Contract Award: NSI to enhance U.S. Air Force Intelligence Analysis and Reporting capabilities

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, NCI has been awarded a competitive task order valued at approximately $5 million under its Air Force Network Centric Solutions (NETCENTS) contract to standardize and integrate the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) Analysis and Reporting Team (DART) system across the U.S. Air Force DCGS enterprise. The project has a 24 month period of performance.

This effort is part of the “DART Standardization Across the Enterprise” initiative focused on standardizing a set of Multi-Intelligence tools that are used in support of U.S. Air Force DCGS missions.

The Technology

DCGS is the U.S. Air Force's premier globally networked intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system. DCGS is based upon a network centric system-of-systems architecture that conducts collaborative intelligence operations and provides both physical and electronic distribution of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data.

The DCGS produces intelligence information collected by the U-2, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator. The DCGS currently participates in operations throughout the world including those led by United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Southern Command operations throughout the world.

Within the DCGS, the DART mission is to improve the quality, responsiveness and relevance of the intelligence analysis that U.S. Air Force provides to its customers. The DART accomplishes this mission in three ways. First, it correlates and fuse data derived from the multiple ISR platforms and sensors that DCGS operates, manages or exploits. Second, it further combines the AF DCGS-derived information with other available intelligence data from non-DCGS sources to provide improved context in the weapon system reporting. Third, it provides a regionalized 24/7 customer focus that allows DCGS to rapidly adapt collection tactics, products, and dissemination methods to meet changing customer needs.

The DART analyst needs to be able to perform timely queries, to a variety of internal and external sources, correlate data, produce products, and post those products to the appropriate locations to enable the timely and effective exploitation of the ISR data.

The Context

Raytheon is the prime contractor for the U.S. Air Force DCGS contract, with Lockheed-Martin, L-3 Communications, Northrop Grumman, Hughes, Goodrich and Houston-Fearless operating as major system contractors.

As already illustrated in this blog, Raytheon was recently awarded a $179.5 million follow-on contract by the U.S. Air Force to provide Contractor Field Service (CFS) support for U-2 sensors, data links and the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). Raytheon has been prime on the CFS program providing support to the warfighter since the original contract was awarded in 1999.

Under the terms of the last DCGS contract, NCI will partner with Raytheon to provide a unique solution for the DART standardization and integration requirement that not only eliminates unnecessary spending for duplicate systems, tools, and software, but also enables DCGS operators to perform DART functions smarter and faster.

References: NCI (1), U.S. Air Force (2), C4I Technology News (3)

U.S. Army is requesting proposals for a new Intelligence Cloud Computing Environment

News Report

Here in this blog we have already covered the increasing focus of Govenrment and Military organizations on the transition of their IT infrastructures towards cloud computing and virtualisation (1,2,3,4). In the Unites States, in particular, data center consolidation and cloud computing appear as the Army's most important priorities — not just for saving money, but for getting information where it needs to be so that soldiers can meet their mission.

Within this context, the U.S. Army's Research, Development and Engineering Command's communications-electronics center, or CERDEC, recently hosted an Industry Day to inform potential technology development partners of new capabilities that support Army cloud computing development efforts and hear what potential partners could contribute to those efforts. As reported by U.S. Army, "the Program Manager Distributed Common Ground System-Army (PM DCGS-A) has identified the need to establish operational clouds at fixed sites and at regional nodes to support Army intelligence data collection and analytics capabilities".

In order to fulfill that need, the CERDEC Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate's Tactical Cloud Integration Laboratory (I2WD) asked industry, academia and other government organizations to submit proposals for capabilities such as multi-intelligence, all-source analysis correlation; platform and resource allocation and optimization algorithms, predictive analysis tools; language translation services; still image and graphic processing capabilities; advanced human intelligence exploitation; and advanced visualization and conceptualization tools.

All proposals were to assist in an effort to establish an infrastructure that supports the storage and management of multi-intelligence data and provides a computational framework that brings analytics to that data.

Not only did potential government contractors have the opportunity to present possible solutions to the U.S. Army's cloud computing gaps, but the event gave government personnel the chance to tell industry where the U.S. Army's focus is related to current and future forces, said Mark Kitz, technical director of PM DCGS-A.  Developing cloud technology is important to the intelligence community as a component of DCGS-A, which is the Army's core intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance enterprise system, said Kitz. "It uses the latest in cloud technology to rapidly gather, collaborate and share intelligence data from multiple sources to deliver a common operating picture. DCGS-A is able to rapidly adapt to changing operational environments by leveraging an iterative development model and open architecture allowing for collaboration with multiple government, industry and academic partners," said Kitz.

The ultimate objective is to get technology out to Soldiers by maturing the capabilities and getting it to the DCGS Standard Cloud, said Upesh Patel, CERDEC I2WD TCIL technical director.  "This is a continuous process evolving over time, not a one shot deal. Requirements change and involve user driven- mission input," he stated.   

References: C4I Technology News (1,2,3,4), U.S. Army (5)

Contract Award: Lockheed Martin to provide Network-Enabled Geospatial Intelligence Capability to UK MoD

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded Lockheed Martin UK IS&GS (Information Systems & Global Solutions) and its industry team, Team SOCRATES, a contract to deliver the Future Deployable Geospatial Intelligence (FDG) Project, that is part of the overall PICASSO programme, which is aimed at providing geo-int capability to national and strategic decision-makers.

The Future Deployable Geospatial Intelligence Capability will provide an underpinning component of UK MoD Network Enabled Capacity, supporting shared situational awareness and the decision support process. The aim of the project is to rationalize and upgrade the current geospatial intelligence capability to meet the projected range of military activities and intelligence requirements, including its closer integration into the wider defence intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance infrastructure. The project will provide enhanced geospatial intelligence capability to support operations in the land, air and maritime domains.

