PORTFOLIO

The disposal of unexploded ordnance is a demanding operation which is carried out under stress in often difficult environmental conditions at sea or on the battlefield. In order for this highly specialised operational activity to be conducted safely and efficiently, both in peace and war time, accurate information is essential.

Overview
ASH is a comprehensive tri-service Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) information system, developed by EDS, for the collation and dissemination of data on explosive items and their disposal procedures. The fully integrated system enables the EOD community to maintain up to date records of devices and to provide operators in the field with information to assist in identification, render safe, and disposal and operational reporting.

Proven COTS hardware and software is used in this highly available, easy to use, flexible system. EOD operators are able to rapidly and simply identify devices and apply the relevant procedures, significantly enhancing effectiveness. In the deployed operational environment operators can access extensive textual and image information that was previously only available through hardcopy manuals.

ASH is intuitive, logical and flexible using a common interface across the different levels. EOD teams work under great stress highlighting the importance of ease of use and system reliability. The integrated database, management and analysis system, is ruggedized for support of all operations, and offers a single authoritative database of known ordnance. It is capable of holding data on more than 200,000 devices and gives operators the ability to compare characteristics of ordnance at the site with the database and to apply up-to-date Render Safe Procedures (RSP). ASH also facilitates the efficient management of information through the reporting system to enable effective feedback of EOD knowledge gained and the procedures used.

Software elements are mature in design and known to operate effectively in military or other demanding environments, minimising procurement risk and providing a cost effective solution with through-life support.

ASH Mode of Operation
ASH version 4 has been designed to utilise the latest technology using the Windows XP operating system for both servers and clients. The ASH system uses a hierarchical data model consisting of three levels, the Main Database (MD), a number of Intermediate Devices (IDs) and deployable Operator Devices (ODs). Each level is autonomous from the level above and below, enabling information to be assimilated and manipulated without impacting routine day-to-day EOD Operations. The fully ruggedized Operator Device has full software encryption, enhancing security when deployed to operational theatres. Data transfer between the levels within the ASH hierarchy is currently facilitated by CD or DVD, which is automatically handled by the ASH Application.

The Main Database is the single authority and point of data entry for Explosive Ordnance (EO) information on munitions and initiators. The ASH MD forms the core repository of EOD information and includes updated information from the EOD operators in the field.

ASH Technical Details
The recently delivered ASH version 4 offers enhanced functionality:

• Enhanced image control: Zoom in/out, pan and magnification for all images.
• Extended Network Capability: Up-to-date EO Information, available to IDs or ODs via the ASH network; Network tracking of ID/OD connection and the downloading of EO Records/data in any given session; Feeding of Operators' Notes back to the MD allows faster updates to existing EO Records.
• Extended Import/Export Options: Virus signature files can be exported from the MD to the ID/OD elements; the Export to any removable media type including the spanning of same media types. ASH version 4 is currently in use with the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. ASH is the only system that conforms to the NATO standard for the storing of electronic EOD records.
• Possible Future ASH Developments
• Development of a full end-to-end tasking and reporting methodology
• Development of Situational Awareness of EOD events displayed on an EOD-focussed "Operational Picture"
• Integration of ASH into operational infrastructures such as DII
• Contribute to the development of an EOD CIS