News Report
As announced in a recent press release, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems was awarded a contract to continue its cyber network defense, operations and exploitation support of the U.S. Air Force’s 35th Intelligence Squadron (35IS) Cyberspace Operations program Sensor Shadow.
The contract has a maximum value of $5 million over three years if all options are exercised. Through this contract General Dynamics’ analysts and engineers help to collect, analyze, produce and disseminate vital cyber intelligence to ensure the warfighter maintains information dominance in the cyber domain. This includes supporting the U.S. Cyber Command and other Department of Defense customers.
The Context
The 31st Intelligence Squadron is the United States Air Force component of the National Security Agency/Central Security Service-Georgia field site and subordinate to the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency. It conducts both national and tactical intelligence operations in support of combat operations, plans and forces for three joint combatant commands. The unit also conducts intelligence operations in support of the air component commanders, air forces and Airmen of those combatant commands.
The Sensor Shadow program team conducts in-depth analysis of network intrusions, threat profiling, all source intelligence analysis and long-term analysis of stored network connection data and supports operations across the globe.
Comments
“The Sensor Shadow program is representative of our cyber security heritage. For two decades General Dynamics has been providing leading-edge cyber intelligence support to the Air Force through Sensor Shadow, dating back to Operation Desert Storm,” said John Jolly, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems’ Cyber Systems division. “Our close partnership with the 35IS allows us to effectively apply our mission understanding and in-depth expertise in the cyber domain to bring more capability to the cyber analyst toolset for more effective and timely analysis.”
References: General Dynamics (1), Gordon.Army (2)
Showing posts with label company: General Dynamics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label company: General Dynamics. Show all posts
March 7, 2012
February 21, 2012
General Dynamics demonstrates advances in on-the-move satellite communications
News Report
As illustrated in a recent press release, General Dynamics C4 Systems recently completed the first demonstration of secure voice and data communications via the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite-communications waveform. The demonstration used the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) two-channel networking radio (AN/PRC-155), running the MUOS waveform software, to transmit encrypted voice through a MUOS-satellite simulator to the MUOS ground station equipment that will soon be deployed in Sicily.
The Technology
MUOS is a is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed to significantly improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move. The system will enable secure, mobile networked communications worldwide, in even the most-austere environments. MUOS consists of four geostationary earth orbit satellites with an additional on-orbit spare, and a fiber optic terrestrial network connecting four ground stations around the globe. Each satellite will feature two payloads that enable the system to integrate with the existing architecture while upgrading military users to the new wideband code division multiple access system, which will provide mobile warfighters point-to-point and netted communications services at enhanced data rates and priority-based access to on-demand voice, video and data transfers.
The new waveform is termed the MUOS Common Air Interface (CAI), a Software Communications Architecture compliant modulations technique for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) terminals. User terminals will be in fact provided by the U.S. military under the JTRS program, with an emphasis on handheld, soldier-worn units. For users, the MUOS system will provide familiar cellular phone-like services with the satellites acting as very tall “towers” to allow warfighters on the ground to communicate directly with each other and their commanders virtually anywhere in the world.
The flow of information between users when MUOS is operational will be much different than today’s systems. Users will communicate with the satellite via UHF WCDMA links and the satellites will relay this to one of four ground sites located in Hawaii, Norfolk, Sicily, and Australia via a Ka-band feederlink. These ground sites are interconnected to switching and network management facilities located in Hawaii and Virginia. These facilities identify the destination of the communications and route the information to the appropriate ground site for Ka-band uplink to the satellite and UHF WCDMA downlink to the correct users. Network management will feature a government controlled, priority-based resource management capability that will be adaptable and responsive to changing operational communication requirements. Additionally, MUOS will provide access to select Defense Information System Network services, a voice and data capability that has not been available to UHF MILSATCOM users on prior systems. For satellite telemetry, tracking and command, MUOS will use the existing control system operated by the NavalSatelliteOperationsCenter at Pt. Mugu, California with the Air Force Satellite Control Network as a back-up.
When MUOS is fielded it will serve a mixed terminal population. Some users will have terminals only able to support the legacy waveforms while other users will have newer terminal able to support the MUOS CAI. In anticipation of this, each MUOS satellite carries a legacy payload that will continue to support legacy terminals, allowing for a more gradual transition to the MUOS WCDMA waveform.
For the time being, development of the MUOS waveform remains on track for completion in the third quarter of 2012. By year-end, the MUOS capability will be available on the General Dynamics' AN/PRC-155 manpack radio, the first MUOS terminal that will be available to soldiers. The AN/PRC-155 is a two-channel, software-defined radio capable of network-centric connectivity and legacy interoperability, supporting advanced (SRW, MUOS) and current-force (SINCGARS, SATCOM, HF, EPLRS, etc.) waveforms.
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| General Dynamics' AN/PRC-155 Two-Channel Networking Manpack Radio |
The Context
Lockheed Martin is the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator, and was awarded in 2004 a $2.1 billion contract to build the first two satellites and associated ground control elements by the U.S. Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) (competing against the Raytheon team).
General Dynamics is leading the development and deployment of the MUOS ground system that provides communications and control interfaces between the MUOS satellites and existing and future U.S. Department of Defense terrestrial communication networks. General Dynamics also is providing the wireless protocol for communication between those networks and the MUOS satellites.
References: General Dynamics (1,2,3), Gunter's Space Page (4), DefenceTalk (5), U.S. Navy (6), Space News (7)
February 20, 2012
ITT Exelis' updated JTRS Bowman Waveform supports Battlefield Interoperability between U.K. and U.S. soldiers
News Report
As announced in a recent press release, ITT Exelis delivered an updated Joint Tactical Radio System Bowman Waveform (JBW) to the JTRS Information Repository as part of a $4.2 million delivery order that also included Soldier Radio – Multifunctional (SR-M) software-defined radios. The SR-M radios delivered to the JTRS Program Executive Office in this sale will be transferred to the U.K. government for upcoming assessment and trials for the JBW.
