Providing Command and Control Communications to Commanders Aboard Mobility Airlift Platforms

摘要

The current and planned command and control communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems for existing and future aircraft weapon systems are inadequate to support commanders on the contemporary battlefield and inconsistent with Service requirements particularly while conducting counterinsurgency operations. Historically, the demand for information in the military has increased ahead of the technological capability to provide adequate services. Future battlefields will continue this paradigm. In order to achieve information dominance, C4ISR requirements must be met in every combat and support aircraft planned by the military Services. The effectiveness of the combat force depends on the capability to extend required and identified information systems to commanders while in transit on mobility aircraft regardless of location, platform, or speed of movement. Information blackout periods associated with troop movements are no longer acceptable and can be overcome by available technology insertion. The confluence of technology and the threat from an elusive foe in the ongoing combat against terrorism has modified the conduct of military operations immensely. Technology provides the means to find, fix, and finish missions at a faster tempo and magnifies the need to improve the existing C4ISR capabilities to extend those services to any location. Nowhere is this lack of connectivity and capability more apparent than within the confines of mobility aircraft.