Key Safety Issues with Network Centric Warfare

摘要

Network Centric Warfare (NCW) or net centricity is a central part of the Department of Defense transformationprocesses. NCW can encompass many different notional ideas: from the development of information systemsenabling wide dissemination of data to operating units; to performance-based logistics and supply functions thatsupport high tempo operations; to information planning aids to provide a cohesive picture of the battlespace; toautomation of the sensing, tracking and engagement functions of weapon systems. This paper seeks to define NCW,evaluate hazards in the evolving relationship between Command and Control (C2) and Weapon Control, andidentify key software safety issues that are a function of the data fusion that is central to an NCW-based force.From a weapon system safety perspective, the evolving relationship involved with the integration of C2 withweapon control functions represents a major area of concern. Data is the crux of all NCW - its visibility,accessibility, reliability, trustworthiness, and understandability. In this transformation process, the role of the humanoperator in critical decision making processes is changing. In the past, the Navy has had 'platform-centric'operations where the links between sensors, weapon control and ship command have been well documented andunderstood. However, under NCW, mobile and emerging targets that were 'missed' due to ship’s organic sensors arebeing picked up by other members of the battlegroup or off-board sensors, the data merged and communicated backto the “shooter” for action. Issues and hazards associated with data integrity, interoperability, and human systemsintegration will be explored as part of this paper.