Platforms and Hardware Support

Army, Oct 2004

The Army Airborne Command and Control System (A^sup 2^C^sup 2^S) provides the maneuver commander and his staff with a highly mobile, self-contained and reliable airborne digital command post. This highly mobile system allows the commanders of the units of employment and units of action to maintain situational awareness (SA) and exercise command and control (C^sup 2^), either from a temporary remote site or while moving through the battlespace. The Army's current utility helicopter, the UH-60L Black Hawk (and newer models), will host the A^sup 2^C^sup 2^S. This battle command system will consist of two components: an A-kit and a B-kit. The A-kit is permanently affixed to the airframe and consists of the antennas, wiring and aircraft interfaces (power, structural and more) to enable the B-kit to be installed in the host platform. The B-kit consists of operator positions/ workstations, computer systems and necessary communications devices to host and support the digital C^sup 2^ process.

Subcomponents of the B-kit include the maneuver commander's environment (MCE) and an integrated suite of radio communications equipment. The MCE are those components that the system operators physically interact with during mission execution. The multiprocessor unit (MPU), part of the MCE, is where the A^sup 2^C^sup 2^S will host selected ABCS software programs including MCS, ASAS, AFATDS, FBCB^sup 2^, AMDWS, BCS^sup 3^, GCCS-A and other software applications. These software programs will provide crucial battlefield information, allowing commanders to make sound and timely decisions and take decisive action.

The Mounted Battle Command on the Move (MBCOTM) provides the unit of action and unit of employment maneuver commander and his staff with a highly mobile, self-contained and reliable combat vehicle-based digital command post. The MBCOTM mission equipment platform consists of a suite of communication and digital equipment/software integrated on a combat platform to enable commanders to influence the battle while maneuvering across the battlefield. The MBCOTM provides the maneuver commander situational awareness and a common operational picture, which allows the commander to maintain situational understanding while moving and physically separated from a fixed command post. This battle command system will consist of two components: an A-kit and a B-kit. The A-kit, permanently affixed to the vehicle, consists of the antennas, wiring, and vehicle interfaces (power, structural and more) to enable installation of the B-kit in the host platform. The B-kit consists of operator positions/workstations, computer systems and necessary communications devices to host and support the digital C^sup 2^ process. A principal subcomponent of the B-kit is a multiprocessor computer unit (MPU). The MPU will host selected ABCS software programs including MCS, ASAS, AFATDS, FBCB^sup 2^, AMDWS, GCCS-A and other software applications. These software programs will provide crucial battlefield information to commanders. The MBCOTM program will integrate this capability into three combat vehicle types: Bradley (all variants), Stryker Command Variant (CV) and Humvee.

The Standardized Integrated Command Post System (SICPS) program integrates Army battle command systems (ABCS), global combat support systemArmy (GCSS-A), tactical communication systems, intercoms, large-scale video displays and local area networks (LANs) into standard Army command post platforms (vehicles, shelters and tents). It is primarily a nondevelopmental effort that integrates state-of-the-art government off-the-shelf (GOTS) and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment into tactically mobile platforms that support the operational needs of the Current Force and the new Stryker brigade combat teams now being fielded, and it has direct applicability to the Future Force. The key to the system is the capability to host multiple ABCS battlefield operating systems, GCSS-A, and other supporting applications with an integrated LAN on one command post platform (CPP) that can be combined with other CPPs to form a larger command post (CP). A large-scale display (LSD) and its associated video controller supports enhanced collaborative staff functions and provides the common operational picture. The CPP is modular and reconfigurable to support the specific requirements of the unit's mission and echelon of command. The SICPS family of tents will be a series of quickly erectable tents designed to be used either in a stand-alone mode or connected to other SICPS tents and/or CPPs. The SICPS program also includes a company-level command shelter (CLCS) that provides an integrated command post shelter with C^sup 2^ equipment and tactical radios for Stryker brigade combat team-reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) troops.

The Common Hardware Systems (CHS) Program procures and provides standard common hardware and software to the Army battle command system (ABCS) battlefield functional area (BFA) programs for use in their system development and fielding. The product manager (PM) develops and acquires the common products that will provide the Army with battle command automatic data processing and networking capabilities designed to improve the effectiveness of the ABCS and Force XXI tactical operations centers (TOCs) in support of Army Transformation. The PM also provides these products to other Department of Defense (DoD) organizations when required. In addition, the PM manages the design, development, analysis, production and engineering efforts for these products to ensure that they meet their stated requirements and program objectives. The CHS program includes a wide range of commercial and rugged computers, from handheld devices and lightweight computers to high-end workstations and servers. These are complemented by a wide variety of networking devices and peripherals, including many types of storage devices, printers, displays, tactical secure fax, communications devices, modular tiled display (MTD) systems, installation kits, operational transit cases, cables and more. These products have been designed, field tested and environmentally qualified for use in wheel and track vehicles, shelters and tents. The contractor provides worldwide repair and maintenance and logistics support through strategically located regional support centers (RSCs) and CHS repair centers (CRCs) established to meet the needs of tactical military units. Procured nondevelopmental item (NDI) computers include a compact computer unit (CCU), versatile computer unit (VCU), rugged handheld computer (RHC), color flat panel displays and notebook computer unit-rugged and fully rugged (NCU-R and NCU-FR). All but the RHC and NCU-R and NCU-FR will be provided as a Vl version similar to commercial models or as a ruggedized V2 version. Commercial Vl and ruggedized networking equipment (switches, routers, and hubs) are also available through CHS. Procured commercial software includes operating systems, graphics, database management systems, word processing, spreadsheets, communications, training and maintenance diagnostic programs. Also included are commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software programming support environment, programmatic support, maintenance, time and materials for technical assistance and support services and training.