HP reflects on Libyan AMPA deployment

15 December 2011 - by Beth Stevenson – Flight Global

Hewlett Packard (HP) has provided details regarding the UK RAF’s deployment of an enhanced version of its Advanced Mission Planning Aid (AMPA) during Operation Ellamy in Libya.

Speaking to Shephard on 14 December, Tim Olivey, user liaison for air fleet and ISTAR at HP Defence, said that although the operation was a success for the system, future operations would have to run smoother in terms of communications.

‘We would alter the high command perspective; [we need] as seamless a service as possible in the future. We’re in discussion with air command about improving the system,’ he told Shephard.

Olivey described how the system was active for the duration of the operation, after being called up to Libya via a short notice call for an enhanced capability. The RAF took just two days to update to the system’s required specification for the mission, he continued.

During the Libyan campaign, the AMPA system was most notably used alongside RAF Tornado jets with Olivey describing HP’s ‘enduring contract’ with the Tornado.

Used in tablet, laptop or desktop form and used on a ‘significant number’ of RAF fast jet and training platforms, including the C-130 Hercules, Tornado, Typhoon, and C-17 aircraft, the technology is also used in tablet form on board RAF helicopters, it was added.

Referring to potential on board Apache attack helicopters, Olivey said: ‘The [Apache] timeline was inconsistent with how we’ve been procuring with JHC [Joint Helicopter Command],’ Olivey explained. The Royal Navy’s Lynx uses a tablet variant for increased situational awareness within the aircraft, and it includes an automatic identification service and GPS.

Using the system as a training tool, particularly at RAF Benson where it has a key training role for helicopters, operators used AMPA at every stage during the mission. ‘By the time [the users] got to the operation they knew the system inside out,’ Olivey announced.

It also emerged that the technology was used throughout Ellamy for ‘the confliction side of things’, including reconnaissance missions and targeting: ‘The software is designed for extremely accurate targeting’, Olivey explained.

AMPA was also deployed during Operations Herrick and Telic, and future developments for the system include ‘the final dimension to AMPA’, which will be used with the RAF’s Hawk fighter trainers.

The system is also involved in counter-piracy and counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean.