CASSIDIAN to deliver next generation encryption technology for Eurofighter Typhoon in 2012

July 20, 2012 - PRLog -- July 20 2012 – The final trial of production encryption units will take place by Cassidian and BAES over July and August this year, with the aim to fit units onto operational aircraft before the end of the year.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is regarded as the most advanced multi-role combat aircraft on the world market. Today the Eurofighter programme not only represents the largest industrial programme in Europe, supporting 100,000 jobs in 400 companies, but it is also the most advanced example of technology within the European industry base, with innovative technologies which are a key feature of this fighter aircraft. Next generation encryption technology has been developed by Cassidian over several years and will be entering the final validation step this summer.  

Encryption is a critical cyber security technique that ensures mission data is securely exchanged between friendly forces. The equipment - “Single Point Fill” - is an innovation that provides a major step forward for the management of multi-crypto platforms, potentially reducing the key loading process from one hour to less than one minute on a daily basis.

Modern military aircraft require multiple secure communications systems to enable them to operate in a network centric environment; including radio, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Global Positioning System (GPS) and data links. Each of these systems typically uses a specific cryptographic protection device that must be supplied with key variables and other critical configuration data in a highly secure manner. Previously this required the specific information for such equipment to be loaded individually using potentially different data input - or "fill" - devices. This has made encryption management a time consuming and labour intensive task, often requiring erasure and re-keying between missions when aircraft are powered down.   “Single Point Fill” has been designed to manage the security of data input "fill" to these multiple communication systems on board the aircraft using one secure single point.

Single Point Fill also allows crews to pre-load and store multiple mission scenarios for the first time.  This will help improve mission flexibility, reduce data handling errors and bring the benefit of through life-cost savings.  
This new full electronic key management system has already been successful in extensive trials and this summer will be fully integrated into the platform to validate the end-to-end use of original key material through the whole system.    
The Eurofighter Typhoon will be the first aircraft in the world to be equipped with next generation encryption technology developed by Cassidian with support from Raytheon Systems Ltd.  The integration of Single Point Fill units onto aircraft is expected to commence on the UK fleet this year.

EADS and Cassidian have created a new dedicated business, Cassidian CyberSecurity, entirely devoted to addressing the fast-growing cyber security market across Europe, with an initial focus on France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Single Point Fill is part of the trusted infrastructure element of the portfolio. The cyber security work of Cassidian has already scored a number of successes in 2011: in France with SAPHIR NG, the extended network serving all units of the national gendarmerie force; in Germany, the armed forces are using Secure Exchange Gateway (SECCOM®) operationally. This is a high grade security solution for secure data exchange between different classified networks. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, ECTOCRYP® cryptographic solutions are being used by the British government.  

About CASSIDIAN (www.cassidian.com)
Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2011, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of €5.8 billion. EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2011, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of €49.1 billion and employed a workforce of more than 133,000.

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Contacts:

Deborah Waddon   +44 (0)7919 696443   Deborah.waddon@cassidian.com
Nelly Tartivel         +33 (0)1.61.38.70.60   nelly.tartivel@cassidian.com
Cassidian Press centre: http://www.cassidian.com/cassidian/int/en/press-centre.html