Program accomplishments in CY 94 included the following:
ACDS Block 0 Level 8 Deliveries. Delivered the ACDS Block 0 Level 8 to USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Constellation (CV 64), USS Independence (CV 62), USS America (CV 66), and the Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic (FCTCLANT).
ACDS Shipboard Integration Tests. Conducted the ACDS Block 0 Level 8 program Shipboard Integration Tests on USS Constellation (CV 64). The Block 0 program will be used to validate shipyard hardware installations and Inspection and Survey (INSURV).
ACDS Block 0 Level 9. Delivered Block 0 version C90D program tapes to Atlantic Fleet Weapons Test Facility (AFWTF), Puerto Rico; AFWTF received target allocations and OPEVAL was successfully conducted.
ACDS Block 1. Installed and demonstrated ACDS Block 1 aboard USS Constellation (CV 64).
ACDS Support. Participated in ongoing C4I grooming onboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in Alameda, CA, and provided shipboard and battle force support of at-sea operations; provided ACDS support of the Block 0 program and provided Block 1 crew training onboard USS Constellation (CV 64) (efforts included installation of a VAX workstation and the first successful load of an ACDS Block 1 program); and provided Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) training onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).
USS Constellation CO Cites NRaD Efforts. "As `America's flagship' arrives in WESTPAC on her first deployment in nearly 7 years, we leave behind a C4I support team that has become part of our crew. `Connie' could not have progressed to her present high level of readiness without the support of these professionals." Thus stated the letter of appreciation addressed to Code 40 personnel from USS Constellation (CV 64) Commanding Officer Capt. Gil Rud.
The message referenced the devoted and tireless efforts of the Command and Control Department, Code 40, that Capt. Rud termed the "most extensive combat direction center installation in history." Code 40 personnel delivered the ACDS, the Command and Control Processor, a state-of-the-art Combat Direction Center (CDC) command table, color large-screen display, map server, the Combat Simulation System, and a multiple emulation capability.
ACDS integrates the ship's sensors, weapons, and intelligence sources to allow command and control of battle group tactical operations.
A significant accomplishment was demonstration of ACDS Block 1 Level 0, the first "productionized" version of ACDS Block 1. The first full production version of ACDS Block 1 is the Level 1 version. It is scheduled for formal delivery in January 1996 after completing certification for use in operational environments. This version will incorporate changes from lessons learned during the demonstration.
During the demonstrations, a higher capacity of ACDS Block 1 over earlier ACDS systems was apparent. During one at-sea evaluation near the Los Angeles/Orange County area, ACDS Block 1 was tracking three times the number of targets ever tracked by a shipboard combat direction system.
Key "firsts" demonstrated included a 4000 by 4000 mile theater-sized surveillance coverage, the ability to track and display significantly higher numbers of tracks, and the first full implementation of the Tactical Digital Information Link-J (TADIL-J) message capability on a surface ship. TADIL-J affords significantly higher resolution of track identification and support of advanced electronic warfare capabilities. Other "firsts" were display of track symbology in color and the use of artificial intelligence features that continuously analyze the tactical situation providing heightened awareness to the crew. Also demonstrated were the Navy fully TADIL-J capable command and control units that allow the Constellation and an E-2C aircraft to communicate using the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System/TADIL-J.
Training on the new advanced technology systems was part of the overall ACDS Block 1 demonstration transition effort. Personnel from NRaD Code 40 and Hughes Aircraft Corporation developed and executed an ACDS Block 1 training program for the crew. Formal classroom and mockup training was provided to crewmen in the ACDS laboratories of Buildings C60 and 600. Material developed for these training sessions and reviews of the training by crew members is being incorporated into the full curriculum developed for ACDS by Code 56 personnel.
A large-screen display was installed using a ruggedized color large-screen display projector. This was a joint Code 44/industry effort to develop a shock- and vibration-certified version of a commercial color large- screen display system.
A digital map server, developed by Code 44, was installed to show ACDS operators full-color world vector shoreline, airway, and country boundary maps with overlaid tract symbology.
The existing CDC command table was replaced with a new version developed by Code 43 that incorporates advanced video and keyboard switching capabilities to control ACDS displays. Several Navy Tactical Command System-Afloat subsystem displays and ship's television displays at color monitors on the command table and on three large-screen displays were installed.
