ConceptVersie: 0.9Datum: 2025-10
Effects Tech Layer — Cross-domain Architecture
Concept
The Effects Tech Layer is a horizontal tech stack that works cross-domain (air, ground, sea, space) instead of vertical platform-specific solutions.
Why?
- Reusability — the same sensing module works in drone, USV, ground robot
- Interoperability — open interfaces between JEF countries
- Surge capacity — modular production scales faster
- Tech sovereignty — no vendor lock-in
- Cost efficiency — economies of scale across domains
Four Building Blocks
1 — Communications (Comms)
RF/Laser/LEO Mesh Networks
| Technology | Use Case | Status |
|---|---|---|
| RF Mesh | Tactical nets, MANET | Maturity: TRL 7-8 |
| Free Space Optical (FSO/Laser) | High-bandwidth LOS comms | Maturity: TRL 6-7 |
| LEO Satcom | Beyond-LOS, global coverage | Maturity: TRL 8-9 |
| 5G/6G Tactical | High-density, low-latency | Maturity: TRL 5-6 |
Key Requirements:
- Anti-jam (spread spectrum, frequency hopping)
- Low Probability of Intercept (LPI)
- Mesh networking (self-healing topologies)
- Interoperability (NATO STANAG 4677, 7085)
Dual-use:
- Civilian: 5G private networks, emergency comms
- Military: Tactical mesh, SATCOM
2 — Sensing & Imaging
EO/IR/Radar/Hyperspectral + AI-edge
| Sensor Type | Resolution | Dual-use |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-Optical (EO) | 1-10cm GSD | Civilian: mapping, agriculture |
| Infrared (IR) | Thermal, SWIR/MWIR/LWIR | Civilian: firefighting, SAR |
| Radar (SAR) | All-weather, 1m GSD | Civilian: disaster monitoring |
| Hyperspectral | 100+ bands | Civilian: mineral exploration |
| LiDAR | 3D point clouds | Civilian: infrastructure, forestry |
AI-Edge Processing:
- Object detection (vehicles, personnel)
- Classification (friend/foe, target type)
- Change detection (movement, new structures)
- Fusion (multi-sensor data integration)
Edge compute requirements:
- Low power (less than 10W for drone-mounted)
- Real-time inference (less than 100ms latency)
- Ruggedised (IP67, -40°C to +70°C)
3 — Power & Energy Materials
Battery Packs, Solar, Hybrid Power Systems
| Technology | Energy Density | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Li-ion | 250 Wh/kg | General purpose |
| Li-polymer | 200 Wh/kg | Form factor flexibility |
| Solid-state | 400+ Wh/kg (future) | Long endurance |
| Hydrogen fuel cells | 600 Wh/kg | Extended range |
| Solar | 200 W/m² (space-grade) | Persistent platforms |
Hybrid Power:
- Combination solar + battery for persistent ISR
- Fuel cell + battery for long-range strike
- Tactical charging (rapid swap, inductive)
Dual-use:
- Civilian: EV batteries, grid storage
- Military: Drone endurance, ground vehicles
4 — Mechatronics & Manufacturing
Rapid Prototyping, Modular Production, Supply Chain
| Capability | Time-to-production | Dual-use |
|---|---|---|
| Additive Manufacturing (3D print) | Hours to days | Civilian: spare parts, tooling |
| CNC Machining | Days to weeks | Civilian: aerospace, automotive |
| Composite Layup (automated) | Weeks | Civilian: wind turbines, aerospace |
| Electronics Assembly (SMT) | Hours | Civilian: consumer electronics |
Key Enablers:
- Digital twins for rapid iteration
- Modular designs for quick assembly
- Pre-positioned tooling in JEF countries
- Supply chain transparency (no single points of failure)
Cross-domain Applications
Example: ISR Module
The same sensing module can be deployed in:
| Platform | Domain | Mounting | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing drone | Air | Gimbal | Battery |
| Ground UGV | Land | Mast | Battery + solar |
| USV (unmanned surface vessel) | Sea | Stabilised mount | Hybrid |
| LEO satellite | Space | Fixed | Solar |
Advantages:
- 1 development trajectory → 4 platforms
- Shared supply chain
- Interoperable data formats
- Faster time-to-surge (modular production)
Example: Comms Module
The same RF mesh radio can work on:
- Drone-to-drone mesh
- Ground soldier to vehicle
- USV to shore station
- Cross-domain (air-to-ground)
Standards:
- NATO STANAG 4677 (Tactical Data Link)
- STANAG 7085 (Digital Communications)
- Open APIs for vendor interop
Industrial Base Implications
JEF Specialisations
| Country | Specialisation | Contribution to Tech Layer |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Sensors, AI, satcom | Sensing module lead |
| NL | Semiconductors, photonics | Edge compute, FSO comms |
| SE | Defence platforms, sensors | Radar, EO/IR integration |
| FI | Drone tech, autonomy | Autonomy stack, swarm |
| NO | Energy, maritime | Hybrid power, USV |
| DK | Maritime, logistics | Integration, testing |
Capital Markets (Zuidas) Focus
Dual-use tech with capital market potential:
- EO/IR sensors (civilian mapping, agriculture)
- Edge AI (autonomous vehicles, robotics)
- Mesh networking (5G private networks, IoT)
- Battery tech (EV, grid storage)
KPIs for Effects Tech Layer
Time-to-surge: ≤ 6 weeks Cross-domain reuse: ≥ 70% Open interfaces: 100% Dual-use %: ≥ 50% JEF interoperability: NATO STANAGNext: 04 — Surge Capacity