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April 2014 Volume 4, Issue 2

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Actionable Intelligence for the Warfighter

Automating Intelligence O EW Warfare CMWS O Ruggedized Computers

Space Detector

Rear Adm. Christian BeckerU.S. Navy PEO C4I and PEO Space Systems


2014

May5.3

Brig. Gen. Robert MarionU.S. Army PEO, Aviation

Special SectionPEO Aviation

FeatureSManned Unmanned TeamingFire Suppression SystemsEnduring REFWheeled VehiclesRapidly Deployable SurveillanceTactical UAVsExclusive Interview with Col. TimBaxter U.S. Army Project ManagerUAS Project OfficeWho’s Who at Army PEO Aviation

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Douglas K. WiltsiePEOEnterprise InformationSystems

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Cover / Q&AFeatures

ReaR adm. ChRistian BeCkeRU.S. Navy PEO C4I and

PEO Space Systems

12

April 2014Volume 4, Issue 2

Departments2 editoR’s PeRsPeCtive3 aLL int/PeoPLe10 isR kit21 ResouRCe CenteR

8CmWsIn an exclusive interview, Colonel John Leaphart, project manager, Aircraft Survivability Equipment at PEO IEW&S, discusses the Common Missile Warning System.

15eLeCtRoniC WaRfaRe industRy RoundtaBLeTISR reached out to several industry thought leaders and asked the question: “How have your technologies aided the tactical communications of the warfighter?”

18Ruggedizing the ComPuteRAmerican warfighters increasingly carry sophisticated technology with them to the battlefield for tactical communications and for other purposes, such as connecting to weapons systems and battle networks. This equipment is exposed to combat conditions as well as to the climactic and geographic vicissitudes, such as cold, heat, dust, humidity and water.By Peter BuxBaum

TACTICAL ISR TECHNOLOGY

“I think our mission

statement sums it up best:

‘Develop, acquire,

deploy and sustain the

most effective and affordable

Naval Information Dominance

capabilities our warfighters need

to accomplish their mission.’

— Rear Adm. Christian Becker

PRoCessing the fLood of dataThe job of the intelligence analyst has become tougher over the last few years. They have been bombarded by a growing deluge of data from an exploding constellation of sensors. They are often trying to anticipate unknown actions of an unknown adversary from a series of observations that are not necessarily neatly organized according to time and place.By Peter BuxBuam

5

According to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, the latest budget request from the Department of Defense is one adjusted to new strategic realities and harsh fiscal restraints for the future.

“I believe this budget is far more than a set of numbers or just a list of decisions,” said Hagel. “It is both of those, but it is a statement of values and priorities. It prepares the United States military to defend our national security in a world that is becoming less predictable, more volatile, and in some ways, more threatening to our country and our interests.”

Last year the DoD budget was cut by $37 billion because of sequestra-tion in addition to the $487 billion 10-year reduction under the Budget Control act that was already being implemented by DoD.

Some of the most high-profile cuts are being shouldered by the Air Force. Much to the dismay of many an infantry veteran of the past 13 years, the venerable A-10 Warthog is to be retired in favor of the more flexible and multi-mission-focused F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

With the recent events in Ukraine and given the A-10’s designation as a Soviet tank destroyer, it will be interesting to witness the reactions towards this cut soon in Congress.

Another high-profile cut shouldered by the Air Force is the retiring of the U-2 high altitude recon-naissance aircraft. The distinguished Dragon Lady is to be replaced by the Global Hawk UAS. According to the Air Force, this decision is motivated not by performance but by the decrease in cost per flying hour for the Global Hawk.

While the U-2 has a history of dodging retirement, it will be curious to see how this plays out once the new date for retirement nears. Currently, the U-2 has unique capabilities unmatched by any other ISR platform, including satellites, manned or unmanned aircraft. Were the U-2 dropped immediately a significant ISR hole would be left unfilled.

The question that perplexes me is whether or not that ISR hole will be filled by the time the aircraft is retired, and if not, will the aircraft instead remain in active service past its currently planned retirement date again?

As usual, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments for Tactical ISR Technology.


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Compiled by Kmi media Group staffALL INT

Rear Admiral Jan E. Tighe has been nominated for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and for assignment as commander, Fleet Cyber Command/commander, 10th Fleet, Fort George G. Meade, Md. Tighe is currently serving as deputy commander, Fleet Cyber Command/deputy commander, Tenth Fleet, Fort George G. Meade.

Navy Captain John W. Ailes, who has been selected for promo-tion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as chief engineer, Space and Naval Warfare Systems

Command, San Diego, Calif. Ailes is currently serving as major program manager, Program Executive Office for Littoral Combat Ships, Washington, D.C.

Brigadier General Jay B. Silveria, who has been selected for the grade of major general, vice commander, 14th Air Force, Air Forces Strategic, Air Force Space Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., has been assigned as commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Air Combat Command, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Rear Admiral (lower half) Sean R. Filipowski will be assigned as director of warfare integration for information dominance, N2/N6F, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Filipowski is currently serving as director of intelligence, U.S. Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Md.

Major General Charles W. Hooper, director of strategy, plans and programs, U.S. Africa Command, Germany, has been assigned as senior defense official/defense attaché-Cairo, U.S. Central Command,

Defense Intelligence Agency, Egypt.

Brigadier General Christopher S. Ballard, deputy chief of staff, intel-ligence, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, has been assigned as deputy assistant chief of staff, C/J-2, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea.

Brigadier General Randy S. Taylor, deputy chief of staff, G-6, U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., has been assigned as director of architecture, operations, networks and space, Office of the Chief Information Officer/G-6, U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.

Compiled by Kmi media Group staffPEOPLE

Rear Adm. Jan E. Tighe

Imagery Processer for High Altitude UAS

Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Common Imagery Processor (CIP) has taken another important step in supporting the Global Hawk Block 40 unmanned aircraft system by deploying to Grand Forks Air Force Base in Grand Forks, N.D., last year.

To address an urgent outstanding U.S. Air Force requirement for Global Hawk sensor operators to be able to view and respond to real-time collected imagery, Northrop Grumman implemented a plan to install a virtual instance of the CIP at Grand Forks.

Northrop Grumman personnel met with Air Force representatives at Grand Forks Air Force Base in April 2013 to discuss the service’s needs. The team met requirements through the deployment of a virtualized architecture to process and display Block 40 data as it

is relayed back to mission control elements (MCEs) at Grand Forks enabling sensor opera-tors to see real-time processed images.

Once virtualized CIP capabilities were understood, Grand Forks personnel obtained Air Force approval for the deployment through the Global Hawk Program Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. An image quality checker (IQC), consisting of a single server using just 3.5 inches of rack space, was installed by CIP program personnel and connected to the Grand Forks networks to receive inputs from both of the Block 40 MCEs on base. The virtual CIP is capable of handling dual simultaneous data streams and outputting imagery to up to 10 different locations. CIP personnel also provided hands-on training to the Grand Forks team on how

to setup, operate and maintain the virtual CIP.

In late May 2013, a Block 40 test flight was conducted and imagery was successfully displayed on a workstation inside one of the MCEs, allowing sensor operators to view the collected data in real time. This completed a Phase 1 effort of demonstrating the IQC’s effectiveness in supporting Global Hawk during daily operations.

In early October, a planned Phase 2 expan-sion was implemented that allowed Block 40 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery to be distributed within the Global Hawk enclave. This data dissemination enables the underlay of SAR data with the Block 40’s ground moving target indications data, thereby providing a multi-intelligence capability to the warfighter.

Brig. Gen. Jay B. Silveria

Rear Adm. (lower half) Sean R. Filipowski

www.TISR-kmi.com TISR 4.2 | 3

Compiled by Kmi media Group staffALL INT

New GPS Satellite Sends Initial Signals

from SpaceA Boeing GPS IIF satellite has

sent initial signals from space after its launch February 20, joining four other advanced versions of the spacecraft that are improving posi-tion, navigation and timing infor-mation for millions of civilian and military users around the world.

GPS IIF-5 launched at 8:59 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket, and Boeing received the satellite’s first signals approxi-mately three and a half hours later. It will undergo on-orbit activation, checkout and testing before joining the active GPS constellation.

The GPS IIFs are providing greater navigational accuracy through improvements in atomic clock technology, a more resilient signal for commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications, and a longer design life of 12 years.

“Boeing launched the first GPS satellite in 1978 and has played an integral role in the ongoing enhancement of this vital tech-nology ever since,” said Craig Cooning, Boeing vice president and general manager of Space & Intelligence Systems. “The 42 satel-lites that we have deployed into service to date for the U.S. Air Force have accumulated more than 500 years of on-orbit operations, and the current system continues to meet or exceed all mission require-ments.”

This was the first GPS IIF satellite launch of 2014. The sixth GPS IIF is at the Florida launch site undergoing preparations for a second quarter launch. The remaining six are at the Boeing Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, Calif.

Optical Taggants for Day or Night

Brimrose Corporation engineers have demonstrated infrared optical taggants capable of working during both the daylight and at night, a potentially critical benefit to U.S. warfighters.