A multiplatform emulator device system (MPEDS) replaced militarized peripherals in ACDS. MPEDS, designed by Code 43, was implemented using commercial technology including emulator replacements for the AN/UYH-3 disk, the RD-358 magnetic tape unit, the AN/USQ-69 data terminal set and an AN/UYA-4/OJ-194 display console. These successful demonstrations led to installation of these four technology transition systems.
Color display capabilities were added to already installed ACDS operator consoles. Code 43 and Hughes Aircraft personnel modified the AN/UYQ-21/OJ-535 consoles to provide high-resolution color displays at six operator workstations.
Code 43 also installed improved training capabilities with the ACDS Combat Simulation System, a real-time simulation system used in development laboratories for ACDS software debug and testing. The scenario generation and playback capabilities will support a significantly more robust training for the combat direction center crew.
Deployed in the Western Pacific with the Constellation, the ACDS Block 0 program continues to support shipboard command and control operations using a regenerated set of software improvements based on the previous Model 4 Naval Tactical Data System.
HyDy Demonstration. In CY 94, NRaD successfully tested the ground portion of HyDy, which comprises real and synthetic targets being displayed at an F-14D Radar Intercept Officer (RIC) position. The test demonstrated the ability to take Tactical Air Combat Training Systems (TACTS) messages and translate that information to interact with Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) compliant simulators.
The C2P is being developed in two configurations. One of the configurations, termed "(V0)," is intended to allow the introduction of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS)/ Link-16 into ships with "Model 4" CDSs. The second version of C2P, termed "(V1)," is intended to provide full TADIL J/Link-16 service on the ships scheduled to receive the new "Model 5" ACDS Block 1 CDS.
NRaD is the Technical Direction Agent (TDA) for the C2P and is leading the government acceptance test and product validation effort. NRaD is also the designated Software Support Activity (SSA) for the system.
Program accomplishments in CY 94 included the following:
Link-16 Test. Conducted a successful Link-16 test using Model 5 C2P and the ACDS Block 1 programs; this was the first test using the JTIDS Link-16 and the Model 5 C2P system on USS Constellation (CV 64).
TECHEVAL. Successfully completed TECHEVAL.
C2P Deliveries. Completed the following C2P deliveries: the Model 5 version to USS Constellation (CV 64); Model 4 version to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72); and the Model 4 Low-Level NTDS Serial Interface version to the AEGIS Test Facility at Wallops Island.
Program accomplishments in CY 94 included the following:
JTIDS Data Terminal Device (DTD) and Key Management System (KMS). Conducted and successfully completed the Government Acceptance Test (GAT) for the JTIDS DTD and PC KMS.
JTIDS Demonstration at Pentagon. Successfully completed three separate JTIDS Link-16 demonstrations from the SOCAL area to the Pentagon via satellite. The satellite communications link was used as a gateway to provide both a real-time tactical display of the Vinson Battle Group and slow-motion video images from the periscope of the submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758).
JTIDS Stand-Alone Antenna. Passed all environmental and high-power tests for shipboard use of the AS-4400/URC JTIDS Stand-Alone Antenna. The Stand-Alone Antenna is designed for installations that do not need a TACAN capability and to provide a receive-only backup capability on board platforms with the larger AS-4127 URC-107(V) JTIDS Antenna. Authorization was received to install the JTIDS Stand-Alone Antenna (military designation applied for) to replace existing three-antenna configurations aboard the DDG 72 on up class ships, and identification, friend or foe (IFF) antennas on all new ships. This antenna is planned for use with the AS-4127 JTIDS antenna in a receive-only mode to provide additional receive coverage, resolving multipath problems.
These were the conclusions of the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force on the performance of JTIDS and the C2P. Operational evaluation (OPEVAL) of JTIDS and the C2P were conducted during the USS Carl Vinson Battle Group deployment to the Persian Gulf and transit of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
This important step in the introduction of JTIDS and C2P into the fleet was the culmination of years of development work by Navy activities and supporting contractors, including many key players from NRaD.
