DSEI 2025: Ultra PCS cites importance of open programming to GVA

The ST Engineering implementation of the Ultra PCS Electronic Architecture Kit using the Vehicular Integrated Communications System dual Ethernet ring, with an ST Engineering GVA-compliant display, shown at DSEI 2025. (Giles Ebbutt)

Ultra Precision Control Systems (Ultra PCS) has told Janes that open standards and programming are central to the uptake of generic electrical architecture.

Tony White, land strategy director for Ultra PCS, told Janes at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition held in London from 9 to 12 September that the Electronic Architecture Kit (EAK) provides the software that brings together a digital network and different subsystems to offer a generic vehicle architecture (GVA)-compliant system that can either be provided for a new vehicle programme or retrofitted to legacy platforms.

Ultra PCS has expanded the ecosystem of partners who use its EAK. Several partner companies were at DSEI 2025, including ST Engineering, whose implementation of the EAK was shown on seven different vehicles from varying manufacturers.

The GVA provides a set of open standards, developed by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), for the integration of subsystems on a network within a vehicle together with a common human-machine interface (HMI). Vehicle subsystems can include computer displays, radios, intercoms, navigation systems, cameras, and weapon stations. The GVA is part of the UK's overall land open system architecture (LOSA) suite, which also includes the generic soldier architecture (GSA) and generic base architecture (GBA).

White explained that “what makes the really big difference is the provision of an open application programming interface (API)”. Ultra provides the API to component suppliers under a licencing arrangement but at no cost, which enables components to be integrated into the network.