It is challenging to produce daytime-operating infrared taggants due to background sources of infrared energy, particularly direct sunlight. To counteract this problem, Brimrose has developed “smart taggants” that can activate at multiple wavelengths. Such multiple-wave-length emissions not only enable both daytime and night detection, but also provide encoding capabilities for covert optical communications.

“Once again, Brimrose is aiding the war-fighter by keeping him ahead of the enemy,” said Brimrose Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ron Rosemeier. “Critical identification is necessary in a battlefield environment 24 hours a day.”

“The ability to make smart optical taggants that operate at multiple wavelengths is something we can now do routinely,” said Dr. David Zhang, senior scientist at Brimrose. “The technology spawns from our extended research in this area, and from our understanding of infrared light emitting materials and their properties.”

$92 Million Apache Sustainment ContractLockheed Martin received a $92 million

performance-based logistics (PBL) contract in December 2013 from the U.S. Army for sustain-ment of the AH-64 Apache helicopter Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system.

The firm, fixed-price contract is the foundation for a comprehensive sustainment solution that enables M-TADS/PNVS mission readiness, reduces operation and support costs, and drives reliability and maintainability improvements. This is the second of three one-year options that support the initial $111 million PBL contract awarded in 2012. The total four-year contract value is $375 million.

“The M-TADS/PNVS PBL program provides critical sustainment support to Apache pilots conducting missions around the world every day,” said Mike Taylor, program director of M-TADS/PNVS international and support programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

M-TADS/PNVS provides Apache helicopter pilots long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for mission success and flight safety day or night, or in adverse weather condi-tions. Forward-looking infrared sensors provide enhanced image resolution that enables Apache aircrews to prosecute targets and provide situational aware-ness in support of ground troops outside detection ranges. Lockheed Martin has

delivered more than 1,200 M-TADS/PNVS systems to the U.S. Army and international customers.

The Apache M-TADS/PNVS PBL program provides efficiencies in supply chain manage-ment and critical sustainment support world-wide. During its peak operational tempo of more than 200,000 flying hours, the M-TADS/PNVS PBL program averaged a worldwide supply availability rate of 98 percent.

The Apache PBL team was honored with a 2013 Secretary of Defense PBL Award recog-nizing outstanding achievements in providing soldiers with exceptional operational support. The M-TADS/PNVS PBL program received the subsystem level PBL award, which is one of three presented annually to recognize govern-ment/industry teams that have demonstrated outstanding achievements. The team was also selected for this award in 2011.

www.TISR-kmi.com4 | TISR 4.2

The job of the intelligence analyst has become tougher over the last few years. They have been bombarded by a growing deluge of data from an exploding constellation of sensors. They are often trying to anticipate unknown actions of an unknown adversary from a series of observations that are not necessarily neatly organized according to time and place.

Intelligence analysts operate in a fast-moving and ever-shifting landscape in which it is becoming increasingly difficult to proactively uncover challenges and opportunities that are coming down the pike. That is why the effort to automate many intelligence functions has come to the fore in recent years. Allow-ing machines to correlate, analyze and fuse raw data creates time for analysts to do what machines cannot: Apply human judgment and experience to intelligence problems.

Automating intelligence is another version of the classic big data problem. Technology advance-ments have enabled the processing of ever-larger data sets. Technology can narrow down the scenarios and options from which analysts, commanders and warfighters can choose to deal. At the same time, the robust processing power that is brought to bear allows the consideration of a broader universe of data to begin with.

“More and more sensors [have] been put to use in Afghanistan, which has generated more and more data at the forward edges of the battlefield,” said Colonel Charles Wells, project manager for the Distributed Common Ground Sensor-Army

(DCGS-A). “Dealing with massive amounts of data requires auto-mated tools to make sense of that data.” DCGS-A is one of a family

of programs with common elements, being developed and deployed separately by each of the armed services. DCGS is designed to provide an interoperable archi-tecture for the collection, processing, exploitation, dis-semination and archiving of all forms of intelligence.

“New sources of intelligence, such as small, unit-controlled UAVs and other types of tactically emplaced smart sensors, provide tactical units with information they have never had access to until now,” said Jeff DeTroye, vice president for special programs at Ana-lytical Graphics Inc.

At the same time that sensors have proliferated and the volume of data has exploded, the analyst workforce has remained stagnant. “Increases in the analytical workforce have not matched sensor output,” said John Beck, business development manager at Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions. “This has led to the deployment of some form of automation with varying degrees of success.” Lockheed Martin is a key DoD contractor for the DCGS Information Backbone, or DIB. The DIB ensures data discovery and interoperability across the family of DCGS systems.

“We are drowning in data and information derived from a plethora of sources, means and methods, from the traditional forms of intelligence to publicly avail-able arenas such as social media. Combined, they are

rich in complex content, including narrative, images and metadata. In order for rapid sense making and analysis to take place, we need

Col. Charles Wells

Jeff DeTroye

[email protected]

AutomAting intelligence functions frees up the intelligence operAtor.By peter BuxBAum

tisr correspondent


tools that reduce the cognitive burden on users and that quickly sift through the noise to find, correlate and auto-associate in ways that reduce search and processing time, streamline discovery, and ulti-mately give the analyst time to do more analysis,” said Ken Campbell, vice president for national secu-rity solutions at DigitalGlobe.

“Automated intelligence tools come to answer the age-old question ‘What or who is on the other side of the hill?’ without exposing your unit,” said DeTroye. “These new tactically controlled sources of intelligence provide the opportunity to keep targets under persistent surveillance in the hours or days before a strike to ensure the high-value target is present or to work out the pattern of life.”

The introduction of automation has changed how intelligence processes work. “In the past, intelligence processes were labor-intensive, manual efforts to sift through the sea of data,” said Campbell.

“The role of human judgment has been eliminated from some of the very manual, tedious and laborious processes,” added Wells.

“This allows analysts to focus on intelligence problems and chal-lenges that are the most vexing,” noted Jon Armstrong, director for business development BAE Systems’ intelligence and security sec-tor. “Analysts can make use of pattern-of-life modeling and figure out where to focus their efforts.”

New intelligence processes have significantly changed how mis-sions are organized and approached. What was once a more formal and linear process has given way to a more circular, dynamic and fruitful one.

“In the past, analysts were constrained to collect, process, exploit [and] disseminate data and intelligence in that order,” said Armstrong. “Now they can make decisions earlier in the process. They can change the tasking of data collection based on what has already been discovered in the exploitation space.”

The Army’s requirements for automated intelligence tools revolve around providing meaningful answers to commanders in the field. “We need a powerful system that can connect to all forms of data and to other analysts,” said Wells. “We also need a system that is easy to use. We want analysts to get on DCGS and become proficient very quickly.”

DGCS is in the process of bringing this to fruition by develop-ing a common set of hardware and software and a standards-based architecture. “The standards allow developers of applications to eas-ily integrate into the DCGS environment,” said Beck. “That is how DCGS is able to work with dozens of industry partners and draw from their efforts.”

The same approach will allow DCGS to adapt to future modes of warfare. “We have been focused in recent years on counterinsurgency in Afghanistan,” said Wells. “We now realize we also have to support mid- to high-intensity conflict that may come about in the future. In Afghanistan the biggest challenge was to roll up IED networks. In the Pacific, the challenge may be the ability to detect and analyze elec-tronic intelligence. The architecture we have developed will allow us to incorporate capabilities in these new areas as required.”

Besides the promulgation of standards, several technology developments have also facilitated the development of intelligence automation tools. “Tactically rugged processors and low-power communications allow forces in the field to have automated

capabilities at their fingertips; that was undreamed of just 10 years ago,” said DeTroye.

High performance computing solutions that can provision and process massive data sets have also been a major facilitator. “This includes cloud-based computing in which data is stored and processed across nodes or clusters of virtualized machines, or in which databases, data processing and applications are combined in memory,” said Campbell. “These solutions allow us to bring all the data and tools into one computing ecosystem accessible via desktop and mobile computing devices.”

“We are seeing acceleration on the infrastructure side, on the computing, and storage side of the business,” said Matt Fahle, a senior executive for intelligence services at Accenture. “As cloud computing capabilities mature within the DoD and intel-ligence community, there will also be growth on the application side and mobile applications will begin to emerge as part of that evolution.”

DCGS workstations have also evolved to the point where they are powerful enough to handle many forms of intelligence. In the past, specialized workstations were utilized to separately handle video, human intelligence and signals intelligence.

“The analyst can now see all the pieces of the puzzle to get com-pelling answers for commanders,” said Wells. “DCGS workstations are all connected, which facilitates collaboration among analysts. In the future, we foresee including that same type of functionality on mobile devices.”

On the back end, technology advancements allow analysts to gain insights based on larger universes of data. “In the past, analysts had to build complex queries against limited data sets,” said Wells. “The answers inevitably missed much of the puzzle by virtue of the limita-tions of what analysts could search through. Now back-end systems can load all the data quickly and search through it all using powerful algorithms to get meaningful answers. They can search through every intelligence report for several years over wide geographical areas and still come back with precise answers.”

