Software makes the difference: At the HENSOLDT Battle Lab, it is all about the defence of tomorrow
Reconnaissance drones, networked sensors, digital situation maps: Modern defence today appears to be primarily a question of powerful hardware. In reality, however, software is increasingly determining how vast amounts of data can be translated into sound situational pictures and reliable decisions. With the Battle Lab at its Fürstenfeldbruck site, HENSOLDT has therefore established a development, testing and demonstration environment in which Software-Defined Defence can be experienced first-hand. Together with JST – Jungmann Systemtechnik®, HENSOLDT has created a setting in which customers can not only see new solutions, but also try them out themselves and shape them side by side with HENSOLDT.
Technological change is fundamentally transforming military capabilities. Modern defence structures will increasingly follow a software-defined architecture in future. Sensors and other hardware often remain in use virtually unchanged for many years. To meet changing requirements on the battlefield, however, continuous and rapid updates are required. Modern defence architectures therefore consistently separate hardware, software, data and algorithms – enabling independent updates and upgrades. This gives rise to entirely new applications. To ensure that they function reliably and meet users´ needs, they must be integrated, tested and validated together with customers. HENSOLDT therefore sought a way to analyse and demonstrate complex systems under realistic conditions.
Software is the real key
Benedikt Döller, technical project manager at HENSOLDT, describes the approach as follows: “The hardware is the sensor that captures data. But the software behind it is the real key. It processes the data and transforms it into usable information. That is why it is crucial to continuously develop the software.” This insight gave rise to the idea for the Battle Lab: an environment for the practical assessment and testing of new military solutions. “Customers need to sit at the table themselves and interact with the software,” the team led by project manager Döller agreed from the outset.
The vision takes shape in the Control Room Simulator
In its search for a partner to design the Battle Lab, HENSOLDT identified Jungmann Systemtechnik as a suitable partner. Together, the requirements for the new infrastructure were defined in detail and initial implementation approaches developed. The decisive impetus ultimately came from the virtual visit to the JST Control Room Simulator. During the remote meeting, it quickly became clear that the actual need went far beyond a conventional large-screen solution. The answer was an integrated overall concept, which JST subsequently implemented to the precise specifications – with ergonomic workstations, intuitive control room technology, a video wall and the JST TacticTable®, an interactive multi-touch situation table. This created a workspace in which engineering and project teams can work hand in hand with customers on the software – both to test new functions and to demonstrate and assess different application scenarios.
Tailored overall concept impresses
“JST impressed us with the complete package of technology, furniture and large-screen system – and at the same time with the possibility of adapting the workstations very individually to our needs,” says Benedikt Döller, who still remembers exactly how the Battle Lab came about. His conclusion is clear: “We want to show customers the possibilities and opportunities offered by networking and make the experience as immersive as possible. In the Battle Lab, they can use the product themselves and truly experience it.” And the project manager is also looking to the future: In the longer term, networks are to be created that connect different sites. Real sensor data could then be fed directly into the Battle Lab.
Software-Defined Defence is a lived reality
Sven Heursch, Chief Digital Officer and Head of Software-Defined Defence at HENSOLDT, summarises the significance of the development platform within HENSOLDT’s Software-Defined Defence strategy: “For us, the Battle Lab is more than a demonstration environment for Multi-Domain Operations. It is proof that Software-Defined Defence is no longer a vision, but a lived reality. Whoever has superiority in the information space will decide the battlefield of the future. This is precisely the superiority we make visible, tangible and scalable here – for our customers, for our partners and for the security of Europe.”
Our references today (selection)
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- s.Oliver, Rottendorf
- SachsenEnergie, Dresden
- SAG, Berlin
- SAG, Nürnberg / Nürnberg Messe
- Salzgitter Flachstahl
- Senvion SE, Osterrönfeld
- SGL Carbon Group, Bonn
- SIEMENS
- SIEMENS, Wegberg
- Spenner, Erwitte
- Städtische Werke Magdeburg
- Stadtwerke Gießen
- Stadtwerke Ratingen
- Stadtwerke Schwerin, Kraftwerk Süd
- Stadtwerke Steinburg GmbH, Itzehoe
- Stadtwerke Wolfenbüttel
- Starlim Sterner, Marchtrenk
- STORAG ETZEL, Friedeburg
- Straßenverkehrsamt Frankfurt am Main
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