The Context
Team SOCRATES consists of UK companies, including small and medium enterprises, with Lockheed Martin UK IS&GS, as prime, Actica Consulting Ltd, KNK, Marshall Specialist Vehicles, Polaris Consulting Ltd, Safety Assurance Services and SciSYS.

As reported by DefenseNews, sources said the contract is worth up to 20 million pounds ($31.5 million). Northrop Grumman and Raytheon were the other front runners for the deal to provide equipment for the FDG Intelligence program.

Comments

“We are delighted that the MoD has selected us to lead this critical GEOINT programme,” said Andy Hannam Director CGI of LMUK IS&GS.  “It cements our position as a leading provider of geospatial intelligence services and solution”

A spokesperson for the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) IMaGE Delivery Team commented: “Future Deployable GEOINT (FDG) is a vital project that will provide the MOD with improved and enhanced tactical GEOINT capabilities. It is very good news that we are now on contract, and we look forward to it being delivered in 2013.”

References: Lockeed Martin UK (1), DefenseNews (2), SIGNAL (3)

Contract Award: MacAulay-Brown to enhance Intelligence Capabilities of U.S. Air Force Special Operations

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, MacAulay-Brown (MacB), has been awarded a three-year, $75 million contract by the United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to support intelligence units at Hurlburt Field, Fla. and Cannon Air Force Base (AFB), N.M.

Under the terms of the task order, MacB intelligence and IT specialists will directly support the warfighter by providing planning, integration and the implementation of new and existing intelligence collection, exploitation, reporting, dissemination and evaluation capabilities. MacB was selected to support the AFSOC task order due to its management and technical approach that ensures mission continuity, improvements in efficiency and capability and a stable workforce dedicated to supporting 24x7 operations.

MacB has a long history partnering with AFSOC. The Company has provided AFSOC with Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) support since 1996 and Joint Terminal Attack Control and Small Unmanned Aerial System (JTAC/SUAS) support since 2010. MacB will provide on-site support through its Mission System Group’s Operations & Logistics Division located in Shalimar, Fla.

Comments

“We are proud of the long-standing relationship we have built with AFSOC, especially with the intelligence units that provide the warfighter with critical information,” said Sid Fuchs, President and CEO of MacB. “The expert support and development our teams will deliver will directly impact the men and women who are risking their lives for the nation.”

References: MacB (1)

Cotnract Award: Raytheon to support U.S. Air Force network-centric capabilities

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, Raytheon has been awarded a $179.5 million follow-on contract by the U.S. Air Force to provide Contractor Field Service (CFS) support for U-2 sensors, data links and the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). Raytheon has been prime on the CFS program providing support to the warfighter since the original contract was awarded in 1999.

Under the terms of the contract, Raytheon will provide support at the Air National Guard and Predator Operations Center, Air Force Flight Test Facility, Consolidated Remote Operations-Facility Airborne and DGS-X Test-bed Facility. The U-2 CFS contract also calls for Raytheon engineers and technicians to perform other services, such as training.

The Technology

Raytheon is the prime contractor for the Air Force DCGS contract. DCGS is a worldwide distributed, network centric, system-of-systems architecture that conducts collaborative intelligence operations. DCGS provides both physical and electronic distribution of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data.

The DCGS produces intelligence information collected by the U-2, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator. The system is currently composed of multiple separated, networked sites. The distributed ground and mission sites are a mixture of active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units working as an integrated combat capability. The individual weapon system nodes are regionally focused and paired with their corresponding Air Force component numbered air force to provide critical processing, analysis and dissemination of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR, data collected within the numbered air force's area of responsibility. However, globally networked capabilities enable the weapon system to execute missions beyond their area of responsibility. Each weapon system is able to accept data from any U-2, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MQ-9 Reaper or MQ-1 Predator operating anywhere in the world and analyze and disseminate accurate and timely intelligence globally.

The U.S. Air Force DCGS presents significant challenges as it becomes a networked, worldwide, distributed ISR ground system. As existing systems are upgraded and migrated to a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) based Open Architecture system of systems, new DCGS sites will be activated as the system grows over a Wide Area Network. All these integration activities must occur while day-to-day operations continue, requiring to perform all the required activities to maintain a fully accredited system.

The Context

The current U.S. Air Force DCGS concept evolved from many Air Force ISR predecessor programs dating back to the 1960's. The first AF DCGS weapon system, called the Deployable Ground Station-1, or DGS-1, began operations in July 1994. A few short weeks later, the DGS-1 weapon system deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in support of military operations in Haiti in August 1994.

The key element of DCGS evolved from the high-altitude manned U-2 and national programs. In the mid-1980s, the U.S. Air Force deployed mobile ISR vans to forward locations to allow the U-2 to downlink aerial observation data for exploitation.

The U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft

The U-2 and exploitation vans had to be within line of sight of each other to work. The Air Force continued to develop technology to enable the U-2 to downlink data beyond the line of sight of the exploitation vans. Leveraging multiple communication assets and space systems, and enhancing collection platforms and sensors, U.S. Air Force built an architecture that allowed U-2, Global Hawk, Predator, and Reaper aircraft to transmit regionally collected data to exploitation locations around the globe. The Air Force DCGS system evolved into a Department of Defense (DOD) DCGS program to create a system of systems for the sharing of intelligence across joint and allied forces. Today, each of the military Services has DCGS elements, based on DOD DCGS standards, and tailored for specific aspects of joint and allied operations. The DCGS has thus evolved from a deployable system into a true distributed ISR operations capability integrating platforms and crews to provide critical intelligence to combat forces down to the warfighters at the lowest level. Over the years, the AF DCGS weapon system and its predecessor systems have engaged in ISR operations in every major conflict that has had U.S. involvement.

The DCGS currently participates in operations throughout the world including those led by United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Forces Korea, U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Southern Command operations throughout the world.

