Airspace Command and Control in the Contemporary Operating Environment

摘要

Airspace command and control in the combat zone is becoming more complex due to the proliferation of unmanned aircraft, and the introduction of host nation and civilian aircraft. The ability to deconflict and integrate multiple airspace users continues to challenge commanders operating in a system that was designed during the Cold War and optimized for traditional warfare fought on a linear battlefield. The current airspace command and control system struggles to adapt to the nonlinear environments in Iraq and Afghanistan where near real-time coordination and constant surveillance is required to detect and defeat an asymmetric enemy. The purpose of this paper is to determine if the current airspace command and control system is optimized for the contemporary operating environment. The research examines airspace command and control organizations and structures, airspace control procedures and methods, and relevant equipment limiting air and ground operations. The problems highlighted in these areas will prove the research hypothesis that the current airspace command and control system is not optimized for the contemporary operating environment.