JTIDS is a time-division multiple-access communication system providing secure, jam-resistant digital data and voice communication for command and control, navigation, relative positioning, and identification of surface ship, aircraft, submarine and land-based units. JTIDS has operated at line-of-sight ranges over 300 nautical miles and, with automatic relay between JTIDS units, at relay ranges up to 1200 nautical miles.
The primary function of JTIDS within the Navy is to distribute secure digital tactical and voice information to users and to locate and identify JTIDS participants with great precision. Spread-spectrum techniques make
JTIDS resistant to jamming, and data encryption makes it secure. JTIDS can handle large amounts of data, far more than other communications systems now used for similar purposes. JTIDS is a key component of a new communications architecture to facilitate tactical decision-making and timely allocation of resources in response to fleet requirements well into the 21st century.
Tactical digital information links (TADILs) represent a system concept including the equipment, protocols, and standards designed to provide for exchange of tactical information and control of assets. TADILs as used in the Fleet today principally involve an incrementally upgraded 1958 design. With the introduction of JTIDS, the requirement for faster response to commands and the reporting of fast- moving attacking targets have been seriously addressed. New operating systems in the host combat system computers, in conjunction with JTIDS data link, provide a new capability that gives the Fleet a tactical command and control system with rapid response, accuracy, and timeliness critical to survival. These new systems such as the ACDS and the avionics of the F-14D, E-2C, F-15 and E-3A aircraft, are the hosts implementing the TADIL-J message standard, the associated system, and operator protocols. Data exchange with units having the older TADIL-A message standard (Link-11) is achieved by translation in the C2P. The TADIL-J message standard set, the JTIDS data link, and the implementation of TADIL-J in host systems is referred to as Link-16.
JTIDS is a major defense acquisition administered through a joint program office (JPO) located at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA. The Navy JTIDS program is managed by the Advanced Tactical Data Link Office, Program Executive Officer-Space, Communications and Sensors (PEOSCS). PEOSCS is responsible for acquisition of Navy JTIDS terminals via the JPO, integration of JTIDS on all Navy platforms, and implementation of the TADIL-J message standard.
NCCOSC is the primary field activity responsible for implementing and testing the JTIDS and C2P programs within the Navy and for providing in-service JTIDS and C2P engineering support. NCCOSC also provides fleet system engineering for new JTIDS terminal communication networks, other Link-16 developments, and major modifications that are developed, tested, and integrated into platforms by NRaD. NRaD provides a wide variety of Link-16 test facilities, including the unique multiterminal System Integration Facility (SIF). The SIF is capable of testing JTIDS terminals and local and remotely located host systems, using NRaD-developed gateway techniques operating in a realistic multiterminal environment.
Link-16 software for host platforms is developed and maintained by Software Support Activities (SSAs) within NRaD. This "cradle-to-grave" concept instills sensitivity to fleet concerns into software developers and eliminates the inefficiencies of transferring software to separate SSA organizations for life-cycle maintenance.
The Link Project Office (LPO) was established by PMW 159 at the NCCOSC In-Service Engineering West Coast (NISE West) Division to provide a single point of contact for the Fleet for all Link-16 matters. The LPO includes representatives from research and development, SSA, and the In-Service Engineering communities. The LPO works with PMW 159 to ensure operability and ensure all aspects of the Link-16 program are appropriately supported during implementation in diverse Navy platforms.
Direct fleet support for the Navy JTIDS terminal and the C2P is provided by the In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) within NISE West. The ISEA coordinates with other Navy shore commands to provide on-board support to the Fleet and ensure that the requisite technical support is provided in an effective and timely manner.
The C2P Subsystem. The C2P subsystem provides the capability of integrating the new Link 16 aboard major surface combatants.
The C2P is hosted in the United States Navy standard mainframe computer AN/UYK-43B. The C2P provides for interfacing the ship's combat direction system to the TADILs in a manner that allows for own ship to concurrently participate on any combination of either Link-11, Link-4A, or the new Link-16.
In addition to providing for initialization and control of Link-16, the C2P provides each ship with the capability of concurrently controlling aircraft on both Link-4A and Link-16.
Probably the most complex capability to be accomplished by the C2P is to implement a data-forwarding function between the Link-11 and Link-16 communities within the operational force. The data-forwarding function requires that all messages received on either Link-11 or Link-16 be translated and forwarded or transmitted to the opposite link.
