Network-Enabled Weapons Settings Verification

The Navy requires a device that can verify the compatibility of cryptologic keying material (KEYMAT) and Link 16 initialization settings among network-enabled weapons (NEW), sensors, and shooters. The flight test community at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, CA has developed a device that is suitable for the test range; however, it is bulky and has a user interface that is built for engineers instead of aircrew. It is also not certified by the National Security Agency (NSA) to handle operational red (plaintext) KEYMAT. A NEW settings verification device that is fieldable, usable, and certifiable is needed to raise the success rate of NEW employment and reduce the burden on operators.In this SBIR, Caliola will design, develop, and deliver a network-enabled weapons settings verification device that is fieldable, sustainable, and easy to use – and which can be certified by the NSA. In Phase I we will design a device that ingests initialization files from mission planning, as well as black (encrypted) KEYMAT, and identifies which parameters, if any, are incompatible across the various weapons, sensors, and shooters supporting a mission. In Phase II, we will fully develop and deliver a proof-of-concept solution that works with every type of Link 16 terminal currently fielded in Naval aircraft and weapons.