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CourseEnergy and Networks Enrolment open

Aerial–Ground Interoperability Standards Course

Online 300-hour course on air–ground interoperability standards. 6 modules covering STANAG 5516 (Link 16), MIL-STD-6016 (Link 16 messaging) and Wireshark. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesOctober / March
LocationEurope (Madrid)
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Identify the interoperability issues between air and ground platforms.

02

Interpret tactical data exchange standards.

03

Design interoperable communications architectures and networks.

04

Apply labelling and protection to shared information.

05

Plan the validation and testing of interoperability.

06

Define joint operating procedures.

07

Develop an air–ground interoperability project.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Tactical data link engineer wishing to specialise in air–ground interoperability standards.
  • Systems interoperability engineer wishing to specialise in air–ground interoperability standards.
  • Communications network engineer wishing to specialise in air–ground interoperability standards.
  • Information security specialist wishing to specialise in air–ground interoperability standards.
  • Integration and test engineer wishing to specialise in air–ground interoperability standards.
  • Command and control systems analyst wishing to specialise in air–ground interoperability standards.
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the defence industry.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • STANAG 5516 (Link 16)
  • MIL-STD-6016 (Link 16 messaging)
  • STANAG 4586 (UAV control)
  • STANAG 4609 (digital motion video)
  • STANAG 4774 (confidentiality labels)
  • STANAG 5066 (HF data)
  • ISO/IEC 27001 (information security)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1What interoperability means and at which levels
  2. 1.2Technical, procedural and human interoperability
  3. 1.3Actors: air platform, command post and ground unit
  4. 1.4Time-critical information needs
  5. 1.5Common operational picture and situational awareness
  6. 1.6Classic incompatibility problems
  7. 1.7The cost of non-interoperability
  8. 1.8Certification and accreditation framework
  9. 1.9Field vocabulary and acronyms
  10. 1.10Exercise: map of actors and information flows
  1. 2.1Families of tactical messaging standards
  2. 2.2Data models and data dictionaries
  3. 2.3Geospatial information exchange formats
  4. 2.4Common symbology and cartographic representation
  5. 2.5Entity identification and tracking
  6. 2.6Timestamps, references and coordinate systems
  7. 2.7Standard versions and backward compatibility
  8. 2.8Implementation profiles and interface agreements
  9. 2.9Configuration management of standards
  10. 2.10Practice: define an interface profile
  1. 3.1Data links and their characteristics
  2. 3.2Software-defined radio and waveforms
  3. 3.3Mobile tactical networks and routing
  4. 3.4Spectrum management and frequency assignment
  5. 3.5Quality of service and traffic prioritisation
  6. 3.6Degraded links and intermittent operation
  7. 3.7Gateways and translation between systems
  8. 3.8Satellite communications as a complement
  9. 3.9Latency and its effect on coordination
  10. 3.10Practice: communications architecture design
  1. 4.1Classification levels and separated domains
  2. 4.2Cross-domain exchange and controlled gateways
  3. 4.3Authentication and identity management
  4. 4.4Encryption and management of cryptographic material
  5. 4.5Need-to-know policy and compartmentalisation
  6. 4.6Audit logging and traceability
  7. 4.7Protection against interference and spoofing
  8. 4.8Information exchange agreements with partners
  9. 4.9Applicable personal data protection
  10. 4.10Practice: information exchange policy
  1. 5.1Conformity testing against the standard
  2. 5.2Interoperability testing between systems
  3. 5.3Integration benches and reference laboratories
  4. 5.4Validation exercises and campaigns
  5. 5.5Operating procedures and communication orders
  6. 5.6Joint training and staff preparation
  7. 5.7Incident management and lessons learned
  8. 5.8Documentation of capabilities and interfaces
  9. 5.9Maintaining interoperability over time
  10. 5.10Practice: validation campaign plan
  1. 6.1Choice of the coordination scenario
  2. 6.2Map of systems and interfaces
  3. 6.3Selection of standards and profiles
  4. 6.4Proposed communications architecture
  5. 6.5Information security policy
  6. 6.6Interoperability test plan
  7. 6.7Associated operating procedures
  8. 6.8Staff training plan
  9. 6.9Technical report on the scenario
  10. 6.10Project defence
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Wireshark, MATLAB, Sparx Enterprise Architect, Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for analysing tactical message flows, integration testing in the laboratory and interoperability exercises. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:teaching staff with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, OT cyber security, IHL and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Choice of the coordination scenario

Identify the interoperability issues between air and ground platforms.

Map of systems and interfaces

Interpret tactical data exchange standards.

Selection of standards and profiles

Design interoperable communications architectures and networks.

Proposed communications architecture

Apply labelling and protection to shared information.

Information security policy

Plan the validation and testing of interoperability.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Tactical data link engineerSystems interoperability engineerCommunications network engineerInformation security specialistIntegration and test engineerCommand and control systems analyst
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documents.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with full-time work.

The programme uses Wireshark, MATLAB, Sparx Enterprise Architect and Python. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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