A sophisticated land-based electronic communications centre has
been officially opened by DE&S's Intelligence Information
Solutions Delivery Team Leader, Adrian Bailey, this week at
Babcock's Devonport Royal Dockyard site. The centre is a
Pre-Deployment Facility (PDF) for the SKYSIREN programme (which is
the delivery and sustainment of the UK's Integrated Broadcast
Service (IBS) capability), and has been set up by Babcock working
with the SKYSIREN prime contractor L-3 STRATIS. The facility has
potential for expansion in future, and further underlines Babcock's
vision as the UK's electronic communications Centre of
Excellence.
The PDF centre is a secure electronic environment in a high
security site. It will be used by Babcock engineers for the
assembly and testing of individual IBS systems to de-risk
performance before installation into strategic fixed buildings, and
Royal Navy vessels / platforms. It will also be used as a repair
and development centre for IBS systems.
The SKYSIREN programme will provide an integrated communications
capability to the MoD and its operational forces. Using advanced
satellite and computer technology it is a communications
infrastructure and data dissemination system designed to support
Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force personnel on operations on a
global scale.
The build and system specification for the PDF was developed by
Babcock's SKYSIREN team. The site was made ready, and the building
and fitting out of the facility has been managed by Babcock. The
opening event involved a tour of the facility and a technical
demonstration of the capability, both present and future.
Babcock SKYSIREN Project Manager Philip Burns-O'Brien commented:
"The PDF is a key project facility asset for Babcock. To be able to
build and test IBS systems prior to deployment is crucial for the
successful delivery of the SKYSIREN programme. The facility is
modular-based, so further expansion becomes easier to implement.
This underpins the Babcock vision going forward with the
development of a UK electronic communications Centre of
Excellence."
L-3 STRATIS Vice President Steve Cummins stated: "Opening this
centre is a meaningful milestone in Team L-3's delivery of a combat
enhancing capability. It reflects our strong partnership with MoD
and the hard work by our badgeless team of committed
professionals."
Adrian Bailey, MoD' Intelligence Information Solutions Team
Leader stated: "The Integrated Broadcast Service to be provided by
SKYSIREN offers an important operational capability to all three
front-line services. The programme is benefiting from joint working
between Babcock, L3 Stratis and MoD providing complementary sets of
skills and expertise.
"Babcock's investment in this modular pre-deployment facility
demonstrates the shared desire to manage risk early, and will help
Babcock maintain and enhance its reputation as a respected delivery
partner."
Babcock engineers helped the MoD develop, and successfully
install the legacy IBS system for use in RN vessels / platforms.
The company is now delivering a new IBS capability as a partner
within Team L-3. To support the rollout of the IBS capability,
Babcock has also designed and installed a SKYSIREN training
facility at HMS Collingwood in Portsmouth.