The JBW allows U.S. Forces to communicate directly and securely with U.K. allies using the Bowman VHF waveform on the battlefield. JBW functionality enables users from both countries to work as a cohesive team during combat operations, sharing situational awareness information more efficiently and effectively, rather than using separate channels to pass information back and forth.
The JTRS Bowman VHF waveform software application was developed by ITT under contract to the JTRS Network Enterprise Domain. It is to enable operators of U.S. JTRS radios to participate directly in the U.K.’s Bowman network. With such waveform, U.S. and U.K. forces are able to communicate and share data, despite their different radio systems.
Comments
“This radio-agnostic approach toward waveform development under the JTRS business model provides our government customer greater value and increased competition for radios,” said Ken Peterman, president of the Exelis Communications and Force Protection Systems business area. “At the same time, it also provides greater capability to U.S. and U.K. military forces through interoperability on the battlefield.”
The Context
Back in 2002, representatives from the U.S. Defense Department and the U.K. Ministry of Defense signed an agreement to enhance battlefield interoperability via the U.K. Bowman communications system. Soon after, the JTRS program office awarded a contract to ITT to develop a Joint Tactical Radio System Bowman waveform, i.e. a software application that would allow JTRS users to add the U.K. radio system into the U.S. network. Since that date, U.K and U.S. are keep on working together to create a network in which U.S., U.K. and coalition units will be able to share information and situational awareness as if they were the flanking formations of the same nation.
Bowman is a tactical communications system integrating digital voice and data technology to provide secure radio, telephone, intercom and tactical internet services in a modular and fully integrated system. The programme includes the conversion of over 18,000 platforms. Specifically, as well as being man-portable, Bowman equipment fits into most UK military vehicles from Land Rover Wolf to the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank, as weel as fixed HQ buildings, naval vessels, aircrafts (including the major helicopter types supporting land operations, i.e. Chinook and Merlin).
Bowman provides key improvements to capability in what has been dubbed the “three-legged stool” of voice communications, data services and situational awareness.
Bowman Command and Control provides an Automatic Position Location, Navigation and Reporting system (APLNR) which gives Situational Awareness to units throughout the digitised structure. The friendly forces picture can be configured to update unit and vehicle positions automatically. The tactical picture is shown on map displays on a variety of purpose-built data terminals – handheld, portable, vehicle or desk mounted. Key armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) are fitted with specialised equipments tailored to each vehicle type to facilitate use of the APLNR capability in the specific environment of an AFV. Bowman's Common Battlefield Applications Toolset (ComBAT) provides the main C2 interfaces for users of the Bowman system. This provides mechanisms for messaging, reports and returns. Battle Management capabilities include support for planning functions.
Bowman provides high levels of security based on the UK Pritchel crypto system together with its appliqué crypto and NATO Standard Operating Modes to allow interoperability with NATO allies. The Bowman Key Variable Management System (BKVMS) provides generation and distribution of cryptographic key material.
Bowman's IP-based tactical Internet provides connectivity through the local area system (LAS), the ITT's High Capacity Data Radio (HCDR) and Combat Net Radio (CNR) nets. Resilience is provided by the self-healing ability of IP. A new design of Bowman's gateway equipment also provides voice and data interfaces to existing wide area networking assets such as ptarmigan, SATCOM systems and the public and military telephone networks.
The Bowman Supply and Support contract was awarded to General Dynamics United Kingdom. A review of the program was undertaken in late 2004 and this provided the opportunity to better ensure that it would deliver a capability consistent with the UK MoD’s vision of achieving Network Enabled Capability. Bowman willoing to meet the tactical communications needs of those elements of the three UK Armed Services that take part in, or provide direct support to, UK land, amphibious and air manoeuvre operations until at least 2026. It is expected to provide a secure digital voice and data communications service, including situational awareness capability.
Since initial deployment of 12 Mechanized Brigade to Iraq in April 2005, Bowman has been employed on Operations TELIC and HERRICK. Other brigades have been converted and continued operational experience indicates that Bowman is delivering a battle winning capability.
References: ITT Exelis (1), UK MoD (2), General Dynamics (3), National Defense (4), SIGNAL (5), Aviation Week (6)
February 15, 2012
U.S. Army's operational testing of WIN-T Increment 2
As reported by U.S. Army, U.S. Soldiers recently began training in preparation for the upcoming Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, or WIN-T, Increment 2 operational test. Soldiers began the 10-week New Equipment Training, or NET, in January in advance of the WIN-T Increment 2 Initial Operational Test and Evaluation, known as an IOT&E, scheduled for next May.
The WIN-T Increment 2 IOT&E will be held in conjunction with the Army's Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE 12.2, where it will be participating as a System Under Test. The analysis and test results from this strenuous three-week IOT&E will be used in the Full Rate Production Decision, scheduled for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012.
NIE 12.1, which wrapped up in November 2011, already gave the U.S. Army a unique opportunity to evaluate WIN-T Increment 2 in an operational environment about six months before its IOT&E. U.S. soldiers took the system for a test drive to evaluate its performance and provide valuable feedback well before the normal test cycle, enabling the Army to smooth out any rough edges and better prepare it for the formal operational test in the next spring. NIE 12.1, in particular, provided the first opportunity in which WIN-T Increment 2 was installed and evaluated on Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP All Terrain Vehicles.