Code 40 and its predecessor organizations have been responsible for the design and development of the C2P from initial concept through the recent successful completion of OPEVAL.
Code 45 is continuing NRaD involvement with the C2P as the designated software life cycle support activity.
The objective of the NTCS-A program is to develop and field an integrated, automated command and control system for the support of afloat naval commanders, i.e., officer in tactical command (OTC), composite warfare commander (CWC), and commanding officer (CO). This system will provide the ability to receive, process, display, and manipulate data in near realtime on the readiness and warfighting capabilities of friendly (U.S. and allied) forces in support of the full range of Navy missions.
Program accomplishments in CY 94 included the following:
NTCS-A/JMCIS 2.1 Build. Completed integration and test facility setup and management preparations for production of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 64) JMCIS 2.1 build. JMCIS 2.1 will ultimately include all NTCS-A applications plus Operation Support System (OSS) applications.
NTCS-A/2.0.10.5 Installation. Completed (with NISE East and West) USS Constellation (CV 64) 2.0.10.5 installation. The NTCS-A team loaded software and conducted certification testing of the SCI system, helped solve remaining hardware problems, and provided parts to complete the installation. NRaD also installed software, tested the hardware, and conducted certification tests on the stand-alone SCI Correlator. This is the first shipboard installation of a system that will allow retirement of the HP 9020-based Advanced Tracker Prototype.
NTCS-A/JDISS Certification. Supported the Office of Naval Intelligence in the certification of the Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System (JDISS) as a segment on the Joint Maritime Command Information System (JMCIS) 2.1 software. This will be installed first on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 64) in JMCIS Phase 3. This JDISS segment moves JDISS functionality from a separate integration program that will merge JDISS databases ashore with JMCIS databases afloat.
NTCS-A/CTAPS Servers and TACs. Completed installation of six Contingency Theater Air Control System Automated Planning System (CTAPS) servers and three TACs on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). The software was configured for WESTPAC and all six communication paths were verified operational.
The Map Generator provides high-resolution World Vector Shoreline maps and Digital Aeronautical Flight Information File (air corridors) as color graphical underlays to tactical situation displays on six UYQ-21 consoles, one PT-525 monochrome large-screen display, and the new Ampro color large-screen display.
In CY 94, NRaD installed, tested, and evaluated the Map Generator Prototype and the Ampro 2600 color large-screen display on the USS Constellation (CV 64).
Program accomplishments in CY 94 included the following:
Simulation Network (SIMNET) BBS. Successfully completed the 2-week functional validation test of NRaD's aggregation/deaggregation work for the BBS system with the SIMNET system in Germany. This technology was an integral part of the Southwest USA Synthetic Theater of War (STOW) and European Synthetic Theater of War (STOW-E) in late 1994.
BBS Support. Provided support to the 7th Army Training Command's (Germany) Operational Training Exercise using the NRaD-developed BBS Advanced Interface Unit (AIU) to the Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) architecture.
Program accomplishments in CY 94 included the following:
RNUS System Acceptance Test. Supported System Acceptance Test (SAT) for the RNUS project. RNUS uses a range version of ACDS Block 0 software.
Program accomplishments in CY 94 included the following:
STOW Engineering Demonstration. Successfully conducted a STOW Engineering Demonstration. Metrics were collected on the integration of live, virtual, and constructive entities into a single STOW as the baseline for an upcoming major STOW demonstration. This demonstration integrated the RESA system, BBS system, and the NTCS-A at NRaD; the Tactical Air Range Instrumentation Facility (TARIF) at China Lake; Manned Air Simulators (AIRNET) at Ft. Rucker, and Modular Semi-Automated Forces (MODSAF) and the BBS system at the Institute for Defense Analysis.
STOW-E. Synthetic Theater of War-Europe (STOW-E), conducted concurrently with Atlantic Resolve i94, established for the first time a training battle space that allows individuals and units to raise proficiency levels. This expands the opportunity to conduct multilevel training in a joint environment by linking live operations with computer simulations.
Atlantic Resolve i94, conducted November 4-7, was the major European exercise for 1994. Atlantic Resolve i94 brought together more than 14,000 participants from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States to combine forces and enhance mutual training.