BAE Systems has developed tools that allow analysts exposure to all types of data from which to build hypotheses and to continue to revise hypotheses based on new data as well as input from their col-leagues. “The analysts can build watch boxes through which they are alerted when new data arrives that is relevant to the hypotheses they are working on,” said Armstrong.

The first step to making this happen is to “democratize the data,” in Armstrong’s words, which means normalizing data and curat-ing metadata so that a wide variety of information collected by and stored in divergent systems can be understood. “The data has to be correlated to provide the analyst with perspective,” said Armstrong. “This often involves overlaying the data geospatially and temporally. Doing the initial correlation in metadata space is helpful in quickly digesting large volumes of data and producing a manageable data set. Analyzing the metadata can develop an understanding of patterns of life and how adversaries and other relevant actors operate.”

BAE takes the approach of integrating data before exploiting it. “Analysts are often not sure what the question is,” said Armstrong. “Sometimes it is best to let the data figure out the question and sometimes the answer arrives before the question is known.” BAE Systems has delivered automated intelligence solutions across the DoD and intelligence community for over three years.

Ken Campbell

[email protected]


AGI has developed software that can automate many intelligence tasks, particularly in the mission planning area. “These mission planning tools can ensure that a UAV flies a profile that will allow access to the target from the right angles, can ensure line-of-sight through challenging terrain and allow the UAV to be as inconspicu-ous as possible,” said DeTroye. “Our software can also determine the correct placement of ground sensors to overwatch specific areas. The data from all of the available sensors, both tactical and national systems, can then be fused using AGI visualization techniques to provide the complete picture.” AGI software is in use in many loca-tions in the intelligence community and in most of the combatant commands.

For the past several years, DigitalGlobe has been developing a geospatial toolkit and application development framework for per-forming analytics across large geographical regions. These systems can use multi-terabyte data sets that exceed the capabilities of desktop geographic information system (GIS) platforms.

“We call it MrGeo, for MapReduce Geo,” said Campbell. “It is designed to leverage both CPU- and GPU-based processing for per-forming operations that can be distributed across a Hadoop/MapRe-duce framework.”

Graphic processing units, or GPUs, can handle much higher vol-umes of processing than the traditional central processing unit (CPU) that powers the typical desktop or server. Hadoop and MapReduce are systems often used to manage big data computing. Hadoop is a dis-tributed file system that splits up and stores of large files across many commodity servers while MapReduce is a software process that breaks jobs up into many small tasks that are run in parallel.

DigitalGlobe’s tool also incorporates an easy user interface that allows the analyst access to pre-processed and provisioned data through applications and widgets designed to process, model and analyze a variety of geospatial operations such as route mobility stud-ies, radio frequency propagation analysis and site selection. “All of these operations can be executed in a near-simultaneous workflow on a country or continental scale,” said Campbell.

A unit that may need to identify the optimal route for off-road vehicle across a mountain region in Afghanistan would find it could take hours or days to solve the problem with desktop GIS software, according to Campbell. This same scenario in MrGeo becomes greatly simplified. Currently, instances for MrGeo are undergoing develop-ment and integration with three DoD customers.

Lockheed Martin, besides being a key player in DCGS infrastruc-ture, provides support for multi-intelligence fusion for both the Army and Air Force DCGS programs. “We do multi-int fusion to produce more precise geolocation information,” said Beck. “We have deployed fusion engines to the Army for 20 years.”

Data fusion provides a more precise understanding of what is being viewed in the field. “The fusion process may conclude that there are at least two, or perhaps three entities being looked at,” said Beck. “Human intervention makes the final determination but data fusion improves the quality and speed of the development of intelligence.” Lockheed has also been working on a program called Wisdom, which seeks to extract information from unstructured data.

DCGS-A’s latest version, called Hunte, is now deployed through-out Afghanistan. “We listened to soldiers when we built this latest version,” said Wells. “The soldiers mapped their workflows for us and we changed the software to match that. Many companies, small and large worked with the program and integrated their off-the-shelf capabilities, to make the program more powerful.”

Future intelligence automation capabilities will emphasize mobil-ity, according to Fahle. “I see many mobile apps coming online in the next few years,” he said. “We are currently at the tipping point where mobile devices and tablet computers are becoming capable of handling large blocks of data.”

DigitalGlobe is working on an activity-based intelligence solution called the Movement Intelligence Distributed Analytic Services, or MIDAS. MIDAS enables correlation of data derived from full-motion video, ground movement targeting indication, and wide-area motion imagery against high-resolution imagery and 3-D models for discov-ering networks associated with events and locations in an area of interest.

“MIDAS is principally designed to address the data-intensive world of unmanned aerial system collections and give those chal-lenged with the responsibility of processing, exploiting and dissemi-nating information from aerial platforms the ability to do so in an accelerated and efficient fashion,” said Campbell.

“In the next 10 years we will see more of the processing of sensor data [that] is currently occurring at dedicated sites, transitioning to the location of the sensor,” said John McFassel, acting chief systems engineer at Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic War-fare, and Sensors. “Processing capability will be collocated with the sensor on ground and air platforms. This will be enabled by reduc-tions in the size, weight and power requirements of both the sensors and the consuming applications.”

Processing sensor data forward will have several advantages, according to McFassel. “The main one is that it will reduce the time required to convert raw data into information to aid situational awareness,” he explained. “The current lag time for transmitting sen-sor output to a distant location for processing and exploitation will be significantly reduced. A secondary effect will be that there will be less demand on the transport layer for bandwidth to move this data. The sheer volume of data being transmitted from advanced sensors is sig-nificantly taxing communication systems, which are also challenged by mission command requirements.”

Another emerging intelligence initiative is the networking of multiple sensors. “Platforms [that] had hosted a single type of sensor will now host a suite of sensors of multiple modalities,” said McFas-sel. “This will facilitate tipping and cueing between the multiple sen-sors on a vehicle or aircraft as well as between aerial and terrestrial platforms and fixed sites. Automation will be important to take full advantage of this capability in a timely manner.”

DCGS-A is moving toward a cloud computing infrastructure with a pilot program called Intelligence Community Information Technol-ogy Enterprise, or IC ITE. “IC ITE has great potential to take some cutting-edge technologies and bring them into the Army,” said Wells. “As analysts in the intelligence community create products, we can bring those down to the Army and vice versa.”

“The promise of the cloud,” said Beck, “is to be able to leverage the power of the enterprise to the edge. Analysts and commander will get results informed by the power of the entire enterprise. They won’t have to haul a lot of gear with them and they can be working from a hole in the ground. The improvements that will brought about when cloud computing is applied to intelligence automation will be very noticeable.” O

For more information, contact TISR Editor Chris McCoy at [email protected] or search our online archives for related

stories at www.tisr-kmi.com.


Q: Where did the requirement for a hostile fire indicator come from?

A: It was an operational needs statement that came out of theater around the 2009 timeframe. It asked for a HFI for Army rotary wing aircraft. There were several systems that the Army looked at as a potential solu-tion for that. One was a system that is now being put on some Apache aircraft: the Gun Fire Aided Systems (GFAS). GFAS added IR camera to define muzzle flashes. There was also a DARPA project that put 16 acoustic sensors on the aircraft to hear gunshots.

Then there was the system that we ulti-mately chose that supported the Generation 3 processor for the Common Missile Warning System (CMWS). It was really just taking software and writing some algorithms that allowed the processor to determine that the ultraviolet (UV) sensors that were part of CMWS could see the heat signatures of gun-fire. So we’re seeing hot metal flying through the air, and that enabled us to see tracers, which is the key to a lot of the stuff we do with the HFI.

Q: So why did the Army choose to make the HFI part of the CMWS program?

A: CMWS came with UV sensors that were already aboard the aircraft. The other systems required adding hardware to the aircraft. On the Apache with the GFAS system, the sensors were already there on those aircraft. With the DARPA acoustic system, they had to add the 16 sensors. They didn’t affect the size and weight of the aircraft much; however, they were still technology that did not have a history in the aviation fleet.

CMWS was already a proven product that was a game-changer for the fight over in theater. We haven’t lost an aircrew to a man-portable air-defense (MANPAD) system since May 2007 because of CMWS being on these aircraft. So we had a system that was already there and was a very trusted and proven sys-tem—aircrews have a lot of confidence in it. The decision was made to just add software

that looked at the feed coming from the UV sensor and saw hot metal flashes coming through the air.

Q: That’s a pretty impressive record of not having lost a single aircrew since 2007.

A: The team here is very proud of it. The folks that make up the organization are an incred-ibly professional and dedicated group of employees who are really more than employ-ees. They take the same level of dedication to this mission that I do as a soldier. They really take this mission to heart and they know that every day they’re doing something that’s going to affect a soldier’s survivability over in theater.

Q: What aircraft are covered by the CMWS Generation 3 processor?

A: It covers all of the rotary wing aircraft in the fleet and a large number of the fixed wing platforms that are out there as well.

Q: When did fielding begin?

A: Fielding began back in the fall of 2013. We started fielding in theater. By the beginning of January we had completed the fielding over in theater. All of the aircraft in Afghani-stan have the Generation 3 processor and HFI now.