The Technology
As already illustrated in this blog, WIN-T is the U.S. Army’s on-the-move, high-speed, high-capacity backbone communications network, linking Warfighters on the battlefield with the Global Information Grid (GIG). WIN-T introduces a mobile, ad-hoc, self-configuring, self-healing network using satellite on-the-move capabilities, robust network management, and high-bandwidth radio systems to keep mobile forces connected, communicating, and synchronized.
Similar to a home Internet connection, WIN-T Increment 1 provided Soldiers with high-speed, high-capacity voice, data and video communications to units at battalion level, with Soldiers having only to pull over to the side of the road to communicate. WIN-T Increment 1 was defined as providing “networking at-the-halt” and consists of a Joint compatible communications package that allows the Warfighter to use advanced networking capabilities, retain interoperability with current force systems, and keep in step with future increments of WIN-T. Increment 1 is a rapidly deployable, early-entry system housed in an S-250 shelter and mounted on an ECV HMMWV for roll-on/roll-off mobility.
WIN-T Increment 2 adds warfighter mobility and provides a communication network down to the Company level. Increment 2 enables mobile battle command from Division to Company in a completely ad-hoc, self-forming network. The WIN-T Increment 2 addition of embedding communications gear in the Commander’s vehicles enables SIPR (Secure Internet Protocol Router) into the Warfighting platform. Commanders and select staff have the ability to maneuver anywhere on the battlefield and maintain connectivity to the network. Since the WIN-T Increment 2 network is self-forming and self-healing, it provides a new level of flexibility to support changing mission requirements. Not only does it add on-the-move communications capabilities down to the company level, but it will also allow combat net radio and data networks to be extended beyond-line-of-sight. An initial Network Operations, or NETOPS capability will also be fielded to facilitate the planning, initialization, monitoring, management and response of the network. Additional features of WIN-T Increment 2 are:
- a "colorless core" which provides an enhanced level of communications security;
- automated planning for WIN-T waveforms (Net Centric waveforms, NCW, and Highband Network Waveform, HNW);
- propagation analysis for Line Of Sight (LOS) waveforms;
- On-The-Move (OTM) node planning;
- automated link planning for currently fielded systems;
- initial automated Spectrum Management;
- initial Quality of Service (QoS) planning & monitoring;
- map based monitoring;
- over the air network management and configuration of WIN-T Radios.
Comments
"WIN-T Increment 2 will provide a number of transformational capabilities for the Army's tactical communications network," said Lt. Col. Robert Collins, product manager for WIN-T Increments 2 and 3. "This training is the first step in readiness for the operational test and our first opportunity to thoroughly train the Soldiers and give them all the right field tests to be able to operate and deploy the network."
"The power of WIN-T Increment 2 lies in its integrated terrestrial and satellite communications or SATCOM network," said Col. Edward Swanson, project manager for WIN-T. "Being able to command the battlespace securely and effectively while on-the-move, despite terrain obstructions, will transform how the Army operates and significantly increase mission success."
The Context
In 1999, almost one decade after Desert Storm, a U.S. Joint Requirements Operational Concept (JROC) established a new program of record to move tactical communications into the realm of net-centric communications. This program was entitled Warfighter Information Network, Tactical or WIN-T. It emerged as the U.S. Army embarked on the Chief of Staff's Transformation Roadmap under the U.S. DoD communications architecture umbrella known as the Global Information Grid (GIG). WIN-T was expected to take full advantage of emerging network technologies and provide voice, video, and data for the warfighter.
In 2002, two separate competitive contracts were awarded to General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin to perform system engineering tasks, program management tasks and engineering services necessary to conduct initial requirements analyses and generate network architecture designs. In 2004, the U.S. Defense Acquisition Executive authorized a revised acquisition approach for the WIN-T program. The new approach combined the two contractors into a single team with General Dynamics as the prime and Lockheed Martin as a major subcontractor.
In July 2006, the WIN-T schedule slipped five years from initial operational capability (IOC) fielding in 2008, to an IOC in 2013.
In September 2007 the U.S. Army awarded the General Dynamics-Lockheed Martin a WIN-T contract modification valued at up to $921 million to continue development of the WIN-T system and to accelerate delivery of WIN-T capabilities to the existing modular force. The $921 million in modifications comprised WIN-T Increment 2 and WIN-T Increment 3.
References: U.S. Army (1), C4I Technology News (2), Global Security (3), General Dynamics (4)
February 3, 2012
Contract Award: General Dynamics to provide its Tactical Mobile Routers for United Arab Emirates' Command and Control System
As reported in a recent press release, General Dynamics Canada has received a contract to supply more than 2,700 Tactical Mobile Routers (TMR) for use in the Emirates Command and Control System (ECCS), a Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) program that will integrate and coordinate the tactical assets of the United Arab Emirates. The contract was awarded by Emiraje Systems, the UAE-based prime contractor for the ECCS.
The Technology
Current battlefield networks are increasingly employing standard Internet transport protocols which impose high bandwidth overhead and rely on consistent end-to-end connectivity. This technological solution has difficulty providing acceptable message delivery performance over the typically tactical network.
General Dynamics' Tactical Mobile Router (TMR) overcomes these challenges by analyzing network feedback to characterize links as Desired, Disadvantaged or Disrupted and then by delivering information via the most appropriate bearer. TMR uses advanced MESHnet® grade protocols designed to transfer messages with reliability, efficiency and reasonable latency in a disrupted heterogeneous network environment.
TMR is basically a rugged Internet router which ensure that military personnel can communicate using off-the-shelf applications, including e-mail, chat messages, and multimedia-rich shared information resources in challenging battlefield environments. The TMR creates tactical Internet ad-hoc networks seamlessly that automatically form, reconfigure, and operate even when network infrastructure is overloaded, damaged, or unavailable due to mountainous or remote terrain, urban environments, or other conditions. In addition, TMR's critical store-and-forward capabilities ensure continues flow of voice, data and Blue Force Tracking in rugged and remote military environments with communications infrastructure
Integration of the TMR into the existing UAE C4ISR networks offers an affordable, dependable option to extend the life of legacy networks while adding new internet-like applications.