Major System Contractors for the DCGS are Raytheon, Lockheed-Martin, L-3 Communications, Northrop Grumman, Hughes, Goodrich and Houston-Fearless.

This system is now leading the way toward seamless interoperability among all military services with its open architecture, Web-based DCGS Integration Backbone (DIB). The DIB facilitates the distribution of the right information at the right time to maximize operational effectiveness. A previous contract award concerning DCGS and DIB was recently reported by this blog (Contract Award: Lockheed Martin to improve intelligence sharing capability of US DoD).

Comments

"This contract allows us to provide more than 500 field engineers, supporting around-the-clock worldwide operations across 27 locations," said Raymond Kolibaba, vice president of Defense and Civil Mission Solutions for Raytheon's Intelligence and Information Systems business. "The program includes pre-flight system checks, mission support during flight and post-mission problem analysis."

References: Raytheon (1,3), U.S. Air Force (2), GlobalSecurity (4), Air Force Technology (5)

GEOS-15 satellite is ready to provide improved weather forecasts and environmental intelligence

News Report

As announced in a recent press release from ITT Exelis, the new generation of weather and environmental satellites, GOES-15, officially became operational as GOES-West on Dec. 13, 2011. As a result, communities across the Western United States and Pacific region will begin to benefit from improved weather forecasts and environmental intelligence.

ITT Exelis Geospatial Systems, an operating division of ITT Exelis , designed and built the imager and sounder instruments flying on board GOES-15 for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in cooperation with NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.  In addition to producing the familiar weather pictures on U.S. newscasts, these instruments will enable GOES-15 to provide early warnings of severe weather conditions like tornadoes, flash floods, hurricanes and hail storms.

The System

GOES systems (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites) provide meteorologists with nearly continuous images as well as temperature and moisture data, enabling more accurate weather forecasts. GOES data is also used for climate-weather prediction models; ocean temperature; charting ice; snow and glacier mapping; land temperature measurement; and monitoring agricultural crop conditions.

GOES has become the backbone for the U.S. civil early warning weather system. With ITT's Imager's multi-spectral design and increased sensitivity it can detect temperature fluctuations; variation in low-level moisture; track hurricanes from their inception as tropical storms; track tornadoes and other severe storms; and alert residents as high-velocity winds approach land. In compiling such data, meteorologists are able to issue warnings and advisories long before they take their effect.

The Context

For 12 years, GOES-11, one of NOAA's geostationary satellites, tracked weather and severe storms that impacted the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii and the Pacific region.  On last December 6th, NOAA began the process to deactivate the satellite, which is approaching the end of its useful life, and replace it with a new, more advanced spacecraft. Launched May 3rd, 2000, GOES-11 was originally planned for a five-year mission, but lasted nearly seven years longer.

The new geostationary satellite, GOES-15, has taken the place of GOES-11 and now becomes NOAA’s GOES West spacecraft in a fixed orbit over the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and the West Coast and 22,300 miles above the equator. GOES-15 provides more data, with better resolution and image stability than GOES-11. GOES-15 joins NOAA’s other operational geostationary satellite, GOES-13, which serves as the GOES East spacecraft. The GOES are not only used for weather applications, but also track space weather, oceanographic changes, forest fires and other hazards and provide scientific data collection and information for search and rescue operations.

GOES-15 was launched March 4, 2010. After reaching geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above the U.S. and prior to being activated, the satellite underwent six months of extensive post-launch testing before being parked in on-orbit storage.

NOAA is planning the next generation of geostationary satellites, called GOES-R, with the first set to launch in 2015. GOES-R is expected to more than double the clarity of today’s GOES imagery and provide more atmospheric observations than current capabilities with more frequent images. In addition, data from GOES-R instruments will be used to create many different products NOAA meteorologists and others will use to monitor the atmosphere, land, ocean and the sun.

This next-generation environmental satellite will include the most advanced meteorological imaging instrument ever built for operational weather forecasting, the ITT's Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). ABI will monitor three times the number of atmospheric conditions currently measured and will produce images that can discern objects as small as one-half a kilometer. ABI is also much faster, updating data every 30 seconds versus the current rate of 7.5 minutes. At that speed, ABI can create a full-earth image in five minutes versus 30 minutes for the current imagers. ABI also will zoom in and track a single storm while simultaneously collecting continent-wide data and imagery. All these improvements add up to faster and more accurate forecasts, improved hazardous- weather tracking and increased capability to study and monitor climate change.

Comments

“Providing timely access to environmental intelligence is critical to protecting lives, property and infrastructure,” said Rob Mitrevski, vice president, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance programs at ITT Exelis Geospatial Systems. “The satellite instruments built by ITT Exelis continue to be an integral part of our nation’s weather forecast ability, enabling our country to see and solve some of the toughest environmental challenges.”

References: ITT Exelis (1,2), NOAA (3)

Contract Award: General Dynamics to maintain U.S. Army's Common Ground Station system

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, General Dynamics has been awarded a five-year, $47 million follow-on contract to update and maintain the operational readiness of all Common Ground Stations (CGS) for the U.S. Army. General Dynamics will provide the spare parts, assemblies, engineering support and other logistics needed to keep the CGS fleet technically current and fully operational worldwide.

The System

Common Ground Stations are deployed by U.S. Army to assist commanders in the collection, analysis and distribution of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information gathered by airborne radar aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and other sensors.

The upgraded version of the system enables high quality imagery and video at ultra low bandwidth, directly to the soldier, providing multiple real time video feeds, Import/Export of all common imagery formats including NITF (National Imagery Transmission Format), and integrated transmit/receive imagery products across the network.

The Context

In 1996, the U.S. Army awarded the original Common Ground Station system contract to General Dynamics, ordering 102 systems. The first Common Ground Station was delivered to U.S. Army in 2000. In 2005, General Dynamics received the first contract to supply logistics and maintenance support for the fleet of Common Ground Stations.

