TERMA A/S
C-FLEX NAVAL C2 SYSTEM
Introduction
Securing the maritime domain and the sea lines of communication (SLOC) is becoming more and more important as a majority of modern trade is transported by sea. The level of illegal activities from smugglers, sea robbers, pirates, illegal immigrants, as well as fishermen is increasing and poses a threat to our modern way of life including free trade and transportation between countries and continents. Navies, coast guards and marine police worldwide are tasked with the job to ensure maritime safety and security. This involves patrolling of own territorial waters, from the littoral to the 200 NM border of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), enforcing national and international laws, and conducting efficient missions for surveillance, policing, inspection, Search & Rescue, as well as humanitarian and environmental operations.
The C-Flex C2 system provides interface to all C-Series modules, enabling configuration of a standard Command & Weapon Control System (CWCS). If desired, other sensor systems, fire control systems, missiles, and weapon system can also be integrated with C-Flex. The C-Series maritime and naval systems suite is modular and configurable, and can be upgraded step-by-step with your growing need for support of flexible mission profiles. The C-Series modules are: C-Flex, C-Guard, C-Sim, C-Link, and C-Fire.
The C-Flex system interfaces with shipborne sensors, such as navigation sensors (GPS, Gyro, Log), navigation radars, surveillance radars, electronic support measure (ESM) systems, electro optical surveillance systems (EOS) together with identification systems, such as AIS (Automatic Identification System) and IFF (Identification, friend or foe). All sensor data is correlated and fused into system tracks with symbol and color coding for type of vessel, identification, etc. The track data is plotted on top of an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) / sea chart together with radar video from navigation radars and surveillance radars (user selectable) providing an integrated and confident situational awareness of the tactical situation.
Decision support
A set of tools is available for detection and analysis of abnormal track behavior, such as sudden change of course and speed, violation of go/no-go zones, diversion from expected sailing routes, and other abnormal behavior to support and enable decision making. The C-Flex system provides an integrated recording facility of both the tactical situation, video from Electro Optical surveillance systems and written notes – all time stamped and synchronized for documentation/evidence of mission and incidents.
Modular and scalable
The C-Flex system is operated from Multi-Function Consoles (MFC) and is scalable from a 1-console solution for a small Patrol Vessel to a large 24-console solution for a Frigate. For Patrol Vessels and Offshore Patrol Vessels, 1-3 Multi-Function Consoles will be sufficient for solving the ship’s missions and will only take up limited space for easy installation. For Amphibious Vessels as well as Combatants like Corvettes and Frigates, the number of Multi-Function Consoles is typically more dependent upon the missions to be solved.
The C-Flex system is based on using industrial grade COTS (Commercial-Off-The-Shelf) hardware as well as modern COTS software such as MS-Windows and Linux operating systems. The software provides an Open Architecture which separates the core software from the operating system and enables easy addition of further sensors and effectors, simply by adding the driver (interface) and related HMI.