STOW-E dramatically illustrated the advantages of computer simulations to augment actual military training operations.
Information from STOW-E sites and units was transmitted over the Defense Simulation Internet (DSI).
Despite a network covering thousands of miles, STOW-E allowed Navy, Army, and Air Force participants to appear together on an electronic battlefield. STOW-E achieved this by electronically linking three different types of simulation to create a seamless, virtual battlefield. These were the Brigade/Battalion Battle Simulation (BBS), a constructive computer wargame simulation; Simulation Network (SIMNET), a virtual simulation; and live simulations that included a Navy ship; Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force aircraft; and Army ground forces. This linking created an environment in which a field commander could not tell the difference between real and computer-generated soldiers and tactical units.
As the STOW-E integration agent, NRaD's STOW-E responsibilities encompassed three areas. Beginning mid 1994, NRaD developed the 16 Army, Navy, and Air Force sites that ultimately participated in STOW-E sites located across the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. To ensure participation in STOW-E, site development managed by NRaD encompassed five areas: personnel, data, procedures, hardware, and software.
By using scaleability techniques developed at NRaD, the amount of information over the DSI was maximized. As an example, software routines developed in-house transparently determined whether generated data were of value to the involved sites.
If data were required by another site, it was passed on the Wide Area Network (WAN); if not, the WAN never received this unnecessary load. A computer on each local-area network (LAN), referred to as an Application Gateway (AG), housed this decision-making function.
NRaD was also responsible for the BBS/SIMNET interface, implemented in STOW-E as the key component of the constructive to virtual aggregation/deaggregation technology. For example, SIMNET M1 tank simulators, SIMNET AH64 helicopter simulators, and the Falcon Star (F16) simulator all viewed and interacted with BBS deaggregated individual vehicles on the battlefield. This interaction was the result of a system built at NRaD, called the Advanced Interface Unit (AIU). The AIU system used standard Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) protocols over the DSI to allow interaction with any DIS system.
Finally, NRaD was responsible for staffing the STOW-E Engineering and Analysis Facility (SEAF) during the 2-week preparatory period, as well as during Atlantic Resolve i94. The technical control function kept all sites operational, ensuring a joint, real-time, dynamic training environment demonstration.
In CY 94, program accomplishments included the following:
MAST/Fleet Mobile Operational Command Center (FMOCC). Deployed the MAST component of the FMOCC to COMUSNAVCENT Bahrain.
Program accomplishments for CY 94 included the following:
Installed the JMCIS 2.1.0.1 (with the Theater Ballistic Missile Defense JMCIS 2.1.1 functionality) on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (this latest JMCIS configuration is based on TAC-3 hardware and includes in excess of 30 separate software functional components); installed JMCIS 2.1.2 on USS LaSalle (AGF 3), the COMSIXTHFLT replacement flagship; and provided a wide range of operational and technical support.
In CY 94, NRaD installed the main components of the TSCM onboard the COMSECONDFLT flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and installed TSCM software v1.06 beta with Tactical Aircraft Mission Planning System (TAMPS) tape interface on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). System, Central Data Base Server (CDBS) pull, and local-area network (LAN) tests were performed and TAMPS missions were transferred to TSCM.
In CY 94, NRaD completed the Preliminary Design Review for MerWatch Release D at the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). MerWatch provides integrated analysis tools and access to multiple databases in support of ONI merchant ship reporting missions.
In CY 94, NRaD provided technical support to JICPAC during the testing of a dial-up connection over an INMARSAT-STU III-router data link between a remotely located Joint Deployable Intelligence Support System (JDISS) and JICPAC's GENSER LAN. This capability can be set up quickly and provides intelligence support to a Joint Task Force Commander during the initial hours of a contingency deployment before SHF SATCOM can be established. Future testing includes the use of communication servers that provide bandwidth-on-demand over STU-III hookups.
Rear Adm. Jordan stated that concerns about lack of progress in correcting defects in the Link-16 program were well addressed by NRaD efforts. The effectiveness of Link-16 was proven aboard the Carl Vinson Battle Group during C4I at-sea assessment tests. Rear Adm. Jordan said he was pleased with the degree all defects were resolved as noted by the Operational Technical Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR).
