Requirements Definition for Force Level Command and Control in the Tactical Air Control System: An Evolutionary Approach Toward Meeting Near Term and Future Operational Needs

摘要

This thesis focuses on command and control (C2) system capabilities at the force management level within the Air Force contingency Tactical Air Control System (TACS). An investigation of the primary force level C2 system identifies serious deficiencies impacting on the Air Force Forces commander's ability to manage tactical air forces in a conflict environment. This system can meet neither the commander's present nor his projected future operational needs. This report outlines an evolutionary acquisition approach toward fielding a replacement system in the near term and providing a core C2 system upon which future capabilities must evolve as technology and requirements change. A test bed based Requirements Definition Study Period (RDSP) project, managed by headquarters, Tactical Air Command (HQ TAC), is specified as the solution to the rapid, accurate, and intelligent specification of core system requirements. The exploitation of the proven capabilities of evolving Army and Marine tactical C2 operational test bed systems, studied in this report, is considered basic to the RDSP undertaking. The recommended strategy is aimed at not only fielding an effective, adaptive tactical C2 system but at addressing both TACS and joint architecture definition. Keywords: CAFMS(Computer Assisted Force Management System).