Since 1996, General Dynamics' Common Ground Stations have been deployed in support of U.S. Forces operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Global War on Terrorism, Bosnia/Kosovo, U.S. Forces Korea, and U.S. Forces Europe.
Comments

Mark Showah, director of Integrated Systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems, said, “This award reflects the continuing confidence our customer has in the system and the relevant capabilities it provides in support of vital Army and joint missions around the world.”

References: General Dynamics (1,2,3)

Lockheed Martin's Senior Scout delivered to U.S. Air Force

News Report

As reported in a recent press release, an airborne signals intelligence system configured specifically for the newest C-130J aircraft has been delivered to the U.S. Air Force by Lockheed Martin. The system, which is part of the Senior Scout program that enables C-130 aircraft to be used for tactical signals intelligence and reconnaissance, will undergo acceptance testing in December.

The System

The Senior Scout system is a radio signal monitoring sensor package carried by the C-130 Aircraft.

Senior Scout is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system built into a trailer-like container that can be rolled on and off C-130 aircraft. This ISR suite of equipment rapidly configures standard C-130 aircraft for tactical signals intelligence, providing capabilities that exploit, geo-locate and report communications intelligence and signals of interest to air and ground component commanders.

Senior Scout operations may be long or short range missions with extended orbit delays planned at the aircraft operating ceiling, and may require one or multiple air refuelings. Some missions may require a combat profile, with a low altitude profile enroute to the mission orbit area. The electronic environment may be hostile, with enemy ability to jam all communications radios and electronic transmission systems; to intercept and use intelligence information transmitted over nonsecure electronic systems and radios; and to pinpoint the position of the aircraft emitting any electronic transmission or signal.

The Airborne Collection Electronic Signals II (ACES II) capsule accomodates from 4 to 12 operators of 2-MHz to VHF (COMINT) and 2-18 GHz (ELINT) bands.

The Context

Palletized shelters that can be rolled on and off cargo aircraft are an element of Lockheed Martin’s Dragon family of ISR configurations.

The latest Senior Scout shelter was enhanced to be structurally compatible with the newest C-130J aircraft. System interfaces were updated, and the shelter was equipped with the latest technology enhancements and improvements for maintenance access. The shelter also defines the design that will be used to upgrade the three legacy shelters over the next 24 months to ensure the entire Senior Scout fleet is C-130J compatible.

Comments

“We are honored to continue providing the Air Force with a modern, capable signals intelligence system,” said Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems for Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Defense. “The latest shelter configuration advances the Senior Scout capability for the next generation of C-130J aircraft.”

References: Lockheed Martin (1), FAS.org (2)

Contract Award: Northrop Grumman to add Tactical Data Link technology on U.S. Army's "Hunter"

Background

Here in this blog we have already reported on the recent activities and programs focused on improving the level of integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles within military C4I systems (1,2,3).

In a first post published on November 2nd (Manned to Unmanned) we have discussed the results of the first ever Manned-Unmanned Systems Integration Capability exercise, which established seamless integration of Apache Block II and Kiowa Warrior helicopters, along with the U.S. Army's complete fleet of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Raven, Puma, Hunter, Shadow and Gray Eagle). One of the objective of the exercise was to highlight the U.S. Program Executive Office Aviation's open architectural approach, that allows multiple control nodes and information access points to interoperate via the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL).

In a second post published on November 3rd (Controlling the drones during the battle), we reported on the planned electronic enhancements to the AH-64D Block III, which includes advanced control of UAVs from inside the helicopter. By accessing the improved control suite (the so-called "tactical control data-link radio"), the pilot in the chopper can do everything but launch and land his drone: he can steer the UAV and its sensors and see everything it sees (for the delicate tasks of launching and landing, the pilot hands over control to an operator on the ground).

Finally, in the blog entry appeared on November 15th (U.S. Navy demonstrates UAV to Weapons interoperability through a Service Oriented Architecture) we reported that the U.S. Navy recently completed a demonstration for its unmanned aircraft Common Control System (CCS) at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, Calif. During the demonstration, operators used the CCS to control a simulated unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and associated sensors tasked by Special Operations Forces. The UAS identified and tracked a hostile moving target and sent images of the target to an air controller. The UAS data created a precise coordinate so that a Net-Enabled Weapon (NEW) could strike. The UAS and NEW controller were then used together to perform a battle damage assessment.

News Report

In the above context, a recent press release announced that the U.S. Army has awarded Northrop Grumman two logistics support contract modifications, totaling $91.2 million, for the MQ-5B Hunter program, aimed at providing the platform with interoperable tactical common data link technology (TDCL).

Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will reset the current C-Band Hunter MQ-5B systems with TCDL technology to include resetting Hunter air vehicles, ground stations and data terminals with TCDL technology. Additionally, the TCDL also serves as a foundation of establishing interoperability among different U.S. Department of Defense air vehicles and ground stations. Such innovation also allows for manned aircraft to use unmanned aircraft, their sensors and weapons as an extension of their own capabilities keeping aviators out of harm's way.

The Technology

The Common Data Link denotes a family of full-duplex, asymmetric, jam-resistant, point-to-point microwave communication links developed by the U.S. back in the 1970s and used in imagery and signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection systems. TCDL is a narrow-band version of CDL but is evolving into a relatively low-cost, full-bandwidth version.

In the U.S., the TCDL program was introduced to provide a family of interoperable, secure, digital data links for use with both manned and unmanned airborne reconnaissance platforms. Rapid growth in the development of secure, digital TCDLs for use with both manned and unmanned airborne reconnaissance platforms, has tended to focus on ensuring interoperability and thus common standards for TCDL-equipped platforms in U.S. military service.

TDCL transceivers transmit and receive ISR data at rates from 1.544Mbps to at least 10.7 Mbps over ranges of 200 kilometers. TCDL will soon support the required higher CDL rates of 45, 137 and 274 Mbps.