Comments
“General Dynamics Canada worked closely with the Emiraje systems network design team to ensure that the TMR was able to address the most extreme requirements including some of the harshest, most challenging and remote environments that are open to network disruption,” said David Ibbetson, General Manager of General Dynamics Canada. “With the deployment of the TMR, UAE is adding strategic capability that ensures their soldiers have access to the type of reliable, continuous and ubiquitous Internet-like communication in the battlefield that we all have become accustomed to in our daily lives”.
The Context
Emirates Command and Control System (ECCS) is a major Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Program, which will federate, integrate, coordinate and maximize the combined efficiency of the UAE Armed Forces assets.
As prime contractor of ECCS, Emiraje Systems carries out in Abu Dhabi all system design and system integration activities, as well as the development of critical components. the Company also drives the solid industrial organization it has built, based on worldwide defence suppliers and subcontractors from Spain, France, UK, Canada, UAE and Switzerland. ECCS also represents a new model of industrial cooperation. Emiraje Systemshas been established in 2009 as a strategic Joint Venture between C4 Advanced Solutions (C4AS), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Emirates Advanced Investments group (EAI), and Cassidian (the former EADS Defence & Security).
References: General Dynamics (1,2), Security News Desk (3)
January 30, 2012
Contract Award: General Dynamics to provide additional Mission Planning Systems for U.S. Navy aircrafts
News Report
As announced by U.S. DoD, General Dynamics was recently awarded a $20,585,146 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract to exercise an option for the full-rate production of 80 Type 3 Advanced Mission Computers (AMC) for the U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and E/A-18G aircraft.
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
The Technology
General Dynamics' Advanced Mission Computer is the nerve center of the Super Hornet, providing situational awareness and combat systems control to the flight crew. A ruggedized, high-performance/high-reliability integrated information processing and mission & display-processing system, the AMC relies on a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS), open systems architecture. It performs general purpose, input/output, video, voice and graphics processing and is designed to operate reliably in the extreme environmental conditions of today’s high-performance fighter aircraft. The AMC is also able to process the high-speed data flows from the latest in sensor technology, and it communicates with aircraft systems over several databuses, including MIL-STD-1553, fibre optic Fibre Channel, and Local PCI.
The Context
General Dynamics has been delivering AMCs for the F/A-18 since 2002. Since then, the nature of the work on this program has expanded from production for newly produced aircraft to include supplying Navy efforts to retrofit operational aircraft.
A $30.6 million contract was awarded to General Dynamics on March 2010 for the production of 118 Type-3 AMS for the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircrafts.
In the meantime, on November 2011 the U.S. Navy selected Boeing to jointly develop a new Type 4 Advanced Mission Computer (AMC) system for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. The Type 4 AMC system will offer improved aircraft performance and image and mission-processing functions, and is scheduled to replace the existing Type 3 AMC. The new system will better position the war-fighters for future U.S. Navy Flightplan capability upgrades, i.e. technology insertion plan to ensure the modernisation of the aircraft ahead of future threats.
References: U.S. DoD (1), General Dynamics (2), Naval Technology (3), Avionics Intelligence (4)
January 24, 2012
General Dynamics' JTRS Rifleman Radio and GD300 Wearable Computer in support of U.S. Special Operations Units in Afghanistan
News Report
As reported in a recent press release, the General Dynamics C4 Systems' JTRS HMS Rifleman Radio and the General Dynamics' Itronix GD300 wearable computer deployed this month to Afghanistan with elements of the 75th Ranger Regiment. The 75th Ranger Regiment is a rapidly deployable strike force, the largest special operations combat element in the U.S. Army. The 75th Ranger Regiment has been continuously deployed in support of the War on Terror since October 2001.
The Rangers are equipped with the Rifleman Radio for intra-squad communications and with the GD300, running the Tactical Ground Reporting (TIGR) tactical ‘app,’ to send text messages, situation reports and other information to individual solders. Feedback from planned operational assessments will be used to inform the future fielding of the Rifleman Radio to the U.S. Army as a whole.
The JTRS HMS program office and the Ranger Regiment decided to conduct the operational assessment following three separate successful evaluations in 2011. The Rifleman Radio is part of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) radio family.
The Technology
General Dynamics' AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio delivers networking connectivity to the frontline soldier in a low-cost, lightweight, ruggedized, body worn device. Designed to bring secure inter-squad communications to any warfighter on the tactical edge of the battlefield, this radio also enables Team and Squad Leaders to track individual soldier GPS locations.
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| General Dynamics' AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio |
The Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), in particular, represents a networking waveform capable to perform in a complex military environment, in the presence of adversarial threats, and providing a secure high-bandwidth communications link specifically designed for equipments that are small, light, don’t consume much power and use low-profile antennas.
By employing a National Security Agency Type 2 certification, the Rifleman Radio can offer controlled but unclassified communications a Soldier can employ without requiring security clearances. This solves one radio problem for infantry units, which are comprised mostly of troops who are not cleared. The NSA Type 2 encryption bars classified information from being passed during transmissions and makes secure information more difficult for enemies to intercept.
The AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio is part of the JTRS Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit, or simply JTRS HMS, family of radios. JTRS HMS is a materiel solution meeting the requirements to support U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy communication needs. In June 2011, the JTRS HMS program achieved a Milestone C decision, enabling the Low Rate Initial Production of 6,250 AN/PRC-154 Rifleman and 100 AN/PRC-155 Manpack radios.
