Palomar - Secure Military Voice and Data Switching Systems

Esterline Palomar Products designs and manufactures highly reliable secure voice and data switching systems for military airborne, ground based and shipboard applications. Palomar secure intercommunications systems provide crewmembers access to radios, cryptos and intercom voice channels. Palomar secure systems provide simultaneous multi-level Secure communications and are TEMPEST-qualified to NSTISSAM 1/92 Level 1.

DCS-2100 communications management system (CMS)

The DCS-2100 is a state-of-the-art digital communications management system. The system is based on Palomar’s field-proven multi-level secure digital switching technology that provides a complete solution for systems demanding high quality, low latency secure digital voice/data switching. The system provides crewmembers with access to a large number of radio and intercom channels. It provides cross-band and in-band radio relay, generates aural warnings, provides modem and crypto switching and allows simultaneous operation at all security levels. The switching units have Gigabit Ethernet interfaces that can be used for recording, BIT status reporting and communications control from the mission computer. This Ethernet interface can also be used as an IP gateway for VoIP and data communications via the aircraft LANs.

CCS-2100 intercommunications system (ICS)

The CCS-2100 family of products provides a range of solutions for secure intercommunication applications. The extremely high channel-to-channel isolation allows multilevel security, private radio channels and private intercom channels. The integrated, microprocessor controlled, modular distribution system is designed for real-time adjustment of communication assets to meet the operational requirements of each mission.

The flexible, modular units allow designs from simple internal/external communication systems to full command and control systems that include crypto and data link assignments, clear/secure radio relay, clear/secure simulcast, unlimited conference networks and selective dial-up. In addition, systems can be integrated with a host computer via a MIL-STD-1553B or RS-422 network links.

Small communications control systems (CCS)

There are two series of CCS products, the RA800 Digital CCS and the RA690 Analog CCS. The RA800 CCS is designed to meet present and foreseeable requirements for all aircraft types. The RA800 provides centralized audio control, interfacing to other aircraft systems and intercom networks for the flight crew. It is built on a foundation of intelligent modules, which enables systems to be configured for the particular requirements of the aircraft platform.

Communication audio management unit

The core of the RA800 CCS is the communication audio management unit (CAMU). All audio routing is contained within the CAMU: this increases immunity to EMI by considerably reducing the volume and complexity of aircraft cabling. Other advantages include ease of installation, weight saving and improved reliability gained through significant cable reduction.

The crew interface to the system is via audio control panels (ACPs) for the control functions. Connections from the ACPs to the CAMU are via digital links. For RA800 equipment, the connection between the ACP and the CAMU is an ARINC 429 bus. The RA690 Series of CCS equipment provides an all-analog solution that uses either distributed facilities or a central amplifier with remote station boxes for crew interface. The RA690 is extensively used in all variants of the BAE Hawk military trainer and other military and civil aircraft worldwide.