The Context

MQ-5B Hunter is a multi-mission, medium altitude endurance tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS) optimized to provide U.S. Army division and corps commanders with a dedicated reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capability.

MQ-5B Hunter

The MQ-5B conducts battlefield surveillance using its multi-mission optronic payload. Flying over the battlefield, it gathers RSTA and battle damage information in real time, then relays it via video link to commanders and soldiers on the ground. The payload also broadcasts its sensor data to ground control and mission monitoring stations, providing commanders with enhanced situation awareness and the ability to proactively plan and execute decisive combat operations. The MQ-5B Hunter is distinguished by its heavy fuel engine, its “wet” (fuel-carrying) extended center wing with weapons-capable hard points, and the most modern avionics suite in the DoD inventory.

The Hunter originated as a Joint Army/Navy/Marine Corps UAS program. It was terminated in 1996, but through the procurement of a limited number of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) systems, Hunter exists today. The modernization from the RQ-5A to the MQ-5B was initiated in FY04. Hunter deployed to Macedonia to support NATO Balkan operations in 1999 and to Iraq in 2002, where it continues to support combat operations today. The MQ-5B Hunter, which is currently deployed supporting contingency operations in Southwest Asia, is providing the U.S. Army with state-of-the-art intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and communications relay. Hunter has accumulated more than 100,000 flight hours, approximately 80 percent of which are combat related.

Comments

"With additional Hunters fielded with TCDL, our nation's warfighters are further equipped with greater bandwidth and encryption, safeguarding vital information," said Kevin Goates, director, Northrop Grumman Technical Services' Unmanned Systems Sustainment Center.

"The Hunter was critical to development of numerous advanced manned and unmanned teaming concepts while attached to combat aviation brigades in support of operations in Iraq," said Goates. "Most importantly, it saved, and will continue to save, the lives of countless soldiers and civilians as it plays a vital role in overcoming the threat of improvised explosive devices."

References: C4I Technology News (1,2,3), Northrop Grumman (4,5), UAV Forum (6), ADM (7)

L-3's new VideoScout

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, L-3 Interstate Electronics Corporation (IEC) unveiled its new VideoScout-CM2 video exploitation and management system with a new rugged communications module designed for arduous environments.

VideoScout-CM2 is a ruggedized, certified video Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) management system for force protection applications. It provides the warfighter with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) information from a variety of manned and unmanned platforms displayed in real time for immediate use.

The System

VideoScout is a family of interoperable video exploitation and management systems to capture video and telemetry from a wide variety of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), receivers, sensors and INTEL network feeds. Once received, VideoScout allows users to create derivative video files and still images, and annotate, geo-reference, store and share the resulting intelligent video with others across the battle space.

The VideoScout Communications Module (VideoScout-CM2) further expands the VideoScout family of systems by providing users with an environmentally protected, multi-band receiver suite that can collect two simultaneous aircraft video feeds, as well as collect video from two co-located sensors. All Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) information is displayed in real-time and is immediately available for exploitation. Realtime dissemination of video information can be sent over an Internet Protocol (IP) or tactical network. VideoScout-CM2 offers users the flexibility to process, exploit and disseminate real time or archived data anytime, anywhere. It is specifically designed to meet a wide array of operational mission requirements.

VideoScout-CM2 is available in two configurations:

• VideoScout-CM2, which consists of a single L, S and C band receiver suite with a Ku-Band transceiver;
• VideoScout-CM2 Dual, which consists of two (x2) integrated L, S and C band receiver suites.

Comments

“The VideoScout-CM2 is a valuable tool that enables our warfighters to make better decisions and save lives,” said Nicholas Ortyl, vice president and general manager of L-3 IEC’s Situational Awareness business unit. “The system’s new communications module significantly expands traditional line-of-sight coverage, providing the end user with enhanced situational awareness across the area of operation.”

References: L-3 (1,2)

Contract Award: GeoEye to provide Web Hosting Services for US National Gospatial Intelligence Agency

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, GeoEye received two new awards worth more than $25 million for providing Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) products to the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and Boeing, respectively.

In the first of these two contracts, GeoEye will supply a significant amount of value-added commercial imagery over a large geographic area and distribute it through the Company's EnhancedView Web Hosting Service. The EnhancedView Web Hosting Service makes commercial imagery readily accessible to licensed federal customers across the National System for Geospatial-Intelligence.

As part of this new Enhanced GEOINT Delivery award, GeoEye will expand the EnhancedView Web Hosting Service to support third-party data, crisis imagery and new government portals.

The Technology

GeoEye's EnhancedView Web Hosting Service (WHS) provides users with password protected, online access to unclassified, high-resolution imagery within hours of its collection. The EnhancedView WHS evolved from the NGA's Rapid Delivery of Online GEOINT (RDOG) system that began operations in April 2010. GeoEye built the EnhancedView WHS to support users across the National System for Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG). NSG members and partners have recently used the EnhancedView WHS to improve emergency response to natural disasters in Japan and USA.

Users can access imagery through Esri's ArcGIS, Google Earth and other Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) compliant tools and automatically receive notifications when new imagery is available for their area of interest.

The EnhancedView WHS is powered by GeoEye's online access platform, EyeQ. EyeQ enables thousands of concurrent users to easily access and download hundreds of terabytes of high-resolution imagery. Recent commercial applications have combined GeoEye-1 and IKONOS satellite imagery and MJ Harden aerial imagery with data from commercial radar providers and the USDA National Agriculture Imagery Program.

The Context

GeoEye's award is authorized under the EnhancedView award that GeoEye received from the NGA in August 2010. Through the EnhancedView program, the U.S. government has made a significant commitment to the commercial imaging industry. The EnhancedView awards enable commercial data providers to create innovative new products that exploit existing imagery collection and production services, resulting in the immediate delivery of information services to federal, state, local and civil users. They support the National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG) mission with timely data collection, multisource production and hosting services for immediate response, maintenance and monitoring, while incorporating evolving standards and information security requirements. This enhanced commercial GEOINT architecture allows for near realtime insertion and support for warfighters, the intelligence community, map production, humanitarian relief, and environmental and crisis response.

