|  Networked
information systems are becoming critical elements for any military
operation. At AUSA 2006, such systems covered different applications,
ranging from integration and control of multiple sensors, fusion
of disparate information sources, to collaboration systems,
bridging distance and time gaps, enabling commanders and staff
to operate cooperatively to plan, support, control and debrief
complex combat operations in real time.
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| Earlier in 2006 the Distributed
Common Ground System version 10.2 (DCGS) was fielded with U.S.
Air Force elements in USA and Middle East Theater. A similar
system is now under development for the U.S. Army. DCGS integrates
multiple ISR sensors and systems across the battlefield, drawing
intelligence data from various sources, and correlates that
data into an integrated picture of the battlespace. The DCGS-A
(Army) will extend this capability to ground elements. It will
be deployed with fixed sites as well as forward, tactical and
deployed forces, including units on-the-move. DCGA-A will integrate
threat, terrain and weather data into comprehensive intelligence
products, utilizing sensors data, intelligence and analyst resources
available in the rear and at the forward area, increasing the
capacity and quality of intelligence products while minimizing
the forward footprint of ISR.
 At
AUSA 2006 Raytheon depicted the newly deployed Persistent
Surveillance and Dissemination of Systems (PSDS2), which
was established to address an urgent requirement for time sensitive
targets engagement capability. The system was developed and
fielded by Raytheon in 110 days. PSDS2 integrates various sensors,
including artillery and mortar spotting radars, acoustic sensors,
aerostat born RAID and PTDS systems and airborne UAVs. Automatic
detection, cross cueing and correlation of sensors and fire
units are employed. PSDS2 facilitates a centralized collection
and storage of imagery and intelligence, supporting near-real-time
and offline forensics and look-back for up to 24 hours.
L3 Communications' Com-Cept Division is offering the Network
Enabled Situational Awareness – Army (NESA2) for the
integration of sensors and ISR resources available at the brigade
level and below. The system networks existing sensors to accelerate
and improve target location. NESA2 links the brigade's organic
sensors such as artillery locating radars, Sentinel air defense
radar, JSTARS ground control segment, Prophet SIGINT system
and Shadow or Warrior UAVs as well as theater assets such as
the Guardrail / ACS. The system will establish a self-forming,
software based sensor to sensor connectivity that will allow
sensors to cross-cue each other, based on a set of rules that
reflect the tactical commanders ISR/Targeting priorities for
the area of operation. The system links to existing Brigade
C4 systems and provides inputs to command other intelligence
and C4 resources such as DCGS-A and Command
Post Of the Future (CPOF).
When networks and automated processes are shaping the situational
picture, where targets must be pursued and engaged rapidly,
identification and tracking of friendly forces becomes a critical
requirement. General Atomics introduced RF
tags, providing reliable combat
identification (CID) of friendly forces, when viewed by
imaging radar
sensors (SAR).
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