General Dynamics Itronix’s Android-based GD300 Rugged Wearable Computer operates like an ultra-sensitive commercial GPS unit or, with the click of a cable, interfaces with tactical radios like the Rifleman Radio (AN/PRC-154) for secure access to the tactical network.
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| General Dynamics Itronix’s GD300 Rugged Wearable Computer |
TIGR is an information-centric application that provides data collection and reporting capabilities to army users, enabling company and platoon-level knowledge sharing. TIGR provides a map-based user interface enhanced for military application and supports multi-media and GPS input as well as distributed search and caching capability. Designed to provide high availability, TIGR is resilient to network disconnects and operates seamlessly through periods of network outage. The highly intuitive visualizations allow soldiers to quickly review all available intelligence including places, events, people, and objects for efficient and timely battlefield awareness and increased combat effectiveness.
Comments
“This capability provides unprecedented communication and situational awareness that changes how soldiers fight,” said Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communications for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “The JTRS HMS Rifleman Radio is ready for combat and could reduce the military’s dependence on interim radio solutions that are unable to deliver anything like this.”
References: General Dynamics (1,2,3), C4I Technology News (4)
January 18, 2012
General Dynamics' TACLANE-C100 supports U.S. NSA's cryptographic modernization program
News Report
As announced in a recent press release, General Dynamics' C4 Systems’ TACLANE®-C100 encryptor has been certified by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) as a Suite B device to secure network communications at the Secret level and below. The certification makes the C100 a non-Controlled Cryptographic Item (CCI), enabling users to operate the encryptor in environments where there is a high risk of equipment loss.
The TACLANE-C100, as a NSA Cryptographic High Value Product, non-CCI device, is part of the U.S. government’s new ‘leave-behind’ strategy that also enables interoperability among U.S. government, military and NATO networks as well as private industry responsible for securing the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The Technology
The TACLANE®-C100 Encryptor provides users with a non-CCI solution to protect information classified Secret and below for both strategic and tactical environments. The C100 is ideal for use in high risk scenarios, government releasability and leave behind strategies, federal and civilian applications, and organizations responsible for securing the nation’s critical infrastructure.
The Context
On June 2010 General Dynamics received an $8 million contract from the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) to develop a NSA Suite B certified encryptor that enables government users to securely share data and information and can be left behind in the event of emergency evacuations.
The encryptor, called the High Assurance Internet Protocol (HAIPE) Interoperability Standard (IS) Version 4 compliant TACLANE-C100 In-Line Network Encryptor (INE), is part of the NSA’s cryptographic modernization program intended to transform information assurance capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense.
The TACLANE-C100 encryptor is the first in a line of General Dynamics Cryptographic High Value Products (CHVP) that ease restrictions on transportation and storage of strictly controlled encryption devices. Currently, only personnel with security clearances may operate encryptors. In addition, the encryptor secures classified information to the Secret level and below, enabling government users to securely share data and information with international coalition partners as well as state and local law enforcement and emergency first responders.
Comments
“Equipment certified as CCI has very specific handling and logistics requirements that can be time-consuming and costly to follow. As a non-CCI encryptor, TACLANE-C100 users can focus on the mission rather than equipment handling and accounting procedures,” said Mike Guzelian, vice president of Secure Voice and Data Products for General Dynamics C4 Systems.
References: General Dynamics (1,2,3)
December 15, 2011
U.S. Army completes key operational tests of General Dynamics' Rifleman Radio
News Report
We have already highlighted the importance of U.S. Army's Network Integration Evaluations (NIEs) as an effective process to integrate and mature the U.S. Army’s tactical network, as well as to evaluate deliberate and rapid acquisition solutions (NIE has been selected as one of the key C4I trends of the last months).
In such context, we report a recent press release from General Dynamics which announces that the JTRS HMS AN/PRC-154 Rifleman radio completed its Initial Operational Test and Evaluation during the U.S. Army’s recently concluded NIE 12.1 at Fort Bliss, Texas. Members of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division (2/1 AD) evaluated the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman radio in a variety of tactical exercises that included convoy operations, reconnaissance, counterinsurgency and medical evacuation missions.
The Rifleman radio, one of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) family of radios, is the first JTRS radio to use the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) to enable secure networked communications among platoon, squad and team-level soldiers and their leaders. The Initial Operational Test and Evaluation is the last formal test required by the military before the radios enter full-rate production.
During the NIE exercise, soldiers used the radios in conjunction with handheld devices running Joint Battle Command-Platform software, i.e. the future version of the U.S. Army's friendly force tracking and messaging system, which also allows users to plot hazards and enemy locations on a digital map. Plugged into the Rifleman Radio, these devices provided mission command and situational awareness information down to soldiers at the tactical edge.
During the test, the Army captured data on the radio's performance in two ways: through instrumentation on the systems themselves, and through human data collectors who accompanied soldiers throughout their missions. U.S. Army will evaluate those test results during the coming months, as it finalizes the makeup of its network Capability Set 13, which will begin fielding to up to eight brigade combat teams in fiscal year 2013.
The System
General Dynamics' Rifleman Radio delivers networking connectivity to the frontline soldier in a lightweight, ruggedized, body worn device. The radio transmits voice and data simultaneously utilizing the Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW), which operates in the 1.755-1.850 GHZ frequency range and supports digital 16 KBPS voice and data at 1 MBPS.
SRW represents a networking waveform capable to perform in a complex military environment, in the presence of adversarial threats, and providing a secure high-bandwidth communications link specifically designed for platforms that are small, light, don’t consume much power and use low-profile antennas.
