Rheinmetall has published the first interface specifications for its Battlesuite digital platform on GitHub, an online platform used to host and share software projects.
Publishing the specifications gives defense companies, research institutions, and customers a common technical framework for developing systems that can later connect with Battlesuite.
According to the company, using common interfaces could reduce the work required to integrate equipment from different manufacturers and allow software components to be reused across multiple programs.
“With the Battlesuite, Rheinmetall is putting the concept of software-defined defense into practice,” stated Ervin Kolenovic, Head of Battlesuite at Rheinmetall’s Digital Systems Division.
“In this way, we can shorten development times, reduce integration risks, and accelerate the deployment of new capabilities.”
Connecting Military Systems
The first specifications released as part of the Battlesuite Interface Collection cover the Onboard API and Tactical API, two interfaces that provide common technical rules for separate systems to communicate and exchange data.
Onboard API supports two-way data exchanges among components installed across a platform or network, such as sensors, communications equipment, robotic systems, and embedded devices.
Tactical API connects applications with situational-awareness systems.
It provides a standard format for sharing operational data used to track activity, display the tactical picture, and support analysis across different platforms.
Battlesuite is a manufacturer-independent platform designed to connect military platforms, sensors, drones, cameras, effectors, and command-and-control applications.
It can also support civilian uses, including critical infrastructure protection and disaster response.
