Press release
21 May 2009
Helyx investigates future Aeronautical Information Capability for UK MoD
Specialist geospatial information exploitation consultancy, Helyx, has completed a strategic investigation for the UK Ministry of Defence into the future Aeronautical Information Capability (AIC), a critical enabler for all air operations and essential to flight safety. The investigation provided the MoD with an independent assessment of the capability against current and forecasted requirements and made a series of recommendations that would assist in developing UK capability.
The final report provides, through clearly presented arguments, a sound basis for MoD policy, air force and procurement stakeholders to decide how the next generation AIC should be developed. It will be used as the basis for planning and prioritising, as well as supporting any business case activity if MoD decides to pursue the strategy it sets out.
Helyx was responsible for analysing the current capability, identifying capability gaps and forecasting how military flight operations are likely to change. Amongst the main drivers identified by Helyx are new technology, for example UAVs and the paperless cockpit, and emerging flight safety legislation, which entails close interaction with organisations such as the CAA, NATS (National Air Traffic Services) and EuroControl. Helyx also conducted an in-depth analysis of the implications of the future capability against the Defence Lines of Development (DLODs).
Helyx was selected as offering the best independent specialist system engineering knowledge and the best value for money. Its key subcontractor, uVe Ltd, provided specific expertise of RAF operations.The investigation was initiated through DEC ISTAR on behalf of the Intelligence Collection Group (ICG), which provides the capability through No1 AIDU (Aeronautical Information Documents Unit) and DGC (Defence Geographic Centre).
The investigation was conducted within very tight timescales. An initial assessment of the capability to identify urgent capability gaps was delivered in November 2008 within seven weeks of the project outset. The investigation concluded in March 2009 with presentation of the findings and recommendations to senior MoD stakeholders and publication of a comprehensive final report.
DEC ISTAR said of the work that Helyx made an extremely good job in a short amount of time. We have been impressed at their grasp of the complex issues involved. The final report represents an impressive analysis of the problem. Acknowledging not only the complexity but the audience for the research, JAGO, added that the report presents complex arguments in a very readable way.
HQ ICG said that the results of the investigation represent excellent value for money for the MoD and would not have been achieved if attempted internally. They added that the way in which the study was conducted was exemplary, saying that management of stakeholder relationships was excellent throughout the investigation.
No 1 AIDU said that the investigation has been invaluable in raising the profile of the AIC and specifically No1 AIDU within the MoD.