Bij Thales was hij betrokken bij meerdere technologische studieprogramma's, zoals Tactical Ballistic Missile Defence (NL/GE/US), Doppler-Polarimetrische targetdetectie en classificatie (NL) en tegenwoordig werkt hij aan Intergrated Topside Design-projecten zoals het Dutch Integrated Sensor Arrangement-programma, EMENG+ (NL/US), de Eurofinders Demonstration of EM Sensor Integration (NL/UK/IT) en STRATA (7 naties).

To cope with all these demands, Topside Design has become an interdisciplinary field in which several engineering disciplines, like EM-engineers, signature management engineers, radar engineers, mechanical engineers, cost engineers, etc. are working together. This process is called Integrated Topside Design (ITD).

This presentation describes the challenges and the essence of ITD from a Thales point of view by showing examples of the capabilities needed. The four areas of consultancy and engineering are discussed, e.g. Integrated Mast Modules, Electromagnetic Engineering, Signature Management and Time Frequency Power and Polarization control. Furthermore Test and Validation methods and facilities are reviewed.

ITD is an area of expertise which shall be required for all future warships and ship upgrade programs. The knowledge and technology level in the Netherlands is increasing and, with the current development rate, is expected to be mature enough within a few years. A roadmap for the future and the vision of Thales on ITD is exemplified.