The Royal Air Force

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RASDA

The Replicated Air Support Decision Aid (RASDA) replaced the old databases with Oracle technology with a forms interface in a Windows environment.

Customer's Challenge

The Royal Air Force had two old database systems with which they managed airbase capabilities. Although they worked well, they were very basic, operated at different security levels and not all information was networked.

When the new RAF Command and Control Information System (RAF CCIS) was developed, the RAF was able to share all relevant information, across all bases at SECRET level.

The lack of a cohesive database meant that air traffic control and operations staff had to phone from base to base to manage flying programmes. Phones were often engaged, out of date information was received and operations staff had to use manual display boards to map the progress of aircraft - archaic and time consuming.

Fujitsu's Solution

The Replicated Air Support Decision Aid (RASDA) replaced the old databases with Oracle technology with a forms interface in a Windows environment.

RASDA has a three-tier architecture and uses Oracle's Advanced Replication to support replication of data in more than 20 locations.

Fujitsu designed, built and operates the solution and also delivers the roll out

Benefits to our Customer

RASDA allows the RAF to manage the planning and debrief aspects of its Flying Programme. It also delivers the associated information necessary to support all flying operations and provides management reports tailored to different organisational levels within the Command Structure.

See who is in the air on one screen. The status and progress of flying programmes is instantly clear, virtually eliminating phone calls. For briefing purposes, the flying programme can be projected onto an electronic white board in Station and Squadron Operations rooms without the need for manually drawn updates.

A single source of data. All the tools you need to enhance Air Campaign Management are combined and every detail of operational assets is accessible in one place. Information on the status of flying programmes, aircraft equipment, aircrew and bases is always accurate.

Easy management of operations. Data can be gathered very quickly, allowing rapid analysis and reporting on specific areas of interest.

Uninterrupted operations. Information is fully replicated between all operating bases allowing uninterrupted operations if communications from headquarters are disrupted.

Instant access to information at all levels. Every station is always up to date. A station enters data, such as aircraft serviceability, and it can then be seen by other stations and by higher headquarters.

Integrated with other key applications. RASDA provides performance information to SAPPHIRE, another RAF management information system. The data is accessible at all organisational levels and allows Strike Command to manage its equipment and personnel.

Our Approach

Fujitsu used rapid prototyping techniques to develop Oracle forms in conjunction with users in workshops. Subcontractor, BAE Systems, used the same approach to generate the forms for which they were responsible. This enables RASDA to be implemented in phases rolling out updates at user request.

RASDA became operational in June 2000 and future developments will migrate onto the DII infrastructure. RASDA is SECRET as standard, but plans are being made to also allow RESTRICTED operation for such information as air traffic control and flight times.

Our Expertise

Fujitsu developed the RAF CCIS infrastructure and therefore was a low risk partner for RASDA. Flight Lieutenant Rhod Cunningham says “The working relationship with Fujitsu is very good and people have the common goal in view.”

Management of the system is very hands-on, with regular meetings at which changes, improvements or problems are discussed and planned with members of the user community.

Rhod concludes, “We have a good rapport with Fujitsu and we have free and frank exchange of views which is very important when working with a supplier”.