Missile System Operations Control System Technology Investigation

Great strides have been made in ground launched missile system range, firepower, speed, size, accuracy, and maneuverability through the use of sophisticated technologies. Many of these new systems require a rethinking of Army and Joint doctrines, operational control methods and techniques, and means of communications. Little has been done to make available the latest state-of-the-art (SOA) technologies for the operational control of those missile systems. Some exotic missile system operational control technologies are available that are Off-The-Shelf (OTS). The new OTS technologies possess the potential to provide opportunities of new operational control methods of firing doctrine, battlefield surveillance, intelligence collection, target acquisition, target identification, and battlefield assessment. Our approach is to use the Army System Engineering and Analysis methodology in the review, analysis, assessment, and formulations of Missile System Operational Control Doctrine and concepts in the development functional requirements. The review and engineering analysis will include all known OTS command and control systems technologies and the feasibility of applying them to the operational control of new and existing smart missile systems. Some of the problems that will be addressed are; How do these systems and concepts fit into the Army Moderation Program during the four phases of combat? Are there sufficient control assets? Is there a need for changes in doctrine? Who, what, where, and how do these systems fit into the Army Tactical Command and Control Systems architecture? (ATACCS) Can OTS technologies be used to improve the effectiveness of controlling these systems? What new or additional control/intelligence and surveillance methods or new equipment are necessary to fulfill Army doctrine?