Q: Who was the vendor?

A: It was BAE Systems. They were the pri-mary contractor for CMWS and handled the processor upgrade and wrote the software that does the HFI as well.

I have to give credit where credit is due though. There was a lot of collaboration between us and the U.K. They have been fighting and flying in the same space we have in Iraq and Afghanistan and they learned a lot of lessons in their experiences over there. The core pieces of the algorithms that we used in CMWS, the U.K. was very gracious in sharing with us. We’ve leveraged that contribution

and moved it several steps further to deliver the capabilities that we have today.

Q: So are there any size, weight and power implications of adding additional capabilities to CMWS?

A: In this case, no, since it’s all software. That was one of the attractive things about it. The other two systems required adding hardware to the platform. This made it a very attractive option to the Army.

Q: Could you tell us simply how the Gen-eration 3 processor works and how it has expanded the capabilities of CMWS?

A: One of the big issues we had with CMWS when we first started fielding it was the number of false alarms. And so the algo-rithms that we were using to make missile declarations needed to be modified, and the processor did not have the horsepower for that. The Generation 3 processor gave us the power needed to do that. It also gives us growth in to the future to accommodate future threats and then bring in additional capabilities for ASE.

Q: What is the operator feedback on the new processor?

A: For the most part, it’s been really posi-tive. And from talking to all the units over in theater on how they felt the HFI piece was working—and what value it added to their day-to-day operations over in theater—we’ve been getting lots of good comments. We’ve also been getting reports of improved situational awareness on the battlefield that enables them to respond better.

We had one pilot who told us he was very excited about the upgrade that the HFI gives him. He said he hears in his headset, ‘HF … HF … six o’clock,’ or whatever the cardinal direction is the fire is coming from. The voice indication provided him with good situational awareness. So as you can see we’re getting a lot of good positive feedback.

An interview with colonel John leAphArt, proJect mAnAger, AircrAft survivABility equipment At peo iew&s.


There are some issues we still need to work with. I think we need to work now on the false alarm rate. It’s too high for anyone to really be totally happy with. We’ll have to do some enhancements there.

Q: What are some of the long-term plans for the CMWS Generation 3 processor and how will it fit into Common Infrared Counter-measure (CIRCM) and the long-term plan of integrated ASE?

A: When CMWS was first being developed, it was CMWS and the Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasure (ATIRCM) that were both being developed together. When you look at what the other services field, they field a missile warner and a laser coun-termeasure together. For a lot program-matic reasons, the Office of the Secretary of Defense directed the Army to split CMWS and ATIRCM and manage them as separate programs. We fielded CMWS in the entire fleet and we fielded ATIRCM just in the CH-47s over in theater because of weight issues.

Now we have CIRCM going on, a smaller, lighter and faster version of ATIRCM, and it’s able to go across the entire fleet. CMWS and CIRCM or ATIRCM work together in tandem. The missile warning is handed off to the laser-based countermeasure either CIRCM or ATIRCM, which then finds that missile in the sky and jams it with the laser.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

A: You know, when we look out into the future at integrated ASE as a capability, we think, ‘How do we take the existing suite of gear onboard an aircraft and make it work together in a much more holistic and coherent fashion than it ever has in the past?’

The goal is to get to the point where what the crew sees in the cockpit looks like it’s the output of a single system and not three or four separate systems. HFI is a key capability in achieving that goal because it’s a gap that we’ve had for a long time. We’ve had a mis-sile warner aboard the aircraft for a long time

now and we’ve had a laser warner aboard the aircraft and a radar warner for a long time now. But we hadn’t had anything that really got at the hostile fire piece.

I’ve mentioned that we haven’t lost an aircrew to a MANPAD since May 2007, and to be honest we don’t even see many of those being fired anymore. We’ve been very suc-cessful given the effectiveness of CMWS at turning off a lot of that threat. The bad guys know that they’re not going to be that effec-tive by firing at an Army aircraft in theater with a MANPAD.

So what we’re seeing a whole lot more of, as a much more prevalent threat, is now small arms and rocket propelled grenades (RPGs). HFI is our first cut at being able to detect and declare small arms and RPGs. So it’s a big step forward in achieving integrated ASE capabilities with being able to detect and declare the threat regardless of the system or the piece of spectrum that it operates in. We want to be able to see and declare against that threat, and so HFI is our first step in closing that gap against small arms and RPGs. O

AUVSISHOW.ORG

REGISTER TODAYCONFERENCE 12-15 MAY | TRADE SHOW 13 -15 MAY ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER | ORLANDO, FLA. | USA


ISR KIT

End-to-end Digital Video Exploitation System Delivery

General Dynamics Mediaware has delivered seven D-VEX next-generation, end-to-end digital video exploitation systems to the Australian Defence Force. The man-portable version of the D-VEX system extends the operational efficiencies of the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment Royal Australian Artillery and improves the reporting capa-bilities of the forward-deployed ISR specialist team.

Since December 2012, D-VEX systems have been deployed with the Shadow 200 unmanned aerial systems to enhance the distribution of action-able intelligence amongst Australian troops and coalition forces. One of several powerful offerings in the General Dynamics’ portfolio of ISR exploitation solutions, D-VEX provides

operators with effective tools for analyzing live and recorded motion imagery with linked map displays to provide forward-deployed forces with situational awareness.

“We continue to take what we learn from our close partnership with the Australian Defence Force to enhance and refine the techniques and tools that enable warfighters to leverage ISR motion imagery for tactical advantage,” said Kevin Moore, chief technology officer of General Dynamics Mediaware. “The laptop-based D-VEX system is easy to use and has low life cycle costs, providing the Australian Defence Force with the ability to record and disseminate reports to the local ground command in real time, saving valuable time and resources.”

Multi-mission Platform for Maritime Patrol and Surveillance Operations

Prime contractor L-3 Mission Integration announced its collaboration with Bombardier Aerospace, Marshall Aerospace and Cascade Aerospace in producing a multi-mission extended range platform for maritime patrol and surveil-lance operations. This L-3-modified version of Bombardier’s Q400 commercial aircraft offers a high-performance, best-value solution for multi-mission maritime and ISR missions.

“We have customized the Q400 aircraft for longer mission endurance and lower operating costs than other maritime and ISR aircraft in use today,” said Mark Von Schwarz, executive vice president of ISR Systems for L-3 Integrated Systems Group and president of L-3 Mission Integration. “The Q400 aircraft design, combined with our proven, high-performance mission system, will meet the most demanding maritime and ISR requirements—anywhere, anytime.”

Jason Decker;[email protected]

Italian Navy Selects UAS System

The Italian Navy has selected the Camcopter S-100 UAS to provide support for its fleet, making it the first European Navy that has S-100 in operational use. The Camcopter S-100 has already proven efficient to the Italian Navy as it was the first UAS ever to fly from an Italian ship, the ITS Bersagliere, a Soldati Class frigate, in April 2012. Being the UAS of choice, the unmanned helicopter will provide its increased operational ability to Italian Navy commanders once again. The signed contract includes a system, training, integration and spare parts.

With minimal physical, logistics and manpower footprint, the S-100 is especially effective at sea. The system will provide unique degrees of flexibility, versatility and persis-tence on board of Italian Navy ships employed in anti-piracy missions.

Hans Georg Schiebel, chairman of the Schiebel Group of companies, said, “The Camcopter S-100 continues to be a proven and highly sought after asset in maritime operations. Its ability to extend a ship commander’s visible and electronic horizon to beyond what is conventionally possible is a powerful instrument that helps to counter possible threats, secure routes and control recourses at less operational cost. This quality has already garnered the interest of several global navies where the S-100’s robust nature has proven effective, particularly in the unforgiving maritime environment.”

Mounted with a Wescam MX-10 and a Shine Micro AIS (Automatic Identification System), the Camcopter S-100 has the capability to collect time-critical data during uninterrupted periods of up to six hours, and can hover, which provides decision makers with a flexible unique means of collecting and disseminating information. Additionally, the S-100 will be mounted with a Schiebel-designed harpoon system, which supports takeoff and landing in conditions up to Sea State 5.

Andrea Blama;[email protected]


Compiled by Kmi media Group staff

High Resolution, Extended Sensitivity Shortwave Infrared Video Camera

UTC Aerospace Systems introduced the newest HD camera in its Sensors Unlimited MiniSWIR product line: the GA1280JSX. This new addition is a compact, mil-rugged 0.9 MP high resolution, high-sensitivity, shortwave infrared (SWIR) video camera that is ideal for low-light imaging, persistent surveillance, laser detection and imaging through atmospheric obscurants. It features 1280 by 720 pixels with 12.5 micron pitch and 30 frames per second at full frame rate. This next generation camera provides high-sensitivity in the SWIR spectrum ranging from 0.9 to 1.7 microns, with extended sensitivity into the NIR/SWIR spectral range from 0.7 to 1.7 microns. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp.

