Integrated Communications System-Next

The existing VA class submarine internal communications system (ICS) while functional is a closed system. The system is difficult and expensive to upgrade, lacks technical innovation, and is nearly impossible to upgrade with the submarine force’s technical insertion program. Breaking the larger “ICS” problem up in to smaller portions and attacking each individually will eliminate these issues. Specifically, utilizing open source software readily available under GNU public license to reduce cost and provide innovation; utilizing the TI/APB tech refresh program for hardware purchasing, common hardware troubleshooting methodologies; integrate well understood information assurance components available to the submarine community; expand non traditional communications methods (text, picture messaging) not yet available on any naval vessel, and finally expand the core ICS functionalities (voice communications, alarms, etc) in to the other on-board submarine enclaves. Additionally, breaking up the ICS in to smaller functional groups enables the program office to give multiple companies/groups the ability to revolutionize different aspects of the ICS without affect its overall availability/operability requirements.