The AN/PRC-154 is body worn, minimizing the warfighter’s combat load while increasing functionality. Designed to bring secure (Type 2) inter-squad communications to any warfighter on the tactical edge of the battlefield, this radio also enables Team and Squad Leaders to track individual soldier GPS locations. This radio connects every warfighter to the combat network, emphasizing safety and enabling enhanced situational awareness and better decisions at the very edge of the battlefield.
The software-programmable AN/PRC-154 radios, which can use encryption to safeguard information, are built to send Internet Protocol packets of data, voice, video and images via multiple waveforms between static command centers, vehicles on the move, and dismounted individual soldiers on patrol. The JTRS waveforms, SRW and the Wideband Networking Waveform, known as WNW, are integrated with the satellite communications backbone of the Army network, Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, or WIN-T, to transmit that information on the upper tactical internet.
The Context
The Rifleman Radio is part of the JTRS Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit, or simply JTRS HMS, family of radios.
JTRS HMS is a materiel solution meeting the requirements to support U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy communication needs.
In June 2011, the JTRS HMS program achieved a Milestone C decision, enabling the Low Rate Initial Production of 6,250 AN/PRC-154 Rifleman and 100 AN/PRC-155 Manpack radios. JTRS HMS radios take full advantage of the government’s library of waveforms, including the Soldier Radio Waveform, and in the future, the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) and Wideband Networking Waveform (WNW) critical to communicating on the U.S. Army’s emerging tactical communications network.
The Embedded Small Form Fit versions of HMS will be used for Joint Service Ground Sensor Networks, Intelligent Munitions deployment and usage, Unmanned Vehicles and other platform applications, including support for the Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team technical performance and integration.
General Dynamics C4 Systems is prime contractor for the JTRS HMS program. The JTRS HMS team includes BAE Systems, Rockwell Collins, and Thales Communications.
The results of the tests on the Rifleman Radio should now dissolve the questions of a possible affect of the JTRS GMR program termination on the JTRS HMS program. As already discussed, large cost overruns and numerous schedule delays forced the U.S. Army to cancel the JTRS Ground Mobile Radio system. The GMR program has been terminated on last October in line with the Nunn-McCurdy statute, which calls for a program's termination once unit-procurement costs exceed the original estimate by 25 percent unless it is deemed essential to national security.
Comments
“We’re getting great feedback from soldiers who prefer the Rifleman radio, rather than lugging bulky wideband handheld radios that require extra batteries,” said Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communications for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “With the Rifleman Radio, soldiers can connect their cell phone or computer and join the network—anywhere they fight.”
"I use it for overall command and control because it builds a network that allows me to talk to my subordinate elements," said Capt. Ryan McNally, company commander with the 2/1 AD. "It's the first time I've actually had radios down at the squad level. So my dismounted riflemen, they all have the radio as well. It allows them to talk to their team leaders when they're spread out, and also allows them to talk to the squad leader."
"No matter what kind of organization you're running, if you have dismounts who are going to be on the ground you like to be able to see where your personnel are," said 2nd Lt. Travis V. Mount, 2/1 AD platoon leader, speaking about the capability of the Rifleman Radio to show the positions of his troops, which allowed him to save time by immediately adapting and executing his plans rather than tracking down personnel first. "If all I need is information on their position, I don't have to go through an intermediary. I can on the spot adapt my plan."
"Instead of having to go to the tactical operations center at the end of the day to download the information on the events and observations, I can either (do it in) real time or when I have a lull in the mission," Mount said. "I can just plug it in right there."
Further Readings
- Joint Tactical Radio System HMS (pdf)
References: General Dynamics (1,2), JITC (3), Defense Systems (4), DVIDS (5), JPEOJTRS(6)
December 13, 2011
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)
November 3, 2011
Discussing the JTRS GMR "graceful termination"
Here in this blog we already discussed about the JTRS GMR program termination (look here). As previously stated, the JTRS program has been beset by delays and cost overruns. Problems included a decentralized management structure, changing requirements, and unexpected technical difficulties that increased size and weight goals that made it harder to add the required waveforms.
Large cost overruns and numerous schedule delays forced the US Army's hand in canceling the JTRS Ground Mobile Radio system. The program has been canceled in line with the Nunn-McCurdy statute, which calls for a program's termination once unit-procurement costs exceed the original estimate by 25 percent unless it is deemed essential to national security.
The US Army now plans to conduct a full and open competition early next year for a lower-cost alternative, said Major Christopher Kasker, a US Army spokesman. US Army spokesmans also reiterated that the backbone of the Army's networking strategy will be the waveforms and not the specific hardware transmitting them.
In the recent days, a couple of interesting posts appeared on the blog of CJ Components (one and two), where David Howe provides additional insights on the fate of the program.
I have been following the JTRS Radio project for years. One time down at a Reality of Radio course at AFCEA I had the chance to see a real-time simulation of the JTRS network in action. At the time they were running a maximum of about 30 nodes. JTRS had been a project of about 15 years and was still short of network goals. The question I had, which I guess has been the question since inception of the project, was "Can the full network requirement of JTRS be met"?
Speaking before the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, U.S. House of Representatives Armed Services Committee on Oct. 26, 2011, Lt. Gen. William Phillips, principal military deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology was asked about the cancellation of that program. "The Ground Mobile Radio went through a rigorous comprehensive review between the Army and the Secretary of Defense,” he explained. “That took about 60 days of intensive review of the program itself. Up front I will state that the GMR program itself is critical to the Army’s network strategy,” he said. “We must have a GMR radio that will run the Wideband Networking Waveform and the Soldier Radio Waveform – that’s absolutely critical. So when we say ‘termination,’ I’ll use these words: It’s a ‘graceful termination.’ The current contract is with Boeing. We are going to let that contract expire in March of ’12. And it will terminate on its own. We are not going to renew the contract.”
