The Royal Air Force

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RAF CCIS

Fujitsu developed a secure, flexible infrastructure and application set known as RAF Command & Control Information System (RAF CCIS).

Customer’s Challenge

The RAF had three different operational information systems: one for HQs, one for air bases and one for operational staff work.

They were not connected at SECRET level, which meant that information could not be shared between them and secure messages, such as orders, had to be sent via yet another system.

To see the big picture, Commanders would have data manually copied from one system to another - slow and error-prone. Everywhere you looked, the lack of a coherent system was threatening to compromise the RAF’s effectiveness.

It was time for a single solution.

Fujitsu’s Solution

Fujitsu developed a secure, flexible infrastructure and application set known as RAF Command & Control Information System (RAF CCIS).

This was designed from the start to use commercial off the shelf components, both hardware and software. Despite its security, it is flexible and easily extended, so that the RAF are able to add new functionality without help from Fujitsu.

It is also simple to use, cutting training time and costs. The interface to the main operational application, RASDA, which Fujitsu also designed and delivered for RAF CCIS, was developed through prototyping with full user involvement. As a result, when delivered, RASDA provided exactly what the users wanted in the way that they wanted it.

Benefits to our Customer

The strongest link. RAF personnel are now linked, with commanders and their staff having access to the same consistent information. Around 1500 terminals all over the world deliver data relating to air operations, staffing, serviceability and unit performance – all on the same screen. Assets can now be managed in near-real time, with immediate printed reports if required.

Keeping secrets. Now the RAF can exchange information securely, at SECRET level, between operational bases in the UK and abroad, with full confidence that it is accessible to those who need it, and totally protected from others who do not.

Access in action. RAF CCIS is designed to operate over whatever communication links are available. From land lines to microwave, across local and wide area networks and even satellite telephone in remote deployed areas. Through largescale database replication, operations can continue based on the latest snapshot of information even in the event of complete communications failure.

Military messaging. Based on extensions to Microsoft Outlook, this messaging system works at SECRET level. It offers guaranteed delivery, so that, if a message doesn’t reach its recipient, it is automatically redirected for action to a delegated authority, with a full audit trail.

Intranet and mapping. RAF CCIS includes an intranet with a number of specialised operational applications, such as bookings for low flying areas. The integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) allows commanders to view air assets on the ground at any air base.

Supporting the specialist functions are a full suite of automated office applications.

Implementation

Rolling out RAF CCIS took one year, with Fujitsu installation teams visiting every RAF operational unit.”

During this period Fujitsu maintained a full service on the existing legacy systems. This became increasingly complex as more RAF CCIS users came on board and had to access mainframe data held on old systems servers.

Our Expertise

Wing Commander Clive Green explains that Fujitsu were awarded the task because “They listened to our requirements, analysed which was the best hardware to do the job and worked that into the contract. Resilient and reliable hardware was a major factor in this project.”