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home > May/June 2007 issue > article
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| “IP is critical to achieving secure end-to-end interoperability with joint forces.” – Maj. Gen. Charles A. Cartwright |
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IP key to FCS vision
By Maj. Gen. Charles A. Cartwright
Special to Defense Systems
The use of IP-based technology is proving to be a distinct advantage in the development of Future Combat Systems applications. A case in point is the FCS Brigade Combat Team.
The FCS Brigade Combat Team consists of a variety of manned and unmanned vehicles, sensors, launch systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. All of these systems are connected — to one another and soldiers — by a mobile, ad hoc IP-based communications network. This network enables soldiers to perceive, comprehend, shape and dominate the future battlefield in unprecedented ways.
The FCS network is an integrated network that has five layers: standards, transport, services, applications and sensors. These five layers synergistically interact to enable warfighters to see first, understand first, act first and finish decisively. The foundation of those layers is the standards layer. It governs IP implementation in the FCS Integrated Network. IP is becoming the foundation of interoperability across the Defense Department. It enables the connection of people and systems, independent of time and location. Today, sensors, platforms, weapons and units are all being built as IP-based net-ready nodes.
IP is critical to achieving secure end-to-end interoperability with joint forces. IP is also critical to meeting DOD’s vision of network-centric operations across the Global Information Grid — from factory to foxhole.
The transport layer is the primary driver of the IP standard. The transport layer has several homogenous IP-based communications systems, such as the Joint Tactical Radio System (including both the Ground Mobile Radio and the JTRS Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fits, both with software-programmable waveforms); Network Data Link; and Warfighter Information Network-Tactical. These IP-based systems provide a seamless convergence layer for all applications and networks, and they address the shortfalls resident in the Army’s non-IP-based systems.
Long before the FCS family of vehicles, sensors and associated software are deployed, network components are being integrated and tested. Today, that integration and testing takes place simultaneously because of the use of IP. Industry and government labs and combat-experienced troops can all be linked for real-time transmission of simulation and test data across geographically dispersed sites.
This collaboration provides early feedback into the system-of-systems development, integration and verification process. It also provides the ability to identify and prioritize any necessary refinements early in the development process. This process will result in an accelerated deployment of FCS capabilities to the Army and its soldiers.
FCS remains the largest and most important Army modernization program. FCS uses commercial technologies and standards, including IP-based networking, to provide a much better means to develop and deploy technologies and capabilities for service members. Moreover, this IP-based network provides troops with the ability to share knowledge on a secure and dependable global network for superior decision-making and effective operations.
Cartwright is program manager of the Future Combat Systems program(Brigade Combat Team).
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