Lightweight, compact and low-power (less than 3.8 W at 20 degrees C), the GA1280JSX OEM model can be easily integrated into UAS or other handheld, mobile and/or robotic systems. It operates optimally in moonlight to daylight and images through dust, fog and smoke. It is also capable of multi-laser spotting and tracking and covert surveillance with passive 24/7 operation.

Sensors Unlimited’s new camera is an all-solid-state, ruggedized camera with snapshot exposure capability and automatic gain control. The on-board, real-time, non-uniformity corrections feature is critical in meeting the challenges of high-dynamic-range, urban-night imaging, without blooming. The digital 12-bit base

camera link output provides plug-and-play video for digital image processing or transmission.

With improved dynamic range enhancements over local area processing, the GA1280JSX operates from -40 to 70 degrees C and is tested to MIL-STD-810G for functional shock, vibration, thermal shock, storage temperature, altitude, humidity and acceleration.

Robert Jones;[email protected]

U.K.’s Military Aviation Authority Accredits

Company Under DAOSGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. announced

that the U.K’s Military Aviation Authority (MAA) has accredited the company under the Design Approved Organization Scheme (DAOS).

DAOS is a mechanism by which competence of organizations can be assessed in relation to the design of aircraft systems and associated equipment. Those meeting the required stringent design standards of airworthiness are awarded Design Approval certification by the MAA.

“This endorsement from the MAA reflects the quality of our RPA products and is another step towards delivering aircraft that meet the stringent airworthiness criteria demanded by international customers,” said Frank W. Pace, president, Aircraft Systems, GA-ASI.

The company continues to work with U.K. organiza-tions and its German and Dutch partners, Ruag Aerospace Services GmbH and Fokker Technologies, to define long-term solutions and enhancements for airworthiness to the NATO Standardization Agreements and U.K. Defence Standardizations.

Electronic Warfare Weapons System Modification Contract

Engility Corp., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $39,969,545 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for electronic warfare (EW) weapons systems modifica-tions for U.S. Navy and Australian EA-6B, EA-18G, E-2C, MH-60R, BAMS, P-8A aircraft, unmanned air systems, flight simulators, training systems, other advanced electronic attack derivatives and initiatives. Services to be provided include systems engineering, in-service hardware and software engineering, intelligence data analysis, test and evalu-ation, EW systems development, threat analysis, threat defeat, mission planning and EW data development. EW weapons systems modifications include weapon system software, on-call field engineering analysis, test and evaluation, studies and analysis, threat analysis and sensor intelligence mission data files, jammer techniques development and logistics for distribution of operational flight programs. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Point Mugu, Calif. (90 percent), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. (5 percent), and Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nev. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2019. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation, Navy funds in the amount of $800,000 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; three offers were received. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($37,971,068; 95 percent) and the Government of Australia ($1,998,477; 5 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.


A native of New York City, Rear Admiral Becker received his commission upon graduating from Boston University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. He holds a Master of Science in project management from the George Wash-ington University and has completed the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Fellows program.

Becker’s operational assignments include deployments in electronic warfare (EW) as an EA-6B electronic countermeasures officer and as a plank-owner of Joint CREW Composite Squadron ONE, bringing EW into the counter-IED fight.

His acquisition assignments include serving as a major pro-gram manager for a National Security space system at the National Reconnaissance Office. He also served as the commander of the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Space Field Activity; as the chief engineer for the Integrated Strike Planning and Execution Systems Program Office; as the lead communica-tions systems engineer for a National Security space system; and as the deputy PEO for Enterprise Information Systems. In July 2013, he assumed his present duties as PEO C4I and PEO Space Systems.

He has been recognized as the Department of the Navy’s Acquisition Professional of the Year and the Intelligence Com-munity Major Program Manager of the Year. His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the NRO Gold Medal for Distinguished Service.

Q: As both PEO C4I and PEO Space Systems, what are the priori-ties of your offices?

A: Supporting the warfighter. My priorities start there and end there. I think our mission statement sums it up best: ‘Develop, acquire, deploy and sustain the most effective and affordable Naval Information Dominance capabilities our warfighters need to accomplish their mission.’ We are here to support the warfighter and their mission. To do that, we must focus on meeting our commitments, integrating into the enterprise and developing the talent we need to do that.

Q: How have previous assignments shaped your leadership style?

A: I began my career as an EA-6B electronic countermeasures officer, or ECMO. The lessons and culture in Naval Aviation, and

in particular strike warfare, have been a strong influence. Starting from the desired effects on a target and planning backward, includ-ing integrating all of the various missions and packages … it’s very much like a complicated systems engineering problem. Whether as a first tour JO (junior officer) or weapons school instructor, solv-ing those kinds of systems engineering problems relied heavily on collaboration and orchestration of subject matter experts. I’ve kept that perspective throughout my acquisition related assignments as a chief engineer, program manager and now, PEO.

Q: Could you tell our readers about the Navy’s next-generation tactical afloat network?

A: The Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) consolidates five legacy networks into one, which improves operational effectiveness of both mission capabilities and cybersecurity, and provides better quality of life for deployed sailors. As we install CANES, we create a platform where we can increase our speed to capability, and we can control more effectively our cost of capabilities that ride on top of that platform. And then, of course, that brings with it our ability to defend our capabilities—our cybersecurity posture—in ways that are more effective both for cost and the mission.

Rear Admiral Christian BeckerU.S. Navy PEO C4I

and PEO Space Systems


Space DetectorProviding Valuable Information Dominance to the Warfighter

Q&AQ&A

The operating systems that exist today on some of those legacy networks are not sustainable. CANES allows us to bring in current operating systems and then upgrade or stay current with future changes to those operating systems in ways that are more easily adapted or easily implemented than the current structure.

To give you some background, we developed networks to meet fleet capabilities in product-oriented ways that led to multiple networks. With CANES we try to become more intentional about delivering that platform upon which we can create or incorporate new mission capabilities. And again, that’s everything that is as fundamental as enabling the control, if you will, of the operating systems to maintaining pace with any cybersecurity vulnerabilities that develop.

Q: What is the current status of the program?

A: The first installation of any new system is always difficult. And we tried to lead-turn as much as possible the difficulties that we’ll see in a new platform. But we’ve had some learning to get through. We’ve completed the installations on McCampbell, Chaffee, McFaul, Milius and Fitzgerald. Within days of completing the installation, McCampbell was en route to support Operation Damayan, the relief effort in the Philippines.

First indications are that McCampbell operated very success-fully using CANES, and it was a significant improvement to the previous network that she operated. That’s really good, positive news. We also identified some issues, and we were glad to hear about those because that gives us the opportunity to act on them with future installations. We’re underway now with installations on several other platforms on both coasts, including Stennis, Eisen-hower and Wasp.

Q: How will the CANES system increase the capabilities of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers and other ships that are soon to be outfitted with this new system?

A: While it is true that we are the most technologically advanced Navy in the world, we are still subject to the same end-of-life and end-of-support issues that face industry and home computer users. Operating systems and software are continually being upgraded and advanced, and older software eventually is no longer main-tained by the manufacturer. This means that they stop providing security patches and the software becomes increasingly vulnerable.

CANES provides us a platform onto which we will be able to host or connect new software much more easily and affordably. Additionally, CANES is our first network infrastructure that has hardware and software refresh cycles built into its schedule and funding profile. This will allow the Navy to avoid many of the end-of-life and end-of-support issues that we currently face.

Finally, CANES brings computer network defense and system management tools that consolidate what used to be a series of separate security controls in one location.

Q: Could you in some way quantify the Navy satellite resources currently deployed in support of the war in Afghanistan?

A: In addition to the ultra high frequency (UHF) SATCOM capabili-ties with which you may be more familiar, I’d like to tell you about a rapidly developed capability engaged in the counter-IED fight. The

Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Very Small Aperture Terminal (JEOD VSAT) is a PEO/C4I PMW/A 170 and SPAWAR Systems Cen-ter Atlantic project fielded in response to a joint urgent operational need effort started in 2006 for Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and which is now deployed to Afghanistan for Operation Endur-ing Freedom. The VSAT Terminal is a portable IP SATCOM system featuring black and red data/voice ports, IP acceleration, Type 1 encryption device, laptops, VTC, and secure and non-secure VOIP capability. It provides theater-wide, long-haul DSN, VOIP [voice over Internet protocol], non-secure Internet protocol router, secret Internet protocol router, CX-I and VTC capabilities for counter-IED operations.

The JEOD VSAT provides autonomous satellite communica-tions capability for joint EOD teams operating within the CENT-COM area of operation by providing rapid incident reporting and communication of counter-IED information. Due to the deploy-ment of JEOD VSATs, joint EOD forces supporting operations in Afghanistan are able to quickly and reliably communicate and file counter-IED reports as well as actionable intelligence without undue exposure to enemy fire, insurgent IEDs, and subsequent loss of life.

Q: Would you be able to give us an overview of the promise of NanoSats?

