Network-Centric Warfare Connectivity for Electronic Attack

Network-Centric Warfare (N-CW) concepts involve connectivity of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) assets through multiple interfaces and environments to enhance combat operations. N-CW concepts are applied to the Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) environment to provide improved coordination/assignment of critical resources. Integrated laboratory capabilities provide for the development/evolution of N-CW concepts/technologies using synthetic battlespace simulation and address the stringent requirements for evolving/maturing/demonstrating AEA/C4ISR technologies as an integral part of N-CW concepts/solutions. Currently the communication simulation capabilities of these laboratory configurations lack the fidelity and integration/correlation to support the evolution/maturation/evaluation of advanced AEA/C4ISR technologies. Defense Research Associates (DRA) proposes a robust, integrated, high-fidelity Network-Centric Electronic Attack Communications Testbed (NEACT) to address deficiencies in existing laboratory AEA/C4ISR testbeds. DRA will apply state-of-the-art simulation tools coupled with an innovative integration concept to provide a fully functional N-CW communications capability. DRA will use the Sensors Directorate Virtual Combat Laboratory (VCL) and Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory (IDAL) testbeds to demonstrate the architecture's feasibility. During Phase II, DRA will implement a prototype capability using the VCL and IDAL testbeds to demonstrate key performance characteristics. The Phase II effort will provide a building block capability for rapid evolution of advanced N-CW communication technology.