“Sir, at the end of the day this is positive for us,” he stated. “We will get this radio quicker. It will be at a lower cost than what the formal program would have delivered. And we will get it in what we call ‘Capability Set ‘13 – ’14’, so eight brigades that will deploy into combat operations will have a GMR radio running those two waveforms.”
A new RFP will be forthcoming for a 2-channel radio and the concept of putting the solution in the lap of industry will begin.
As the termination of the JTRS GMR was announced just a couple of days ago, the question of a possible affect on the JTRS HMS (Handheld Manpack Small Form Factor) naturally arose. I was in a meeting down at AUSA with the U.S. Army discussing desired tactical headsets and military handsets to be used with the PRC-154 and PRC-155 Rifleman Radios. I think this case is a bit different than the JTRS GMR, as GD has an award and is providing HMS radios to the Army. Yet, as with the JTRS GMR, could there be a similar move to transfer funding from public to industry?
Army leaders have testified before Congress about the importance of building a secure integrated network that connects soldiers on the battlefield, the letter states, noting that JTRS HMS radios connect the soldier to the network and WIN-T is the broadband wide-area transport of information to the network. “Without the JTRS HMS and WIN-T programs, there is no network modernization for our soldiers,” states the letter, which urges House appropriators to remain supportive of fully funding the efforts during the conference process.
References: CJ Components (1,2)
November 2, 2011
NGEN Update: less than five potential bidders will compete on price
The Context
Here in this blog we already discussed about the draft request for proposal that was issued by US Navy under the Next Generation Enterprise Network program (NGEN), i.e. the follow-on to the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI), the US Department of Navy’s current shore-based network and operating environment. NGEN will supply a secure information technology infrastructure for the continental United States and select locations overseas.
NGEN is aimed at delivering information transport services and provide access to core enterprise applications for the warfighter and those who support them. NGEN provides the foundation for the US Department of Navy’s future Naval Networking Environment, which is envisioned to be a fully integrated enterprise-wide networking environment where data and services are ubiquitously available to Department of Navy users.
The US Navy had already spent more that $430 million on NGEN. The whole program was expected to cost $50 billion through 2025.
News Report
As reported by GovconWire and other news sources, the US Navy will use price as its standard when it awards the Next-Generation Enterprise Network contract, according to Capt. Shawn Hendricks, manager of the Naval Enterprise Networks Program Office. At a industry briefing Friday, Hendricks said the network will likely cost $10 billion over five years, double what the Navy spent on its previous large network contract, the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (originally awarded to EDS, now HP, in 2000).
Hendricks described NGEN as the largest federal IT contract that he is aware of today, designed to provide commercial applications and network connections to more than 400,000 computers and more than 750,000 Navy and Marine end users. The NGEN contractor will provide data centers and base and local area networks, but not long-distance networks, which the Defense Information Systems Agency will provide.
Based on responses from industry to date on draft proposal requests, Hendricks said, there are fewer than five potential bidders that can meet the criteria set out in those drafts.
Unlike NMCI, which is operated by a single contractor — Hewlett-Packard — NGEN management will likely be divided among several different organizations, including the US Navy. After completion, NGEN will give increased network command and control responsibilities to US Navy and Marine users. “The Navy has wanted to take back ownership of the network and has certainly wanted to exercise more direct control of the operation of the network than did in NMCI,” said Pat Tracey, vice president of defense industry development at HP Enterprise Services.
The US Navy’s segmented approach to NGEN, in addition to the project’s massive size and scope, has led to the creation of several contractor teams, including an alliance led by HP, which is bidding on individual NGEN aspects, such as hardware, software, network transport services, enterprise services and security operations. Other project bidders include Accenture, Computer Sciences Corp., General Dynamics, Harris, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
A final request for proposals is due Dec. 21, 2011 with the contract to be awarded in December 2012. The network must be ready for operation April 30, 2014, when the NMCI contract ends (the Navy Marine Corps Intranet)
References: GovconWire (1), NextGov (2), DefenseSystems.com (3)
October 20, 2011
Get Ready for Shopping Season
A new product portfolio has been issued by US Army's Program Executive Office Soldier (PEO Soldier), which provides detailed information concerning over 450 pieces of equipment available or planned for US Soldiers to ensure them remain a decisive and dominant force across the full spectrum of military operations.
For the first time since the Portfolio’s initial release in 2003, PEO Soldier post the 2012 Portfolio as an online application in lieu of a printed volume. This venue provides a more immersive experience for the reader. The new format represents an initiative to increase efficiencies while reducing the impact traditional printing has on the environment.
The Context
PEO Soldier was created by the US Army with one primary purpose: to develop the best equipment and field it as quickly as possible so that US Soldiers remain second to none in missions that span the full spectrum of military operations.
As recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have vividly demonstrated, getting the right equipment to military men and women is absolutely critical. By viewing the Soldier as part of an integrated system, PEO Soldier ensures that the US Soldier and everything he or she wears or carries works together as an integrated system. The result is an overall systematic design that benefits Soldiers by enhancing their ability to accomplish individual and collective tasks, improving quality of life, building confidence, and saving lives. In this respect, PEO Soldier is at the vanguard of US Army transformation.
Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, PEO Soldier designs, develops, procures, fields, and sustains virtually everything US Soldier wear or carry. By employing innovative concepts and technologies, PEO Soldier has made great strides in quickly getting improved equipment into the hands of US Soldiers when and where they need it.