A: I think there’s a very intriguing opportunity there to under-stand what technology can bring to mission capability on a vari-ety of fronts. First, by building rapidly and cost effectively we can

A team from Lockheed Martin and Travis Air Force Base loads the second MUOS satellite onto a C-5 transport aircraft for delivery to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. [Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin]


develop interesting capabilities and experiments to understand things about space and missions in space that perhaps we could not accomplish with a more traditional long-term ACAT 1-size program. Perhaps even as important as that is we continue to develop tomorrow’s cadre of space engineers and operators who will take us into the future, working with institutions like the Naval Postgraduate School and also maintaining close ties with the laboratories like the Naval Research Laboratory and Johns Hopkins.

NanoSats weigh between 2 and 22 pounds and are approximately the size of a loaf of bread. They can be produced and launched in less than 12 months from start to finish, based on their purpose and complexity. While they’re not going to be able to replace the constellation of com-munications and other speed-based capabilities, NanoSats are our way forward to continue to explore new concepts and technologies affordably while developing tomorrow’s space professionals and leaders.

Q: Could you discuss the capabilities offered by the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)?

A: MUOS is the next-generation narrowband military satellite communication system that supports a worldwide, multi-service population of users in the ultra-high frequency band. The sys-tem provides increased communications capabilities to newer, smaller terminals while still supporting interoperability with legacy terminals. MUOS is designed to support users that require greater mobility, higher data rates and improved operational availability.

The MUOS program includes a satellite constellation of four operational satellites plus one on-orbit spare, a ground control and network management system and the new Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) waveform for user terminals.

MUOS satellites carry two distinct payloads. The legacy UHF payload provides the capability of a UHF follow-on satellite, while a new UHF waveform payload will significantly increase the number of accesses while also increasing available through-put to warfighters. The dual-payload design will allow backward compatibility with legacy UHF terminals while providing a next-generation waveform to support ‘communications on the move’ capabilities and provide smaller platforms (e.g., handheld termi-nals) higher data rates per access.

MUOS adapts a commercial 3G WCDMA cellular technology with geosynchronous satellites to provide a new and more capable UHF military satellite communication system. MUOS will provide greater than 10 times the communications capacity compared to the current UHF constellation.

MUOS implementation is well underway following the suc-cessful launch of MUOS-1 in February 2012 and its acceptance for early operational use for legacy terminal users in November 2012. We launched MUOS-2 in July 2013 and relocated to its operational slot in January 2014. Its legacy payload is ready to support early operational use in the event of an unplanned failure of an on-orbit legacy satellite.

Q: What does the next five years hold for both of your commands?

A: The primary PEO Space Systems focus over the next several years will be to complete the MUOS system and to achieve full operational capability in 2017. This involves the launch of the remaining three MUOS satellites, completing and operationalizing the ground site in Niscemi, Italy, and completion of phase two of the MUOS multi-service operational test and evaluation, which involves multiple MUOS satellites, the MUOS ground system, the MUOS waveform, the Army’s Handheld, Manpack & Small Form Fit terminal (PRC-155), and Defense Information Systems Agency teleports.

In PEO C4I, we will continue to deliver CANES to the fleet and continue to evolve the information dominance capabilities that ride on that platform. If I go back to the strike planning analogy, all of the distinct missions and functions from weather to targeting to logistics, etc. have to come together. That’s what we have the privilege to have as our mission … and challenge.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to discuss?

A: Industry and the commercial sector will drive the pace of tech-nological change. But our acquisition system, and the operational and physical requirements of changing our capabilities, moves at a slower pace. This is nothing new, but the impact—particularly in more fiscally constrained times—has never been greater. We are looking for ways to evolve our technology solutions, and how we implement them, to close that gap. In some areas, we don’t need or can’t afford the newest or fastest ... pick your adjective. In some cases, cybersecurity as an example, we have to be extremely agile. We’re looking for the great talent in industry, academia and the government to help us make it happen.

Thank you for the chance to share a bit about PEO Space Sys-tems and PEO C4I. Our great team—our acquisition warfighters—are dedicated to the mission, and bringing information dominance capabilities to our Naval warfighters. O

The second MUOS satellite is encapsulated into its payload fairing. It is scheduled to launch July 19 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle. [Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin]


Warfighters must stay in constant communication with each other, commanders and the Global Information Grid (the U.S. Department of

Defense’s worldwide network-centric information system). And when potential enemy radar is detected, threat emitters must be able to simulate these electronic signatures and alert warfighters. However, this simulation (and subsequently, tactical communica-tion) may be negatively impacted in complex environments (i.e., weather, terrain, distance, etc.).

Threat emitters, used to simulate electronic signatures of pos-sible enemy radar, have been historically subject to degradation in adverse conditions. Fortunately, hub-mounted traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTAs) and microwave power modules (MPMs) enable threat emitters to simulate multiple threats over a wide band even under adverse conditions. When integrated into a threat system, these threat emitters can transmit with less wave-guide loss, thereby creating greater overall RF power. With much

more output power than solid-state products, a rugged design and the ability to withstand harsh environmental tests, dB Control TWTAs and MPMs can operate in extremely adverse conditions. And with an operating life of more than 10 years, TWTAs provide a continuous source of reliable power for the warfighter. In fact, DoD’s Unmanned Systems Integrated Roadmap for fiscal years 2013-2038 emphasizes the need for UAVs “to operate in more complex environments involving weather, terrain, distance and airspace.”

Another element of tactical communications is providing the warfighter—specifically unmanned aerial vehicle opera-tors—with high-resolution visual scenes and images for payload operations. One of the most successful examples is the MQ-9 Reaper UAV. Operated remotely from thousands of miles away, this UAV can fly for more than 30 hours at altitudes of more than 30,000 feet. The remote pilot’s ‘eyes’ come in the form of a high-resolution, Lynx multi-mode radar that operates in synthetic aperture radar and ground moving target indicator modes. On this particular platform, image accuracy is directly connected to

TISR reached out to several industry thought leaders and asked the question:

Fred OrtIzPresidentdB Control

How have your technologies aided the tactical communications of the warfighter?


Raytheon has aided war-fighter tactical communications in numerous ways, starting in World War I and evolving into present-day wide bandwidth net-

worked communications in Afghanistan. The emergence of a funda-mental understanding of the dramatic value of a netted enterprise,

underpinned by the application of Metcalf’s and Reed’s laws, drove Raytheon to explore the enabling connectivity, processing, precision, navigation and timing technologies. These missions are increasingly multi-node, distributed, fractionated, real-time and subject to the rigors of contested airspace. Electronic warfare resource manage-ment and ISR product processing, exploitation and distribution lead multiple emergent networked mission applications.

When Lockheed Martin looks at developing technologies for the warfighter, we look at the strategic, operational and tacti-cal mission. While our focus is

to provide communications for the warfighter at the tactical edge or squad level, we continually innovate to provide solutions for all levels of command. We constantly strive to provide greater capa-bility and functionality from the COCOM operations center down to the remote fire team manning an observation post.

Our mission is to transform and augment end-users’ com-munications capabilities to extend the network to lower echelons via modular, scalable and interoperable nodes, enabling mission command at all levels. We have focused on technology thrusts for tactical communications that go beyond voice by providing mis-sion command applications to the edge. Warfighters today have a wealth of combat enablers supporting them. They need to get the right information at the right time—and it all begins with the network. While our current work is building and enhancing that network, we also look at ways we can enable mission command at the edge. Our Whetstone system or tactical switchblade server provides vast improvements in storage, processing, exploitation

and dissemination—all this with monumental improvement in economy of size, weight and power.

Along with developing new capabilities, we can’t build every-thing. Our dedication to integrate the best technologies available is critical for our warfighters to dominate against any enemy in any situation. Through this focus our systems engineering rigor and systems integration discipline are the best in breed, because warfighters need seamless systems. Our focus in this area remains on communications to the edge in satellite, troposcatter and ter-restrial technology. Along with enabling various means of commu-nications, Lockheed understands our forces operate with coalition and host nation security forces constantly. Given the need for interoperable communications, we also have tools to provide seamless multiple-security-level systems to enable interoperable tactical communications in order to support security and policy needs.

Overall Lockheed Martin is committed to continually improv-ing our tactical communications systems, products and integra-tion. The warfighter deserves the best technology available for a host of contingencies—and Lockheed Martin is the provider who will be a partner with our armed forces to continually innovate and provide them with tools they want and need.

rOBert SMIth, Ph.d.Vice President of C4ISr Lockheed Martin

NeIL KACeNAVice President, technology Innovation and Strategic PursuitsSpace and Airborne Systemsraytheon

the performance, reliability and operational capacity of dB Con-trol’s high-power TWTAs.

The military also has stringent specifications for product size and weight. To meet these needs, dB Control developed propri-etary transformer fabrication, encapsulation and high-voltage

potting techniques that enable components to be compactly held within the final product. In particular, MPMs combine TWT and solid-state technology to create a compact, high-power ampli-fier that meets tactical needs for bandwidth, power output and efficiency.




A key issue in man-portable systems is weight. As individual warfighters are equipped with evermore sophisticated elec-tronics, the systems must be

rugged, easy to use, and compatible with the needs for mobility under battlefield conditions.

