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IAI is introducing the Twister, net-centric
command and control system. Twister is designed as a scalable system
to manage multiple missions by joint forces at divisional level and
higher. Twister, co-developed by IAI/MALAT, IAI/MLM and NESS TSG is
designed to assist commanders and their staff in planning, execution
and control of time critical complex missions, by sharing sensors, and
control ad-hoc task-oriented joint forces, effectors and support
elements.
The system can integrate airborne UAVs, airborne, ground or mobile
observation posts, air- and ground-mobile, as well as maritime forces,
to perform complex synchronized missions. Twister operators can tap
into live imagery delivered from imaging and electronic sensors, as
well as radar, air operations picture (AOP), as well as archived data
to deliver actionable intelligence. Utilizing the same net-centric
connectivity, The commander can dynamically allocate these resources
to be shared by all mission participants and target specific forces
and effectors.
To simplify the complex battlespace picture, Twister implements unique
information visualization technologies to support intuitive
situational understanding. The Twister Tactical Situation Display
utilizes three flat-panel displays showing different mission views. A
typical display shows a detailed 2D digital map, presenting the
locations of the task force members, blue forces, and enemy. All
assets associated with the mission are also presented, indicating
progress of execution and critical synchronization data.
A second display focuses on sensor management, showing a large number
of simultaneous real-time video streams and "thumbnails" of other
available sensors which can be tasked to support the mission. Primary
windows are using MPEG 2 compression while multiple thumbnails windows
use MPEG 4. When the mission controller assumes control of specific
sensors he can point them to look at the target of interest and
designate a target of interest for the "lead sensor" which
automatically slaves the other sensors to ensure continuous coverage
from multiple directions. This capability enables the mission
controllers to ensure the continuous coverage while leaving platform
management and control tasks to the individual system operators.
Interpretation of data is immediately dispatched to the relevant users
with annotations, marking and text overlaid on the image or video and
shared through the network.
A third display can be used to create a 3D view of the battlespace.
The system has a unique capability to integrate, correlate and display
real-time image or video stream depicting the sensor's location, line
of sight and footprint in real-time. This representation enables more
intuitive situational understanding, to enable rapid extraction of
target location required for targeting and attack.
Collaboration tools include combined mission awareness picture,
graphical tools and application sharing, and instant messenger. are
utilized for planning and Simulation technology based on the latest
CAE simulation architecture, are inherent with Twister to supports
joint mission training, planning and debriefing, to retain and develop
combat experience and expertise gained by personnel and systems. By
optimal utilization of sensors and efficient assignment of the various
means of engagement the system dramatically cuts Sensor-to-effector
cycles and distributes complete situational understanding among all
mission participants, improving the readiness and rapid response
during joint forces operations. Based on state of the art Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS)
technologies, industry standards, and on open, modular and robust
architecture, Twister enables cost effective customization and simple
integration to adapt for customer specific requirements. Advanced
mission interfaces of video, voice and data are used to establish a
common graphic collaborative language between joint forces.
Each of the resources managed by the system, including sensors, units
and effectors is an element. Each element interfaces with Twister's
core system through a Mission Interface Gateway (MIG) which translates
its properties, capabilities, performance, doctrine and rules of
engagement to common language used by the Twister Core System (TCS).
The system also expends the Mission Situation Picture to include
environmental effects such as weather, visibility, and other dynamic
parameters which could affect the performance of its elements. Twister
operators and supported forces can communicate with each other and
collaborate via advanced messaging, data, voice and live video
embedded within the system. |
