Experience With VTS/AIS as A Systems Integrator

Lockheed Martin has integrated and installed numerous AIS systems around the world as part of several VTS installation contracts and technology demonstrations for customers. Each of these systems incorporates specific customer requirements addressing differing objectives. This paper describes the capabilities and features of Lockheed Martin's current implementation of the Universal AIS system, and the experiences Lockheed Martin has had with earlier AIS and ADS (automated dependent surveillance) system installations. Specific examples are provided for an amphibious landing exercise with the US Army; installations at a Middle-East Oil port; technology demonstrations in New York Harbor, USA; river systems in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; and coastal applications in the Gulf of Suez. The paper closes a brief overview of the most recent activity, the Turkish Straits VTMIS project that requires Universal AIS installations. The evolution of the technology and lessons learned will be discussed in the context of these examples. The perspective will be on Lockheed Martin's experience working with different customers to integrate AIS technology into a larger VTS or Port Information System. It will also discuss, from the practical side, how AIS information is used by a variety of maritime organizations with differing needs and information objectives.