IMSS - RNZAF creates new squadron

Data is the new ‘fuel’

The creation of a new Squadron within the RNZAF is recognition that our Defence Force is stepping up to the digital age.

On July 1 2007, the RNZAF formally established the Integrated Mission Support Squadron (IMSS) at RNZAF Base Auckland.

The formation of the IMSS marks a new era in military air operations. It heralds the first visible step in preparing for the Rizal’s new and upgraded capabilities associated with the P-3K2, B757, C130 LEP, NH-90 and the Tactical Light Utility Helicopter (TLUH).

It also recognises the need for a centralised mission support organisation that can support the current fleet including 3 and 6 Squadron operations.

The role of the IMSS is broad, reflecting the complex nature of modern aircraft systems and technology. It includes everything from software engineering, simulation systems and simulator scenario development to mission briefing, mission systems preparation, and intelligence support and mission data analysis.

Some of these functions have previously existed in the work carried out by the Operational Software Maintenance Unit (OSMU) and the 5 Squadron Intelligence Section. These units are now integrated into the IMSS and form the core foundation from which the IMSS will grow.

This will include a diverse range of new operationally focused services that directly support both capability development and wider RNZAF military operations as part of operating modern aircraft technology.

Technology Leap

The establishment of the IMSS recognises the challenges of supporting complex technologies associated with our new and upgraded platforms.

Digital flight decks, computer based flight planning systems, mission systems and sensors all require unique forms of support. The B757 COMBI, C-130 LEP, P-3K2, NH-90 and TLUH all arrive with various forms of glass cockpit.

The P-3K2 will have an entirely new mission system and sensor fit that is state- of-the-art as will the NH-90. These systems all represent the latest forms of technology and capability that need to be managed and supported effectively to support flying operations.

Mock up of the P-3K2 Tac Rail and operator consoles illustrating the new mission system layout and displays.

To illustrate the complexity, consider this; the Orion’s 1980’s mission system has three computers, each of which contain 64Kb of memory and runs at a processing speed of 8Mhz. This would equate to similar capabilities of the old Commodore 64 home computer.

The new Data Management System (DMS) will utilise computers that are almost 500 times the processing speed and with a memory capacity 16,000 times more capable. This pales in comparison when you consider the significant changes from the Sioux and Iroquois cockpit to that of the TLUH and NH-90!!

The level of technology change: Iroquois Cockpit verse the NH-90 Cockpit.

Unlike the old analogue systems, these new digital technologies and mission systems all rely on a new form of ‘fuel’ to operate and function.

Data: the new ‘fuel’

All of our new and upgraded aircraft are a major step-up in technology and capability that will better meet the challenges of an increasingly changing environment.

These systems are reliant on critical mission intelligence and flight system data as the new ‘fuel’ that enables them to fly and function.

This ‘fuel’ is essential for our high technology platforms to conduct day-to-day and deployed operations in support of the RNZAF mission. The data fuels the system to perform various functions and tasks whilst also recording information collected by sensors and/or reported by the mission systems.

Much like your home computer, its utility is in providing some kind of output or ability to do something through the various applications.

So too our new aircraft will be reliant on similar, but somewhat more complex, forms of information and data to function that must be programmed before flight and processed post flight. Using the same home computer analogy, the IMSS’s role is to put together all the right information onto the system hard drive that is needed by the crews to conduct the mission.

Then at the conclusion of the flight, collect mission system and sensor data (such as imagery) then needs to be processed, analysed and distributed. This post flight data forms the basis of product that is passed to our stakeholders and also that is turned around to support ongoing flying operations.

To support programming and processing of the various data applications, along with the new roles and technology, work is about to commence on new facilities to house the IMSS team.

New Facilities

To support flying operations and the RNZAF mission, the IMSS has been structured into two flights; Simulator and Software Support Flight (SSSF) and Mission Support Flight (MSF). These flights are responsible for a diverse range of functions to deliver the specific support requirements being established for each of the aircraft types.