At TE Connectivity (TE), we have been advancing the practi-cality of composite enclosures offering the strength of metal at weight savings of up to 50 percent. We offer a range of composite formulations to allow designers to balance tradeoffs in weight, strength, electromagnetic interference shielding and other needs. Beyond weight and space savings, composites can be easily molded into shapes that would be difficult or cost-prohibitive with aluminum.

Equally important is the ability to embed circuit traces, con-nectors, antennas and other features into the composite. We are leveraging our experience as a leading provider of embed-ded antennas for consumer mobile phones to create more rug-ged enclosures and more sophisticated antennas. The ability to integrate multiple antennas—including 3-D structures with controlled beam pattern and broadband performance—not only helps meet the communications requirements of warfighters, but also allows rugged damage-resistant designs with low observable profiles.

Beyond the warfighter, we are meeting next-generation con-nectivity needs of tactical communications with connectors that

combine smaller size with high data rates. We’ve recently intro-duced three families of input/output connectors that support 10Gb/s Ethernet. Each family offers different advantages in terms of size and weight, field repairability, cost and other features.

Space and weight savings can occur by creating a smaller con-nector or by packing more contacts into an existing connector. Our CeeLok FAS-T nano connector, with its nanominiature 0.3-inch diameter, is the smallest 10Gb/s circular connector available. It fea-tures an innovative contact pattern that enhances noise cancella-tion and reduces crosstalk. If high density input/output is desired, our Wildcat 38999 connectors offer nearly double the contact density of standard 38999s in the familiar MIL-DTL-38999 form factor.

As tactical communications systems continue to evolve, end-to-end connectivity will play a more important role. Prevent-ing performance bottlenecks and maintaining signal integrity require increased attention in making sure all parts of the system offer the same level of performance. System performance, after all, is largely constrained by the proverbial weakest link. At TE, we know that every connection counts and we focus our ener-gies to ensure our products and systems make our customers successful. O

GreG POwerSMarket development Manager, Global Aerospace, defense & Marinete Connectivity

Raytheon fielded an operational tactical data network with its Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) network element, achieving 3Mb throughputs of ISR video and sensor data as well as real-time situational awareness. The Situational Awareness Data Link extended EPLARS to the F-16 and A-10. Follow-on DARPA funding developed the Networked Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET) Waveform, currently deployed in South-west Asia, providing a 10Mb throughput network (20Mb raw data rate) with up to 128 nodes. This MANET network supports multiple simultaneous ISR video data streams in a compact form factor for ground and/or airborne applications. Raytheon also provides wideband advanced MANET in the Cooperative Engage-ment Capability data network, distributing high bandwidth radar sensor data in real time across multiple maritime and airborne platforms.

Next-generation cryptology equipment added cyber protec-tion for the tactical user with the VINSON Advanced Narrowband Digital Voice Terminal Crypto Modernization program. KG-340

family cryptology devices, with up to 100Gb data throughput for high bandwidth applications, is also being delivered.

Network warfare operations rely on the ability to provide multiple data link streams to disparate platforms in operational environments. Multi-beam phased array antennas that sup-port data link frequencies are required. Getting ISR data out of theater in a stressful RF environment remains a warfighter challenge. Advanced extremely high frequency terminals pro-vide the highest assurance protected communications available to users—the Army’s Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminal, fielded with tactical forces, assures connectivity in the harshest conditions. Next-generation terminals are in technol-ogy development with the Air Force, where Raytheon is devel-oping a high bandwidth, protected, anti-jam terminal that will operate over current satellites, available to a wide community of ground and airborne users. Future warfighter effectiveness is based on enabling the net, and Raytheon is committed to devel-oping and integrating the key technologies.


American warfighters increasingly carry sophisticated technol-ogy with them to the battlefield for tactical communications and for other purposes, such as connecting to weapons systems and battle networks. This equipment is exposed to combat conditions as well as to the climactic and geographic vicissitudes, such as cold, heat, dust, humidity and water. Equipment carried by forces on opera-tions needs to be ruggedized in order to function in extreme conditions. In fact, it is safe to say that just about all pieces of information and communications technology provided to forces in areas of operations are ruggedized.

Most ruggedized products provided to the U.S. military include a number of common features that distinguish them from their commercial counter-parts. The housing of the computer is usually made of an advanced metallic alloy, sometimes combined with composite material. Keyboards, ports and screens are sealed or protected to prevent the encroachment of water and dirt. The hinges are soldered in a more secure fashion.

The requirement for the ruggedization of tactical equipment sometimes conflicts with DoD’s across-the-board demands to save on the size, weight and power consumption (SWaP). SWaP reductions are therefore an important consideration for military procurers and equipment manufacturers, and make the design and production of ruggedized systems all that much more challenging.

“Ruggedized hardware is used across the battle-field in various conditions, from urban environments to mountainous terrain,” said Joshua Davidson, direc-tor of public communications at Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical. “Each piece of ruggedized equipment supports an operational requirement that determines the degree of ruggedization and the basis of how the equipment will be used.”

There are variations of ruggedized equipment that are mounted or vehicle-based, have an on-the-move requirement that specifies the integration of the equipment in a vehicle, and other key factors such as SWaP consumption. “Other ruggedized solutions are soldier-based, man-packable devices that allow the soldier to tie into the

Army’s robust communications infrastructure with a handheld end user device,” said Davidson.

“Over the last several years we have seen the development of around three levels of ruggedization, sometimes referred to as semi-rugged, rugged and ultra-rugged,” said Ron D’Ambrosio, president of Glacier Computer. “Each is priced differently and goes through

different levels of certification. The most important thing is to match the equipment with the application. Trying to save a buck won’t work if the equipment doesn’t stand up.”

“We try to guide a product decision based on the customer’s needs and requirements,” said Bob Kopas, vice president for military programs at Z Microsys-tems. “But at the end of the day what makes a com-puter rugged is its adherence to the various military standards for withstanding specific levels of shock, vibration, temperature, humidity and other factors.”

For Elle McBeth, a product manager at Harris Corporation, ruggedization goes beyond standards. “It is about the entire soldier experience,” she said. “It means providing screens that respond to the touch of a gloved hand. It means being able to share data succinctly with others on the battlefield. It means being able to complete the mission in that rugged environment.”

“Ultimately, a ruggedized computer systems is one that is able to withstand the environment in which it is going to be functioning,” said Jeremy Wilking, a senior account manager at Rave Computer.

Ruggedized computing systems meet stringent operational and environmental requirements that permit their use by soldiers in harsh, austere settings.

“In order to effectively field computing systems, the Army establishes key performance parameters outlining criteria that systems must meet,” said Davidson. “Many performance standards for ruggedized systems are contained in documents outlining specific military standards.”

The U.S. Military Standard referred to as MIL-STD-810G empha-sizes tailoring a piece of equipment’s environmental design and test limits to the conditions that it will experience throughout its service life. MIL-STD-810G is the benchmark document against which

the creAtion of hArdy, comBAt-reAdy computer hArdwAre.By peter BuxBAum, tisr correspondent

Bob Kopas

Ron D’Ambrosio

[email protected]

[email protected]


manufacturers of rugged computers and other equipment design and test their products.

The standard establishes various test methods that replicate the effects of environments on the equipment, allowing manufac-turers to harden their equipment against elements such as cold, heat, moisture, dust, ballistic threats, salt, sand, solar radiation and nuclear effects. Other key military standards include MIL-STD-461E, which deals with electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility, and MIL-STD-1275D, which discusses operating with direct current military vehicle power.

In many cases, ruggedized products will incorporate the same COTS components utilized by their non-ruggedized equivalents in order to save costs. “However, the components will be repackaged and integrated into a unique form factor, yielding a system that can withstand harsh, austere environments and that has a smaller foot-print, weighs less and consumes less power,” said Davidson.

The Army’s Common Hardware Systems Program Office sup-ports Army and DoD programs by procuring COTS IT hardware sys-tems and incorporating ruggedization, sustainment, environmental testing, and additional engineering and support services to offer modified COTS IT solutions that meet progressively more stringent survivability requirements.

Manufacturers often take COTS components and add ruggediz-ing elements that allow the ultimate product to withstand the envi-ronments in which it will be used. “Understanding the environment in which it will be used is important to ruggedizing the equipment,” said Wilking. “There is more vibration on an aircraft than on a ship. When we build rugged equipment, we take measures such as add-ing brackets to rack mounts, stabilizing internal cards, and adding heavy-duty locks.”

Another important measure of ruggedness is a numerical score on ingress protection—that is, the ability of the device to prevent the invasion of dirt, water and the like—and is referred to as IP. The higher the score, the better the mobile rugged computer is sealed against the elements.

“IP measures how much water the system can withstand,” said D’Ambrosio. “IP level five means being soaked by a hose at 30 feet at a given level of pressure. Level six means immersion underwater at 6 meters.”

Another characteristic that is important is the drop test or vibra-tion test. “Computers need to be able to withstand the shock and vibration associated with being mounted in a military vehicle,” said D’Ambrosio.

