The design and implementation of major upgrades to operational C 3I systems

Second generation computer controlled C³I systems have been in service for several years. Elements of these systems are now deployed in very significant numbers, and their performance makes a considerable contribution to the operational capability of the armed forces that they serve. At this stage in the maturity of these projects, significant enhancements and increases in operational capability need to be contemplated, designed and introduced into the system. To do this in a way that does not degrade the operational capability, either during the upgrade or after it, requires very careful thought and planning from the earliest stages of the project. The paper draws out the issues affecting the designer, the implementor, the maintainer and the operators of systems, and illustrates the techniques with the practical experience gained from upgrading the PTARMIGAN system