Commercial providers now have the opportunity to accelerate their traditional role of producing superior quality location intelligence, to include delivering products and services directly to government end-users with varying security requirements to support this significant paradigm shift in the U.S. government’s vision and mission.

Technologies made available during the EnhancedView era and beyond will provide product quality and accuracy that will be unparalleled within the GEOINT industry. As change occurs with modification or inclusion of new sensors, sources or products, technologies will continue to evolve to meet the evolving needs of tomorrow’s programs or users.

Comments

Chris Incardona, GeoEye's senior director of Government Programs – NGA, said, "We are proud to serve the NGA and other government agencies by delivering cost-effective geospatial solutions that anticipate the growing demands of their user base. These awards are a testament to the NGA's commitment to serve its federal user community with easy access to the most precise and up-to-date imagery. We will continue to expand our on-demand access capabilities with near real-time, map-ready imagery and information services."

"We have made steady investments in our EyeQ platform so our customers can quickly access and share precise imagery products to perform analysis and manage crisis response," said Chris Incardona. "The EnhancedView Web Hosting Service is the next step in our commitment to providing multi-source products, services and dissemination capabilities to help the NGA deliver online, on-demand geospatial intelligence."

References: GeoEye (1,2), V1 Magazine (3); Geospatial Intelligence Forum (4)

Contract Award: Elbit to provide its Wise Intelligence Technology to an Asian National Government Agency

News Report:

As announced in a recent press release, Elbit has been awarded a $15 Million contract to supply an undisclosed national government agency in Asia with Wise Intelligence Technology System (WiT). The system will be supplied within 18 months.

The System

A highly advanced end-to-end solution, WiT supports every stage of the intelligence and investigation process, including the collection of the data from multiple sources, databases and sensors, processing of the information, supporting intelligence personnel in the analysis and evaluation of the information and disseminating the intelligence to the intended recipient.

WiT is based upon the integration of numerous components, each foremost in their respective fields. The system is based upon a flexible and modular system architecture, which can be expanded with additional functionalities and integrated with other databases and intelligence systems. This architecture implements the Service-oriented architecture paradigm (SOA), i.e. it enables the optimization of resources by allowing the system to expose its functionally as services to external systems and utilizes functionality from external systems.

WiT includes sophisticated security mechanisms for the robust protection of data and information sources as well as safeguards against internal and external threats. A combination of tools that enable real-time monitoring of the system status and handling of system failures. A built-in document life cycle management system and central data repository supports document creation, editing, signing, revision, disseminating and archiving. The system also includes workflow tools to automate procedures and information flow within the organization.

WiT provides advanced tools for supporting every stage of the intelligence process, from planning and direction, to collection, processing, analysis and evaluation, dissemination and re-evaluation.

With respect to the collection phase of the process, WiT is capable of acquiring and processing data from a wide variety of sources and formats, including Humint, Sigint, Osint and Imint. Information is processed and converted to a common format, so that all collected data is stored in a single local repository.

Concerning the processing phase, WiT is capable of processing unstructured and structured data to create a fully integrated situational awareness picture. Tools and capabilities include: Entity Management (entity creation and updates), Entity Extraction (extraction of common entities from unstructured text), Cataloguing (adds key words and categories to incoming information), OCR Scanning (data conversion from unstructured formats), Translation (WiT supports a wide range of languages), Geographic Anchoring (the system anchors data to geographic locations).

With respect to the analysis phase of the process, WiT renders the processed information into a comprehensive intelligence picture. Advanced research and analysis tools include: Information Retrieval, Geographic Search, Link Analysis (it researches and displays connections between entities), Reports, Data Mining, Aggregated/Federated Search (WiT retrieves information from a wide variety of data sources), and Alerts.

Finally, during the creation and dissemination phases, the system supports the intelligence operators with the following capabilities: Operational Intelligence Records (WiT generates detailed up-to-date comprehensive briefings, which include actionable insights and suggestions), Intelligence Reports (tailored to operational and command personnel), Gap Analysis and Targeting (WiT identifies information deficits, to continue the intelligence gathering process), Routing (intelligence is distributed according to policies defined by management or command personnel), and Portal (information is published to intranet portals)

Comments

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Elbit Systems Land and C4I General Manager, noted: "We are proud to be selected to perform this sophisticated project, based on a system which is one of the few solutions to be field-proven, fully operational and customizable. The new award follows other highly advanced data management systems developed by Elbit Systems, including the Digital Army Program and other various information management systems and we hope that additional customers will follow in selecting our IT systems as their preferred solution."

References: Elbit (1,2)

RemoteView: Textron's imagery and geospatial analysis software

RemoteView's Multi-band Analysis Display

News Report

As reported in a recent press release, Overwatch, an operating unit of Textron, announced the release of RemoteView Pro 3.2.2, the latest version of its imagery and geospatial analysis software with enhancements that better integrate intelligence data and improve the intelligence workflow.

The Product

RemoteView Pro incorporates a broad range of capabilities for intelligence exploitation of geospatial information, including: Image Quality Enhancements, Change Detection Tools, Image Mosaics, Stereo Viewing, Full Motion Video Analysis, Multi-Spectral Analysis, GIS and Vector Integration, Map Composition, 3D Terrain Visualization, and Flight Simulation.

The latest SW version, i.e. RemoteView Pro Version 3.2.2, upgrades the software's Research & Negation (R&N) capabilities into one unified interface for reviewing multiple images simultaneously. RemoteView's GeoCatalog capability is now able to ingest Digital Point Positioning Database (DPPDB) data sets to facilitate locating image pairs, which enable users to conduct precise positioning. Large scale mosaics also are now easier than ever to create with enhancements made to RemoteView's Virtual Mosaic extension.

