First NGVA-based vehicle contracted by BAAINBw: Fraunhofer FKIE and IABG test interoperability on behalf of the German Armed Forces

The contract for the delivery of LUCHS 2 reconnaissance vehicles has just been signed. This means that in 2029, the first German Armed Forces vehicle will roll off the production line that is based entirely on STANAG 4754 NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture from the scratch. This multinational standard, co-developed by Fraunhofer FKIE, ensures that the subsystems of vehicles from several NATO nations can communicate with each other. It thus makes a significant contribution to the necessary digitalization of the armed forces. Fraunhofer FKIE and IABG have now been tasked by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to test the vehicle for interoperability and compatibility.

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In order to meet current challenges, a digitalised army is necessary. This requires technical systems and subsystems to be interoperable, i.e. to 'understand each other'. If, for example, a sensor can detect an event but its interface is not compatible with the command and control information system because a different data model is used, then data must be transferred manually or, in the worst case, is useless. The reason for this is that the subsystems installed are often built by different suppliers. In addition, systems from different nations must communicate with each other, as in the case of NATO operations. The solution lies in standardizing interfaces and data models.

Multinational standards support digitization

Since 2011, Fraunhofer FKIE has therefore been working with partners to develop the »NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture« standard, or NGVA, the only multinational standard in this field. Development takes place in close coordination with the BAAINBw and the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Land-Based Vehicle Systems, Engineer and General Field Equipment (WTD) 41. The standard specifies requirements for electronic and electrical interfaces for land vehicles and their subsystems. Part of this is a harmonised data model that describes the syntax and semantics of messages, thereby enabling standardized information exchange. Another aspect is the functional safety of vehicles.

Preparations for testing are underway

The standard also includes verification procedures. It defines a generic methodology for checking whether individual subsystems and the overall system comply with the standard. Fraunhofer FKIE operates one of two test laboratories in Germany where the standard is implemented. Preparations are currently underway for the LUCHS 2 testing, which is scheduled to start next year. The team led by FKIE research group leader Dr. Daniel Ota is defining the scope of the tests so that test tools can be implemented in 2026. Project management and controlling are the responsibility of IABG.

»We are working with industry to test the LUCHS 2 vehicle for interoperability and compatibility: Is the exchange of messages implemented correctly based on the NGVA data model? Are the individual components behaving as expected?« Ota summarizes the task. The implementation of NGVA is being carried out for the first time across all project phases: from the initial design to the realization of the subsystems and the final vehicle integration.