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The
DCGS mission is to collect and process vast amounts of intelligence
and imagery from manned and unmanned reconnaissance sources.
The U.S. Air Force has deployed a new intelligence
sharing capability offering commanders and analysts at different
locations an immediate access to each other's intelligence imagery
and services, utilizing the recently fielded Distributed Common
Ground System (DCGS) Integration Backbone (DIB) provided by
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT). By connecting three independent
and autonomous intelligence databases, located at Langley Air
Force Base in Virginia, Beale Air Force Base in California,
and a forward location in Europe, DIB enabled qualified users
operating DGCS an access to imagery and intelligence libraries
in real-time, at other Air Force sites as well as other agencies.
According to Colonel Alan Tucker, Commander, 950th Electronic
Systems Group, Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom AFB, follow-on
expansion of DIB will create a worldwide intelligence sharing
enterprise, providing users with access to information portals
offering immediate access to more than 80 percent of the imagery
produced.
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| Prior to the development
of the DIB, intelligence analysts had to visit multiple collection
sources to locate the data needed. By incorporating a set of
common interface standards and a Service-Oriented Architecture
(SOA), the DIB connects disparate locations and allows analysts
with the appropriate security clearance to access a multitude
of intelligence sources. Being SOA-based also facilitates the
interface with other SOA-based systems and assures the continuous
evolution of a web of capabilities.
Currently deployed DCGS version 10.2 was fielded
with U.S. Air Force elements in USA and Middle East Theater
in 2006. 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.
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