Real-Time Adaptability to the Dynamic Tactical Network

In Phase II, the focus is select real world scenarios to demonstrate an actual implementation and to evaluate the performance of the proposed dynamic networking. Avtec will focus on the following Time Sensitive/Time Critical wide bandwidth applications:Link 16 Enhanced RELNAV Targeting in GPS denied Environments, and Advanced Tactical Targeting Technology (AT3). Avtec is currently involved in the development of these Link-16 applications.Avtec will develop the dynamic networking process, signaling, and messages to support the proposed applications. We will identify the Initial Network configurations most likely deployed and develop a possible Network Configuration option pool for theseapplications. The signaling and messaging for the network reconfiguration, and the selection and training of a neural net based Automated Network System (ANS) will be the two primary technical tasks of Phase II.Avtec will define Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) for Dynamic Networking benchmarking purposes. QoS performance factors such as reallocation delay, network integrity, reliability, messaging overhead, and impact on remaining network will be considered.A Proof of Concept (POC) laboratory demonstration utilizing PC hosts and Link 16 terminals will be designed and developed. Optionally, Avtec will perform a series of QoS tests on the POC hardware with the MOEs for evaluation. The improved bandwidth utilization for temporary high bandwidth signaling will potentially support a number of applications such as: Organic Navigation for precise munitions guidance in GPS denied target areas, Advanced Tactical Targeting Technologiesthat support multiplatform sensor integration for the geolocation of threat emitters, Mission profile updating such as envisioned for the Weapons Systems Open Architecture (WSOA), and Precision Munitions target updates for Time Sensitive targets which mayhave moved since being launched.Another application area may be in multimedia distribution over Link 16. There have already been demonstrations of sensor imaging being transmitted over Link 16 using enhanced throughput modes. Other applications may involve downloading recent images ofa target area to the strike force. This is a proposed feature of WSOA, which utilizes CORBA over Link 16 to support updating Time Critical mission data, and asset retasking with recently identified high priority targets. The capability of dynamicallyallocating resources could provide the mechanism necessary to make these applications viable in the field. These applications also support the Net Centric warfare concept where increasing amounts of information and data get distributed across a variety ofnetworks to enhance the warfighter's situational awareness.