS Maintainability assessments

Advanced facilities for EMC testing

General Dynamics UK has also undertaken ECM testing in co-operation with DSTL for the HMEE vehicles, further cementing our position within the Force Protection arena.

Experienced and proven EME engineers consider all aspects of the system installation onto platforms, including Mobile EMC Mutual Interference Compatibility.

With access to a full EMC test facility 24-hours a day, seven days a week, enables General Dynamics UK to prove our EMC compliance on both product and vehicles should the need arise.

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Engineering innovation

ECM and the future of integrated communication systems

General Dynamics UK continues to look at the interoperability of communications and other electrical systems, including physical and electrical / electronic architecture for present and future upgrades.

Core Infrastructure Distribution System (CIDS)

Core Infrastructure Distribution System for lightweight platforms (power and data distribution) is a next-generation concept that demonstrates the power of reduced infrastructure and increased data management.

Available now, CIDS demonstrates the future of vehicle architecture for planners and designers.

  • Adaptable to platform size and complexity
  • Open, scalable, modular, robust and VSI compliant architecture
  • Simple electronic architecture with core processor
  • Reduction in loom/harnesses, reducing parasitic mass, space and complexity
  • Removes weak spots where cables currently get damaged
  • ‘Plug and Play’ concept
  • Flexible, enabling rapid platform re-role (approx 24 minutes)
  • Integrated C4I (BCIP) and BMS, FP ECM, LSAS, SDW and HUMS capability
  • Cost effective, easy to install

For more information, please download the Open Architecture brochure. 

Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA)

Generic Vehicle Architecture is the infrastructure and interfaces required to mount and integrate sub-systems to a platform including the electronic architecture, physical mountings systems, power systems and HFI. This Open Architecture Concept adheres to Def Stan 23-09 with the development of a common infrastructure across the whole platform family.

General Dynamics UK's investment in Electronic Architecture (EA) development is aimed at providing a world standard, best in class, adaptable architecture for UOR and future Land Platform vehicle programmes. This work enables innovations in EA power, voice, data and logistic support and helps inform the MoD’s Force Protection and Mission Systems Working Group (FP&MS WG).

GVA platforms implemented by General Dynamics UK include a Cougar 4x4, with CIDS power and data distribution capability and a modular approach to Bowman installation design, together with a Jackal 1, fitted out with an electronic architecture supporting the integration of a thermal imaging surveillance camera and a thermal imaging sight fitter to a 50 calibre Browning.

Both platforms were reviewed by DSTL and ITDU and received significant praise for the progress in the design and modular approach to the system.

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