ILA 2022: Rohde & Schwarz is shaping the future with trusted end-to-end communications for mission control

At ILA Berlin Airshow 2022, Rohde & Schwarz showcases R&S VCS-R/B future-proof, full IP communications system. This field-proven solution provides clear separation between the red/secure and black/non-secure domains and enables any military air traffic control (ATC) operator at any air operations control center to connect to any radio anywhere at any time.

With R&S VCS-R/B, the operator can access two security domains at the same time, using the same audio accessories and clear audio routing principles. It features an innovative graphical user interface (GUI), which allows the operator to access all required communications securely at their fingertips, yet displaying both separated security domains, over which the operator retains full operational awareness. The heart of the system is the R&S Trusted Audio Switch, which ensures that the two security domains are strictly separated while still being accessed by only one audio device (e.g. headset).

“With customers in place and operational systems worldwide, R&S VCS-R/B is field-proven,” Marius Münstermann, Vice President ATC at Rohde & Schwarz explains. “The system supports requirements of NATO and other sophisticated customers. Reliable, cost-optimized and easily expandable, customers speak highly of the system, stating that workflows and functionalities improved through operational experience with this communications solution. Seamless integration with other available third-party devices, C2/battle management systems or mission-critical management systems is also supported by the R&S VCS-R/B.”

R&S VCS-R/B supports the ED137 standard to ensure safe and secure ATC voice communications. From a security perspective, the R&S Trusted Audio Switches have been certified against Common Criteria by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).

Caption: At ILA Berlin Airshow 2022, Rohde & Schwarz showcases R&S VCS-R/B field-proven, full IP communications system. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)