In June 2011, Overwatch already added the V-TRAC Pro extension and TerraGo GeoPDF production capabilities to its RemoteView Pro software. The V-TRAC Pro extension expands RemoteView's full motion video (FMV) analysis to include live stream capture and automated report generation for FMV exploitation across all phases of analysis on a laptop computer. The GeoPDF software extension facilitates convenient publishing of geo-referenced content to a PDF file, which may then be easily accessed and used by individuals with little or no geographic information systems (GIS) experience.

Comments

"Data fusion and sharing across Overwatch's integrated software solutions supports merged data streams, powerful analytical tools, and intuitive displays of the resulting information - creating new and needed capabilities for today's analysts," explained Stuart Blundell, Overwatch vice president of geospatial products and services. "These RemoteView enhancements, together with recently added extensions, come from our listening closely to our customers and then delivering reliable solutions for them to do their important work."

Additional Information

• RemoteView (brochure)

References: Textron (1, 2)

Processing SIGINT with game graphics

News Report

An intriguing piece appeared recently on Defense News, reporting that the same kinds of computer processors that project movie-quality video game graphics will soon sift signals intelligence collections for Armed Forces, in particular on board of SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) airborne systems.

Signals intelligence is defined as the operation of intelligence-gathering by interception of signals, whether between people communicating devices (COMINT, communications intelligence), whether involving electronic signals not directly used in communication (ELINT, electronic intelligence).

With the airwaves expected to get even more crowded, Curtiss-Wright and its main competitor, Mercury Computing Systems, are repurposing graphics processing units as the next step in the evolution of SIGINT computing. Adding general-purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs) to embedded computers would help the military classify signals faster and with more fidelity, experts from both companies said. Some signals need to be jammed for electronic warfare applications; others must be demodulated and turned into audio eavesdropping feeds; others will be used to map enemy air defenses or to peg the geographic location of the person who is doing the transmitting. All these tasks must be done without interfering with the military's own signals or bringing civilian communications to a halt.

GPU-equipped computers are not yet processing SIGINT in the field, but the devices are moving rapidly toward deployment. Manufacturers know GPGPUs well, however, because they are already being used in the imagery intelligence camp.

Read the Full Story

Contract Award: ITT to provide motion video and wide area airborne surveillance capabilities for US Army

References: ITT (1,2), Avionics Intelligence (3)

News Report

As announced on a recent press release, The United States government has awarded ITT a contract to provide software and hardware solutions tied to the collection, processing and dissemination of full motion video (FMV) and wide area airborne surveillance (WAAS) from unmanned aircraft.

ITT will deliver its solutions, including the FELCO™ (Federated Embedded inteL-server for Collaborative Operations) processing solution, to the U.S. Army Project Manager-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (PM-UAS) early this fall in support of planned system flight tests and assessments.

FELCO was jointly developed with Mercury Computer Systems, a trusted intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) subsystems provider.

The Technology (FELCO)

FELCO is expected to be the fastest means of transforming raw sensor imagery and metadata from airborne surveillance platforms into assured geospatial intelligence in a small, open-standards configuration while a mission is on station.

FELCO enables DVR-like interactions in which the user can stop, rewind, review in slow motion and resume live video. FELCO gives the user the ability to customize the content of the information stream according to changing conditions.

The processing system forms information layers, including standards-based imagery and video, GPS, and moving target indicators, and transmits to one or more users in a standards-based interoperable format.

Developed and supported on Mercury’s Application-Ready Subsystems™ (ARS™), FELCO leverages the company’s high-performance Powerblock™ processing architecture and ITT’s open-standards PED software, Enhanced AGILE Access, and AdLib™.

To date, FELCO has already been adapted to provide interoperability with EO/IR, SAR and FMV sensors and it has emerged that GMTI systems are next on the agenda. It is envisaged that FELCO will eventually be sensor and platform agnostic, ITT and MCS urged

FELCO also reduces technological and economic barriers to potential use by first responders and non U.S. customers for a range of noncombat applications. The size and power requirements of FELCO will enable it to be used in a variety of other rugged airborne, mobile and fixed configurations, including aerostats, rotary, catapult- and runway-launched air platforms, and surveillance towers. Capacity can be quickly scaled to multiple platforms through distributed processor and multi-core configurations.
The Context

ITT was contracted to develop and demonstrate an expanded capability for the U.S. Army’s FUSE program (Federated Universal Synchronization Engine), increasing the effectiveness of Army unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) serving the warfighter. The FUSE program has made significant progress in transforming single-user, down-linked feeds into federated video sensors between “collaborative” UAS and other intelligence systems.

ITT will update the existing FUSE systems with advanced open-standards FMV software capabilities, deliver multiple FELCO solutions to remove limitations inherent with ground computing shelters, and deliver a WAAS motion imagery client-server simulator.

Comments

“Our deliverables are congruent with the PM-UAS roadmap for FUSE and collectively advance the approach to delivering FMV and WAAS sensor modalities to users,” stated Matthew Pellechia, manager, Geospatial Information Solutions, part of ITT Defense & Information Solutions. “Our joint solution provides PM-UAS with a PED (processing, exploitation, and dissemination) capability, constructed upon an open-architecture to synthesize volumes of multi-INT information into formats that directly respond to warfighter requirements.”

“FELCO is an extremely high-performance, real-time solution for PED applications (processing, exploitation, and dissemination) on board UAV platforms that can substantially improve the user’s ability to obtain situational awareness in real time,” said Brian E. Perry, vice president and general manager of Services and Systems Integration at Mercury Computer Systems. “Its quick adoption by the U.S. government underscores its importance as a critical tool in supporting mission success.”