The C4I Battle Group team assist to the Carl Vinson battle group was the first Navy effort to provide technical assistance for validating the operational readiness and effectiveness of all the C4I system processes prior to deployment.
The battle group includes the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Arkansas (CGN 41), USS Antietam (CG 54), F-14s and E-2Cs. All are equipped with the improved Link 16 system.
Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific (COMNAVAIRPAC) requested the assist to resolve problems associated with integration and use of the sophisticated systems installed in an earlier overhaul. A C4I assist kickoff meeting was held in late October 1993 with staff members from Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Three, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Arkansas (CGN 41), USS Antietam (CG 54), and aircraft squadrons VAW-113, VF-11, and VF-31. They met with field activity representatives, primarily from NRaD, to describe C4I systems performance anomalies experienced within the battle group.
This technical interchange resulted in defining a plan of action and milestones. Objectives included establishing at-sea teams, documenting various anomalies for inclusion in a tracking database, assigning action items to appropriate activities, and developing test plans, procedures, and training guidelines for use underway.
Underway periods in December, January, and February led to identification, analysis, and resolution of numerous C4I trouble reports. This involved not only the ships, but E-2C and F-14D aircraft as well.
Success revolved around bringing together representatives from all areas of C4I systems expertise, coordinating them into evaluation teams, and focusing their diagnostic efforts across all battle group components.
The C4I teams used data extraction from each system, reduced the data in real-time aboard ships, and pieced together the results to isolate problems. The at-sea periods provided the crew on-the-job training and opportunities to ask questions.
Other commands contributing to this success were NCCOSC In-Service Engineering East Coast Division, St. Inigoes; Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and Port Hueneme Division (the division's Integrated Combat Systems Test Facility, and Fleet Combat Direction Systems Support Activity, Dam Neck, VA); Aegis Combat Systems Center, Wallops Island; and Naval Tactical Support Activity.
NRaD programs providing support included ACDS Block 0, NTCS-A, which has evolved into the JMCIS, E-2C Air Tactical Data System, C2P, and Joint Tactical Information Distribution System.
NRaD produced the ACDS Block 0 program during 1992/93, performing in-depth functional and interoperability testing prior to delivery to Carl Vinson. Further testing was then conducted in the operational "real-world." Aboard Carl Vinson, the crew was trained in the new program's capabilities and operations. ACDS Block 0 personnel supported the C4I assists throughout the entire period providing an at-sea technical presence, quickly responding with in-lab trouble shooting and program patch development as the need dictated.
The C4I technical assist was an opportune time to verify effectiveness of the NTCS-A 2.0 software version. Several NTCS-A anomalies were observed at sea and resolved. The NTCS-A at-sea team was supported by numerous scientists, engineers, programmers, and testers at the ashore JMCIS Test and Integration facilities at NRaD.
NRaD engineers and Naval Flight Officers participated in troubleshooting and problem isolation of the E-2C Airborne Tactical Data System program embarking on Carl Vinson to observe, diagnose, recreate, and record anomalies of the mission computer's operation. A significant amount of data was collected to allow in-depth analysis and correction of problems and performance inconsistencies discovered during the C4I assist.
The Link-16 system, comprising the JTIDS and the C2P, is installed aboard USS Carl Vinson, USS Arkansas, and USS Antietam. JTIDS terminals are installed in F-14D aircraft in VF-31 and VF-11; and E-2C aircraft in VAW-113. System interoperability became the key phrase for the NRaD personnel representing JTIDS and C2P. NRaD personnel spent countless hours in laboratories and aboard battle group ships endeavoring to isolate Link-16 problems from other C4I systems discrepancies. The end result was a tactical data link that combined present day capabilities with requirements of the future.
Provided technical support and C3I system grooming for USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 64) and USS America (CV 66); recreated the Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (JWID) Common Tactical Picture (CTP) capability for CTF 180 (CG 18th Airborne Corps embarked on USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20); provided connectivity to the National Military Command Center (NMCC); reestablished a "mini" Network Operations Center (NOC) at USACOM to support the CJTF; provided round-the-clock support to the Global Command and Control System (GCCS)/Common Tactical Picture (which is essentially the JMCIS 2.1 software) effort at USACOM.