Mission Support Flight

The 5 Squadron Intelligence Section established a solid foundation in mission support for the P-3K Orion and will form the nucleus of the IMSS Mission Support Flight (MSF) toward the end of 2007.

The MSF will be the hub of the mission support process, housing the data analysis team, Intelligence staff and mission support specialists who will support flying operations and conduct analysis of post mission data.

The MSF will be housed within the entire bottom floor of the old Operations Headquarters Building at Whenuapai, including the areas currently occupied by 5 SQN Intelligence Section.

In conjunction with other IMSS related construction, the lower floor will be functionally reconfigured with new office spaces and mission support facilities incorporated into the building to support the new roles and personnel the MSF will need to accommodate as part of its wider mission.

Simulator and Software Support Flight

The Simulator and Software Support Flight (SSSF) of the IMSS has subsumed the Operational Software Maintenance Unit (OSMU) and currently operates from what was the old OSMU building on Takitimu Street, Whenuapai.

Broadly, SSSF is responsible for aeronautical software management and configuration, flight and mission simulators and software programming. New facilities are being constructed to incorporate all these aspects.

Simulator and Software Support Flight (SSSF) will be housed in a new facility constructed on and around the old OSMU building commencing late Aug 07. This building will also be home to the P-3K2 Orion Flight Deck Trainer (FDT), Systems Integration and Testing Laboratory (SITL) and Software maintenance facility.

This enables us to utilise some of the existing structure whilst extending the facilities to house the new equipment associated with the respective projects.

Additional construction work will also be undertaken between No 40 Squadron Operations and the Base Auckland Headquarters building to provide purpose -built facilities to house the C-130 Hercules Part Task Trainer and Flight Management System Trainer equipment. The new SSSF facilities are scheduled for completion in January/February 2008 and the C130 PTT facility due for completion in Apr 08.

Simulation

Whilst not a new area for the RNZAF, the introduction of a full motion simulator for the P-3K2 and the Part Task Trainer for the C-130 will see the IMSS centrally manage and coordinate these and future systems. This includes not only flight deck systems but also the P-3K2 tac rail mission system training devices.

The IMSS will be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the simulators and maintaining them in the same configuration as the aircraft. Crews and maintenance personnel will be able to use an on-line booking system to schedule training with each simulator run effectively as another aircraft including a full Form 700 log for their operation. The IMSS will de-conflict where necessary and arrange schedules around maintenance and other events.

The simulation area will also involve developing scenarios for crews to utilise based on training objectives of the respective Squadrons.

This could range from a simple engine running exercise with various emergencies to tactical exercises with all the paperwork! These simulators will provide an excellent training capability for the Squadrons and undoubtedly a significant source of interest for flight simulator fans and visitors alike.

The simulators also provide the opportunity to learn a range of new skills in supporting synthetic training devices and working with other agencies that operate similar systems.

Challenges Ahead

The new and upgraded aircraft brings a raft of exciting new challenges and opportunities to the RNZAF for which the IMSS has been set up to support. What can’t you love about a job that gives you the opportunity to work with the latest technology, interact with all of our flying Squadrons, operate flight simulator systems and team up with a wide range of organisations and agencies both internal and external to the NZDF, all in the course of your normal day?

Our team is passionate about doing the best we can and working closely with the RNZAF team and our colleagues in the wider NZDF and beyond in all the various areas for which we are responsible. We’re moving forward and stepping up to the challenge of the digital age. It’s a hell of a ride and we look forward to being onboard as we transition to and operate the new fleet in the coming years.

Over the coming months we plan to get out to Bases, camps and agencies to talk about who we are, what we are here to do and how we can work together. We’re also going to be out and about looking to gain ideas from those we support, our sister Services, other agencies, organisations and businesses and the wider defence community. Our aim will be to get a better understanding of the support requirements of both our current and future fleets and how we can support our mission and contribute to being the best in all we do as an Air Force.

For more information on the IMSS visit the IMSS web site located off the 485 Wing Intranet site at RNZAF Base Auckland.