The Army also strives to field computing solutions that reduce the overall SWaP imprint across the tactical battle space. “The Army’s Project Manager Joint Battle Command Platform is implementing the new Mounted Family of Computing Systems (MFoCS) as the standard for interoperable computing inside tactical vehicles,” said Davidson. “MFoCS meets or exceeds all of the performance standards associated with the military standard, while standard commercial and even many ruggedized commercial computing sys-tems do not meet many of these critical operational and environmental requirements.”

MFoCS also seeks to serve the needs of warfight-ers by increasing commonality, saving space and unit-ing disparate systems to allow them to communicate and interoperate. “After a decade of the rapid deploy-ment of new and improved C4ISR systems to meet

mission needs, command vehicles have now reached a saturation point with multiple processors, displays, sensors, communications devices and installation kits,” said Davidson. “The MFoCS computer family will provide a central common vehicular computer at three capability levels to host C4ISR software applications, thus consolidat-ing systems on one computer while reducing the size, weight, power and cost of the overall system to be installed into the vehicle. The low-cost, modular system design of MFoCS also simplifies mainte-nance, eliminates the requirement for special tools and minimizes test equipment.”

Dell Computers endeavors to design rugged equipment that reduces SWaP without compromising on performance. “Rugged notebook computers have to be sealed off against dust and water,” said Patrick Seidensticker, marketing director at Dell Rugged. “Pro-cessing generates a lot of heat. Simply ruggedizing a conventional commercial computer could compromise the unit’s ability to vent and cool itself. Historically, manufacturers incorporated low-power and lower-performance processors in ruggedized units. Users under-stood they had to sacrifice on performance and that they couldn’t run all the software they wanted to run on ruggedized equipment.”

Dell came up with a thermal system that was optimized to oper-ate in the ruggedized environment and which obviated the need to compromise on performance. “We placed the fan and vents next to the motherboard and the rest of the electronics,” Seidensticker explained. “The system is designed to pull heat away from the hot elements of the unit and send the hot air outside of the unit.”

Dell’s Latitude E6420 XFR rugged laptop computer has been tested to operate at an ambient temperature of 145 degrees. The E6420 XFR is a fully rugged model that meets some 30 military ruggedization standards. A semi-rugged Latitude convertible tablet meets around 10 of the standards and was designed to be used in an office environment.

Dell also combined the traditional metal alloy chassis typical of military-grade ruggedized computers with polymers that add strength and durability to the structure and save weight. “We are able to offer a full-size, 14-inch screen to military users who are concerned about mobility,” said Seidensticker.

Dell will be making an announcement in the near future related to its rugged line. The upcoming launch will mark Dell’s broader commitment to ruggedized solutions, according to Seidensticker, and will leverage its Latitude line of business notebooks in a fully ruggedized exterior. Customer feedback, largely from the military, drove many developments with these new solutions. The new line will also include a fully rugged convertible tablet.

The dual consideration of ruggedization combined with SWaP reductions is not limited to the devices carried around by individual warfighters. Systems such as those carried on ground and aerial

vehicles are controlled by software run on ruggedized onboard servers. That is one of the niches occupied by Z Microsystems.

“We work with our supply chain partners and push our customers’ requirements down to them,” said Kopas. “We make sure that our entire supply chain is aware of where and how the equipment is going to be used.”

“One of the driving themes is reducing the size of boxes going on aircraft,” said Jason Wade, the company’s chief operating officer. “As we drive to get smaller sizes the government doesn’t want to give up Jason Wade


capabilities. They want better capabilities in smaller packages.”

“Our approach to creating rugged rack mount servers goes beyond just wrapping metal around the motherboard and PCI cards,” said Kopas. “We bring an entire team to the effort. Our environmental guys make sure we optimize air flow, assure proper electrical con-nectivity, and deal with electromagnetic interference and compatibility requirements. The mechanical guys make sure we are securing all components so that the equipment stands up to condition the customer may face. We have been doing this for over 20 years and we have learned a lot, sometimes by making mistakes. But when you learn from your mistakes you emerge stronger.”

Z Microsystems’ ruggedized servers were chosen to be installed on MEADS, the Medium Extended Air Defense System. MEADS is a follow on the Patriot anti-missile system and is being acquired by international militaries but not DoD. The MEADS servers control all elements on the system, including real-time engagement planning and missile-launch calculations.

“The customer came to us after the PCI cards on the system were threading,” said Wade. “They required resistance to strong vibration and shock and additional locking mechanisms on power supplies,” said Wade. “We engineered a solution with mechanical constraints on the PCI cards so that it will not move no matter what the shock profile.”

“After we designed everything for MEADS,” said Kopas, “the customer went in with an electron microscope and analyzed whether there was any threading at all. We passed with flying colors. MEADS has a ruggedization profile that is tougher than military standards.”

Glacier Computer specializes in rugged computers. The company specializes in incorporating COTS components into a rugged package based on specific customer requirements.

“Our customers tell us they want their equipment to meet cer-tain conditions but they can’t find what they want off the shelf,” said D’Ambrosio. “We take standard components and fine-tune them for the customer. The result is a piece of equipment that is built to last an average of four and a half to five years.”

Glacier’s T707 tablet “combines the functionality of a desktop, the portability of a tablet and the convenience of a handheld in a rugged form factor,” said D’Ambrosio. “Each system is certified to MIL-STD 810G/F for sealing, vibration and drop specifications.”

The T707 comes with a 7-inch display for low light conditions, the option for a sunlight readable outdoor display, and dual cameras. The device can communicate over Bluetooth, WiFi and wireless local area networking.

The larger T710 has a 10.4-inch touchscreen and a standard sun-light readable display. “These mobile computers are built to military standards for sealing, vibration and drop specs,” said D’Ambrosio. “The T710 comes with many configurable options or Glacier’s engi-neering team can create a customized version of the device.” The T710 includes the same communications options as the smaller T707.

Rave Computer takes a similar approach to developing systems to suit its customers. “We often acquire components based on customer needs and build a system from the ground up,” said Wilking. “We will match a particular motherboard with a specific chassis to meet customer requirements, but it is a Rave product that goes out the door. We know to ask a ton of questions of our customers about their expectations for the system and which military standards they need

us to adhere to. Then we build a solution designed to meet those standards. They come to us knowing they are asking for a specialty computer.”

Harris Corporation has developed a 7-inch rug-ged tablet computer that is designed to be tethered to a tactical radio carried in a soldier’s rucksack that provides the user an entry point to tactical networks. “The idea is to leverage the networking capability of the radio and extend that to the rugged tablet,” said McBeth. “The tablet runs the common Android oper-ating system, which is going to be familiar to many users. The user is able to use the tablet’s front and rear

cameras and audio sensors to share position and mapping data and to receive video transmitted by overhead UAVs.”

The tablet was developed internally by Harris, and not as part of any program of record, based on customer feedback, according to McBeth. “The device’s performance is on par or better than its commercial counterparts,” she said. “It is equipped with significant memory in order to accommodate mapping and other tactical appli-cations.”

The device has been sold to several international customers. It is currently being evaluated by the U.S. Army.

GammaTech Computer Corp. is about to enter the military standard fully rugged market with the imminent introduction of its R8300 notebook. The R8300’s 13.3-inch LCD display with a sun-light readable feature makes it usable in bright sunlight. It comes equipped with a quick-release hard disk drive that allows for swapping out drives a matter of turning a couple of knobs. The R8300 comes with an optional second battery for full day of operation. The unit is equipped with Intel’s i-core CPU and meets a several rugged certifica-tions such as Military Standard 461.

“This particular model is fully rugged and has been certified to be drop-, shock-, water- and dust-resistant, and rated at IP65,” said Paul Kim, director of sales and marketing at GammaTech. “We are offering the R8300 to prime contractors and military resellers.” GammaTech also recently announced it is entering the military tablet market and is working with the Air Force on that model.

“The processing capability and power consumption of this model is comparable to non-rugged notebook computers,” said Kim. “We also still support Windows 7 and some Windows XP so that it is down-gradeable for customers who still use those operating systems.” Gam-maTech also intends to enter the ultra-rugged military market with products that could withstand being mounted in a tank or immersed in water, according to Kim.

“The deployment of ruggedized devices continues to support communications in all operational environments,” said Davidson. It also supports the Army’s larger goal of simplifying the tactical communications network for the end user by offering a level of com-monality that works toward providing a one look, one feel and one interface for soldiers.

“From an Army perspective, the focus factors for technology are size, weight, power and performance,” Davidson added. “The Army will continue to simplify ruggedized equipment and all components of the tactical network to reduce the soldier’s responsibility for con-figuration, management and maintenance of the equipment.” O



Paul Kim


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TISR RESOURCE CENTER

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May 2014Volume 5, Issue 3

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Rapidly Deployable SurveillanceServicemembers are always thirsting for more ISR—the more the better. At the soldier level, certain technologies can be deployed to provide rapid situational awareness.

Tactical UAVsSmaller than the Gray Eagle or Global Hawk, tactical UAVs provide the warfighter with valuable situation awareness at a much lower cost.

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Wheeled VehiclesFrom the joint light tactical vehicle, now in its final testing phase, to the heavier recovery vehicles, GCT sums up all things wheels for you.

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