Lt. Gen. Krulak was one of many U.S. and Republic of Korea (R.O.K.) personnel provided with demonstrations of KELT during UFL by NRaD employees.
UFL is a combined U.S./R.O.K. command post exercise that occurs annually in Korea. Among those given demonstrations of KELT were Colonel Kim, Head of R.O.K. Marine Corps Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I); Colonel DiLugos, Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico; and Colonel Chadwick, Commanding Officer of Marine Corps Tactical Software Support Activity, Camp Pendleton.
The idea behind KELT is to provide forward observers with a hand-held, ruggedized, computer/communication device, incorporating both a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a radio interface, which will accept either Korean or English reports of tanks, enemy positions, troop movement, artillery, and aircraft sightings. The device then uses its GPS to provide fixes, converts Korean message data to English in a standard message test format, and radios these reports back to a command post. At the command post, they appear automatically on the command post computer tactical picture (map) along with parameter information.
The challenge to translating languages is to understand not only the proper vocabulary in each language, but to be able to employ the proper grammatical structure and observe the common usage conventions, which may be very different from English. Even though perfect language translation via machine is not yet possible, careful application of current technology can provide tools that are operationally effective.
Lt. Gen. Krulak envisions the warrior of the future to be equipped with a pull-down display in a front pouch of his flak jacket that would provide situational awareness, two-way communications, spoken and written language translation capability, and an extra layer of physical protection. Each Marine would then have the capability at his fingertips of communicating with every other Marine to exchange information, request resupply or medical evacuation, call for fire support, or report on position, progress, and enemy movement. KELT is a first prototype of such a system.
Colonel Paul Roques, Marine Forces Pacific Head of C4I, requested KELT be demonstrated at UFL to show his R.O.K. counterparts that the U.S. is working to improve communications between U.S. and R.O.K. forces. It was also a prime opportunity for the KELT project team to receive valuable feedback from both services.
The award is the latest in a lengthening list of recognitions for the display technology, which has been featured recently in Popular Science, Business Week, the front page of the San Diego Union-Tribune, and several other publications.
Originally designed for military applications the 3-D display technology shows exciting promise for such dual-use applications as air traffic control, medical imaging, and commercial television.
The innovative display employs lasers focused on the surface of a spinning double helix (resembling the spiral exit ramp of a multistory parking garage) to generate points of light in three-dimensional space, thus forming images of the data presented. The double helix provides the third dimension of height to displays that have been traditionally two dimensional.
Current air traffic control systems, for example, display aircraft in the two horizontal dimensions, with altitude shown separately. Controllers must integrate the two- dimensional horizontal display and the altitude information to ensure proper three-dimensional spacing between aircraft, particularly around busy airports.
By contrast, NRaD's 3-D display shows aircraft as discrete points of light in three-dimensional space with reference parameters such as altitude and distance from the airfield generated directly onto the display. The result is an unambiguous, easily recognized, and realistic picture of aircraft in the vicinity of the airfield.
NRaD personnel have demonstrated this capability in realtime using actual aircraft transponder data gathered by the IFF radar at NRaD.
The value of an operational system like this has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to consider an NRaD 3-D display system for evaluation at the Washington, D.C. and Atlantic City, NJ, airports.
Working with Ocean Survey Program personnel from the Navigation and Air C3 Department, Code 30, the 3-D display system engineers and programmers have demonstrated display of undersea topographical data to improve submarine navigation.
And working with Mayo Clinic and local physicians, the display development team has demonstrated the medical imaging possibilities of the system, including such applications as 3-D displays of a diseased heart prior to surgery and a baby's position in the birth canal to assist the obstetrician in ensuring a safe and healthy delivery.
The system also shows potential as a home entertainment center of the future. A 3-D TV would allow the whole family to watch from all sides, without the special glasses that limited traditional 3-D motion picture viewing.
The original 3-D display system is centered around a 13-inch diameter helix. The second-generation system currently in use features a 36-inch diameter helix, spinning at 600 revolutions per minute, with an acousto-optical random scanner refresh rate of 20 images per second.
The 3-D TV of the future is based on a nonmoving 3-D chamber with infrared lasers addressing special up-conversion phosphors.