Deployment
The number of countries to implement LARA has reached 19. 2015 is a busy year for the LARA Team, encompassing implementation support and training in various countries, supporting CS4 and SESAR Validation activities, and finalizing the new software version LARA V3.
Since end of 2014, the LARA Team have held training and/or information sessions in Poland, Cyprus, France, Finland, Estonia, Croatia, Norway, Lithuania, Portugal and Switzerland. In September training will follow in Hungary, while the remaining year will focus on supporting CS4 and releasing LARA V3.
Software Development
LARA V3 is in the final stages of development. Most functionality is available and the team at Graffica is currently preparing a beta version that is available for testing by stakeholders. On September 1st 2015 an “Introduction to V3” will be held at Brussels, where the new software version is demonstrated and explained to participants, in order to allow effective testing during the month of September.
V3 will support full NM B2B interoperability, the management of Non-AMC-manageable areas, temporary release of airspace, FBZ and FUA Restrictions, and a large number of additional major and minor improvements. If the outcome of the stakeholder testing requires, a V3 workshop is tentatively planned for October 15th to address any items that might require further discussion.
It is foreseen to update all relevant documentation including user manuals in October and November and to complete Factory Acceptance Testing early December to release the software before end of the year. The release of the software will be organized together with a training session for key staff on the new functionality in week 51 in Brussels – subject to the outcome of the testing activities.
Other Activities
The next LARA User Group and Steering Group will be held “back to back” on November 24th and 25th at EUROCONTROL HQ in Brussels.
LARA is part of SESAR Validation VP789, which will include an interface between LARA and AIRBUS DS’ mission planning system, OPTARION.
The LARA-CIMACT Interface was demonstrated during a software upgrade in Portugal. The operational CIMACT system at SINTRA Air Force Base was connected to a LARA Test System at the Air Force HQ, and the LARA airspace status was visible on the CIMACT controller working positions. Once LARA is operational in Portugal, it is foreseen to link the two systems to exchange current airspace status with the military airfields using CIMACT.