The Air Platform Systems team has the following four output branches:
The Global Positioning Systems branch is the MOD focal point for procuring all the security devices required to gain access to military precise positioning service GPS signals. It is also responsible for developing future GPS-related technology.
The Identification Equipment branch is responsible for identification equipment and carrying out research and development work to reduce the risk and increase interoperability. The current projects cover equipment fitted to platforms in the Land, Sea and Air environments: Successor Identification Friend or Foe, Mode 5; Maritime Mode S Interrogator Capability and Mode S Capability Upgrade Programme. And the branch is the lead for Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) Issues.
The Platform Protection branch provides defensive aids systems for air platforms. The equipment supported includes missile warning systems, countermeasure dispensing systems (for chaff and flares), infrared countermeasure systems, and associated test equipment, including safety management and quality
The Targeting and Mission Systems branch is responsible for airborne targeting pods, aircraft mission planning systems, sensors, electronic warfare systems and NATO's Joint electronic warfare core staff capability package and Personal Emergency Locator Systems
In addition there are four functional branches that operate across the Air Platform Systems portfolio of projects:
- The Commercial branch is responsible for negotiating prices and contracts for acquiring goods and services. It administers a wide range of contracts, ranging from one-off purchases for a few pounds through to multi-million pound, long term arrangements.
- The Business Management branch is responsible for business planning and reporting, including performance reporting. It also provides direction and support to all core functions associated with ensuring Air Platform Systems maintains its high standard of output delivery.
- The Finance branch is responsible for ensuring the Air Platform Systems team operates within its budget and the Department’s rules. The branch maintains the Team’s accounts and provides financial assurance for investment decisions. It also provides guidance on regularity and propriety issues.
- The Requirements Management branch is responsible for liaising with the team’s customers and sponsors and ensuring that requirements are accurately captured and interpreted. The team is also responsible for managing acceptance against those requirements.
Major projects within the Air Platform Systems portfolio include:
- Litening III targeting pod
- Advanced Mission Planning Aid
- Large Aircraft Infra Red Counter Measures
- Common Missile Warning System
- Successor Identify Friend or Foe
- Identify Friend or Foe Mode 5 and Mode S
- NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff training system
- Protection of GPS
- Personal Emergency Locator System
Page updated 30 September 2011