C4I Technologies
Among the multiple products illustrated in the portfolio, the Electronic Data Manager (EDM) is a light, portable touch-screen computer in the form of a kneeboard that provides the aviator with global positioning system (GPS) moving map capabilities, sunlight readability, and the ability to use Windowsbased software. It is provided by Raytheon and Secure Communication Systems.
 |
| Electronic Data Manager (EDM) |
The Nett Warrior is an integrated dismounted leader situational awareness system for use during combat operations. The system provides situational awareness to the dismounted leader, allowing for faster and more accurate decisions in the tactical fight. With advanced navigation, situational awareness, and information sharing capabilities, leaders are able to avoid fratricide and are more effective and more lethal in the execution of their combat missions. It is provided by General Dynamics, Raytheon, and Rockwell Collins.
 |
| Nett Warrior |
References: PEO Soldier (1,2)
October 17, 2011
Contract Award: General Dynamics to provide information assurance and cyber security services to US Defense Intelligence Agency
News Report
As announced in a recent press release, General Dynamics has been awarded an $86 million task order to provide information assurance and cyber security services to US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in the U.S. and worldwide. The single-award task order, competed under the Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise (SITE) contract, will extend to May 2016 if all options are exercised.
Through the contract, General Dynamics will provide services to ensure the security, authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of the DIA’s information, as well as computer network defense of the DIA’s enterprise-level assets, networks, security domains and data resources globally.
The Context
General Dynamics currently operates approximately 20 security operations centers (SOCs) and 15 critical incident response teams. General Dynamics sustains also the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s SOC, providing around the clock support to ensure network and information security for more than 70,000 users. The SOC processes tens of millions of events per month, cutting through the noise to identify and handle hundreds of actionable incidents.
In April 2011, General Dynamics Information Technology became the first Healthcare Application Service Provider hosting environment to receive Common Security Framework (CSF) Certified status from the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST). The achievement follows a three-week audit of the processes and procedures. HITRUST established the CSF to be used by organizations that create, access, store or exchange personal health and financial information. The CSF is an information security framework that integrates the requirements of existing government and third party standards and regulations. This certified framework provides organizations with the needed structure, detail and clarity relating to information security tailored to the healthcare industry.
General Dynamics was selected by the Defense Intelligence Agency for the Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise (SITE) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract in May 2010. General Dynamics plans to hire 80 employees to support this contract. The work will be performed in the Washington, D.C., area and at U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands worldwide.
Comments
“General Dynamics will provide the highest level of information assurance and cyber security support to DIA’s enterprise, networks and security domains,” said Thomas Kirchmaier, senior vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Information Technology’s Intelligence Solutions Division. “Our cadre of cyber professionals has over 40 years of experience supporting the DIA worldwide and will provide unparalleled service.”
“This contract enables General Dynamics to continue providing exceptional and responsive services in safeguarding critical DIA and Department of Defense networks and information systems,” said Ron Ehrenfeld, vice president and general manager of the Defense Agencies Sector of General Dynamics Information Technology’s Intelligence Solutions Division.
References: General Dynamics (1,2)
October 6, 2011
Contract Award: General Dynamics to enhance and maintain US Command Post Of the Future (CPOF)
References: US DoD (1), General Dynamics (2,3)
News Report
As announced in the US DoD Contracts Bulletin, General Dynamics was awarded a $78,000,000 contract for the procurement of software development and software maintenance efforts for the Command Post of the Future System. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command is the contracting activity.
The System
The Command Post of the Future (CPOF) is an executive level decision support system providing situational awareness and collaborative tools to support decision making. This tool suite is built using General Dynamics C4 Systems CoMotion® technology. CoMotion supports visualization, information analysis, and collaboration, in a single, integrated environment that ultimately helps commanders and decision makers analyze information, share thoughts, and evaluate courses of action.
CPOF supports commanders with three key capabilities:
- 2D and 3D information visualization
- Information Liquidity: drag and drop information analysis across visualization products
- Topsight: visibility of evolving understanding among distributed subordinates and team members
These three areas are highly integrated in a single system to enable the commander and his staff to see information, interact with it (to understand it and create new information), and to selectively and dynamically share their evolving understanding of it for analysis, planning, and execution.
CPOF's greatest strength is it’s easy-to-use collaborative environment. In other automated command and control systems, collaborative tools are often an add-on or a specific application that must be engaged. In other cases, existing systems are forced to use various messaging formats or database transfer procedures. These information exchange techniques place a significant burden on the user to actually initiate the transfer and identify all addressees. CPOF’s basic environment is collaborative from the moment the system is turned on. All one has to do is drag and drop a visualization product into the “Shared Products” region, and it is instantly shared withall registered users. CPOF operators do not have to acquire an extensive repertoire of hot key and other commands to operate the system.
CPOF users at any level can assemble workspaces out of smaller tool-and-appliance primitives, allowing members of a collaborating group to organize their workflows according to their needs, without affecting or disrupting the views of other users. CPOF's Tool-and-appliance primitives are designed to let users to create quick, throw-away mini-applications to meet their needs in-situ, supporting on-the-fly uses of the software that no developer or designer could have anticipated.
CPOF users at any level can assemble workspaces out of smaller tool-and-appliance primitives, allowing members of a collaborating group to organize their workflows according to their needs, without affecting or disrupting the views of other users. CPOF's Tool-and-appliance primitives are designed to let users to create quick, throw-away mini-applications to meet their needs in-situ, supporting on-the-fly uses of the software that no developer or designer could have anticipated.
The Context
Originally a DARPA technology demonstration, in 2006 CPOF became a US Army Program of Record. The prime contractor on the CPOF program is General Dynamics C4 Systems, which purchased the original developer of the software in 2005.
CPOF is used 24/7 in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom as a Key C2 System by Army and Marine Corps units. Over 3,000 systems have been fielded and over 1,200 systems are currently deployed from Corps to Battalion.
Further Readings
- CPOF datasheet (pdf)
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