Contract Award: Boeing to provide Twister Data Framework technology to US Securities and Exchange Commission

References: Boeing (1,2), SMSi (3)

News Report

As announced in a recent press release, Boeing's subsidiary Solutions Made Simple Inc. (SMSi) recently received a data integration contract from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Under the terms of the agreement, SMSi will provide software licenses and support for its Twister Data Framework technology to the SEC as part of the agency's effort to better access and manage data stored across its enterprise.

The Technology

SMSi's Twister product is designed to extract, share and query information stored in an unlimited number of data sources and applications.

Twister enables organizations implementing business intelligence and analysis strategies to extract, transform, and load data from across the enterprise to create consistent, accurate information. By linking legacy data and applications, Web-based technologies, and third-party applications into an efficient pipeline that coordinates the data retrieval, enrichment, and delivery processes, Twister allows analytics users to exploit information enterprise-wide. By using Twister, organizations can quickly process digital information and automatically connect an unlimited number of disparate data sources and applications without the need for manual processing or metadata.

Unlike traditional “single threaded” Extract Translate and Load (ETL) tools, Twister operates in a completely parallel environment. The Twister framework can be distributed across hundreds of systems, allowing users to take full advantage of COTS hardware. As data arrives into the Twister environment, it is seamlessly spread across the appropriate data cluster. Once the data has been processed it can be reassembled and delivered to a variety of applications in any format.

The Context

Boeing acquired SMSi in August 2011, which now operates within the Information Solutions division of Boeing's Network & Space Systems business. SMSi employs approximately 65 people and is based in Reston, Va.

Comments

"We are thrilled that the SEC has chosen Twister to enable better management and intelligence of large volumes of data," said John Hinshaw, vice president and general manager of Boeing Information Solutions. "Twister has proven to be a valuable tool for the U.S. Intelligence Community and Department of Defense customers. The SEC contract demonstrates Twister's potential to serve the broader federal market’s data integration needs as well."

"Our customers continuously look for better, more cost-effective ways to manage data across disparate networks, and SMSi has terrific capability to do that," said Hinshaw referring to the SMSi's acquisition, "We've worked with SMSi for a number of years and see their team and products as strong complements to our existing capabilities. SMSi adds important vertical content to Boeing's product portfolio for two high-growth markets that are key priorities for our customers: C4ISR and cybersecurity"

Further Reading:

• Twister Data Integrator (pdf)

Contract Award: Lockheed Martin to improve intelligence sharing capability of US DoD

Intelligence data depicted on a DCGS map (COTSJournal)

References: Lockheed Martin (1,2), Defense Update (3), COTSJournal (4)

News Report

As announced on a recent press release, Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract for upgrading the infrastructures which interconnect the US Department of Defense with US Government agencies and coalition partners. By such award, Lockheed Martin will upgrade the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) Integration Backbone (DIB) and will thus facilitate the sharing of intelligence data and services among the above mentioned organizations.

The System (DCGS + DIB)
High-density, reliable data storage is a critical part of the US DoD’s collaborative enterprise called the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS). This system itnegrates multiple ISR sensors and systems across the battlefield and draw intelligence data from various sources, then correlate that data into an integrated picture of the battlespace. Using an open systems architecture, it enables interoperability with a wide range of previously “stove-piped” ISR systems. Consisting of global sites capable of receiving, processing, correlating and disseminating intelligence feeds from multiple sources, the DCGS distributes intelligence from manned and unmanned reconnaissance sources based on the ground, in the air and at sea.

The DIB is the software framework that allows different areas of US DoD to exchange intelligence acquired by DCGS, empowering joint warfighter collaboration, interoperability, and shared awareness. Designed around an open architecture, the DIB permits new applications to be easily added and allows joint operations throughout the ISR arena. The DIB is both a software architectural framework and a developer’s toolkit on which each service’s ISR capabilities, applications and functionality are based. By incorporating a set of common interface standards and tools, the DIB enables immediate availability of both raw ISR data and fused products as well as collaboration among the services and national agencies.

This latest version of the DIB, version 4.0, brings significant enhancements from the end user perspective. The DIB is now seamlessly integrated with Google Earth, which will enable the multitude of warfighters already utilizing Google Earth for analysis to bring intelligence into their current environment, giving them a correlated visualization across the vast breadth of federated intelligence. Other DIB updates include enhanced user interfaces for querying and viewing intelligence, as well as an increased capability to populate these user interfaces with valuable intelligence, accomplished through greater seamless interoperability with coalition partners. This intelligence access is unprecedented, as prior to the development of the DIB, intelligence analysts had to visit multiple collection sources to locate the data needed to accomplish their missions.

The Context

The Pentagon states the goal of DCGS as “all DoD sensors and ground stations on a common network creating a shared information environment.” Each service is developing a portion of the DCGS family of systems, the Air Force is already planning the next major upgrade of this net-centric capability that utilizes the DCGS Integration Backbone (DIB).

Prior to the development of the DIB, intelligence analysts had to visit multiple collection sources to locate the data needed. By incorporating a set of common interface standards and a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the DIB connects disparate locations and allows analysts with the appropriate security clearance to access a multitude of intelligence sources. Being SOA-based also facilitates the interface with other SOA-based systems and assures the continuous evolution of a web of capabilities.

Comments

“The current DIB architectural evolution is a critical step toward a true coalition intelligence sharing enterprise,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Tschuor, Director of the DCGS Multi-Service Execution Team Office (DMO). “The key to this latest version is that this enhanced framework enables faster and more affordable exposure of intelligence data to the DIB federation at the enterprise level.”

“As an original member of the DIB development team, Lockheed Martin has maintained a prominent role on this capability since its inception in 2003,” said Jim Quinn, vice president of C4ISR Systems with Lockheed Martin IS&GS-Defense. “These enhancements expedite intelligence to those who need it, and allow warfighters to better adapt to their perpetually changing environment.”

Further Readings

• DCGS-AF LM's Brochure (pdf)
• Multi Agency Collaboration Environment (pdf)