The FY96 ACTD OCONUS demonstration focuses on the leave-behinds for targeting, command and control, automation, communication, weapon delivery, and joint Air Force and Navy fire support. Beginning in FY97, the leave-behind capabilities—along with new tactics, techniques, and procedures developed by the user—will enhance the CINC's capability to defeat the 240-mm MRLS threats. These capabilities include TOC automation and connectivity; automated weapon-target pairing; improved unmanned aerial vehicle sensors, in particular Reconnaissance Infrared Surveillance Target Acquisition and Second Generation Technology II (RISTA II) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors with aided target recognition); Improved Firefinder; terrain visualization capability; and automated request for fire connectivity with Air Force close air support (CAS) and naval fire support. This capability will provide the CINC an improved warfighting capability to neutralize/destroy high-priority threats.

The RFPI ACTD concept emphasizes the integration of all RFPI technologies into an overall SOS architecture, integration of the RFPI SOS with the legacy organic systems of the ACTD experiment force, digital augmentation of the FORSCOM experiment brigade tactical operations center, baselining of the new hunter-standoff killer operational concept, and live/virtual integration. The RFPI ACTD management plan measures of success are (1) increased situational awareness of the size and location of the threat array, applying integrated sensor orientation and sensor interconnectivity across the battlefield by 50% improvement over the base case (minimum) and 100% improvement over the base case (goal); (2) destruction of the initial threat target array beyond 3 km by a 75% improvement over the base case (minimum) and a 95% improvement over the base case (goal); and (3) an increase in the survivability of the brigade by a 20% improvement over the base case (minimum) and a 45% improvement over the base case (goal).

ACTD milestones include residuals delivered for integration of RFPI SOS (FY97), Battle Lab Warfighting Experiment 2 (Lt. Digital TOC) (FY97), Battle Lab Warfighting Experiment 3 (Virtual Rehearsal) (FY97), FORSCOM Experiment Unit Home Station Training (FY98), ACTD Field Experiment (FY98), and extended user evaluation of residuals (FY99-FY01).

Technical barriers include the availability of advanced digital communications hardware and software, integration of participating elements into the RFPI SOS, integration of RFPI SOS with organic material of the FORSCOM experiment unit, and live/virtual integration.

The PSTS ACTD seeks to achieve an order-of-magnitude improvement in geolocation accuracy over any existing single-system SIGINT capability. The program goal is to determine threat position in a time frame such that munitions may be rapidly delivered by friendly forces. This threat-positional data will be delivered via the Tactical Data Dissemination System (TDDS) and intradivisional Army communications systems.

An early PSTS demonstration focused on the technical feasibility of combining tactical and national SIGINT assets to achieve geolocations of pulsed (i.e., ELINT) emitters. The program is evolving to develop geolocations on nonpulsed (i.e., COMINT) emitters as well. The FY98 demonstration is envisioned to be the final demonstration and will leave behind a limited operational capability with military forces.

Technological hurdles include precision timing, navigational accuracy, and errors associated with geodesy and ephemeris.

Technical barriers include optimizing forward-looking infrared (FLIR)/multifunction aided target recognition fusion algorithms, and developing a multifunction laser that fits the space constraints of the current M1 laser.

The fast pace of many engagement scenarios requires a significantly improved capability to find and service targets while improving survivability. ALERT will exploit emerging developments in on-the-move aided target recognition (ATR) algorithms, including long-range detection, target identification, scene-to-scan correlation, smart sensor management, and temporal FLIR processing for MTI. ALERT also will evaluate the additional benefit provided by enhanced laser rangefinder functionality.

By FY98, the program will demonstrate baseline on-the-move performance using second-generation FLIR and standard rangefinding mode. The FY99 goal is to integrate laser rangemapping capability and enhanced on-the-move search/detection algorithms. By FY00, the program will integrate a laser profiling capability to demonstrate target identification and transition to the survivable armed reconnaissance on the Digital Battlefield ACTD. The final demonstration in FY00 will demonstrate the ability to provide long-range detection (in excess of 4,000 m) from a platform moving at speeds up to 180 kn. The program will demonstrate that automation can extend the safe ingress and egress rate of the platform by 50-75% for full threat coverage over manual acquisition. It also will demonstrate search correlation false alarm suppression modes to further reduce the false alarm rate to meet RAH-66 Comanche requirements.

Technical barriers include developing algorithms for motion compensation, optimizing FLIR/multifunction ATR fusion algorithms, and data imagery compression.

JCSE capabilities will be demonstrated in exercise JWID97, as part of Roving Sands in May 1999; and in Atlantic Resolve in August 1999. A final demonstration tying together the total Precision Force capability will be held in late FY00.

^*Non-S&T funds.

Specific objectives that must be demonstrated include the ability to perform the operational mission for 90 days; architecture, communications, and datalink functions capable of satisfying the AS concept of operations; and the capability for remote launch of strike, area air warfare, and fire support weapons. The planned test program will include a salvo launch of up to three Tomahawk missiles in 3 minutes; a single SM2 launch using the AS as a remote magazine for a cooperative engagement capability ship, a single Tomahawk launch using the AS as a remote magazine for air-directed and shore-based targeting, and a single weapon launch from a VLS cell in support of a naval surface fire control mission digital call for fire.

The program will demonstrate the proper balance between passive survivability and active self-defense sufficient for expected operational scenarios.

Program areas of risk include achieving the shortened design time goals and meeting the system sailaway cost goals.

^*Non-S&T funds.

Specific capabilities to be demonstrated include a 70% increase in long-range target acquisition recognition ranges compared to the current AN/TAS-6 with two times lens scout sensor capability; a reduction in detection time of 80% through the use of ATR with a low false alarm rate; providing precision target location to within less than 50-m CEP; and providing sensor images over SINCGARS in less than 15 seconds.

Milestones for the HSS include a sensor and positioning demonstration in 8/97, delivery of HSS 1 to RFPI integration in 4/97, an ATR/HDIP/image compression demonstration in 6/97, an HSS/ATR demonstration in 8/97, and delivery of HSS 1 and HSS 2 (ACTD leave-behind systems) for user training in 12/96.

There are no identified technical barriers.

Specific demonstrated capabilities for the PGMM include (1) as a measure of effectiveness (MOE), the ability to defeat armed vehicles and ETBs; and as a measure of success (MOS), a seeker CFT (FY97) that will provide required probability of detection and false target density data for RFPI simulation experiments. All-up PGMM firings (telemetry rounds, FY98-99) against armored vehicles and an ETB will demonstrate the full functional sequence of the PGMM to detect, guide to, and hit targets downrange. To ensure the effective range of 12 km, the MOS is a projectile firing of a tactical PGMM control glide round (telemetry, no seeker front end) that will demonstrate the full functional sequence of the round (fin/wing deployment, control glide, search maneuver) out to 12-15-km range (FY98). Lightweight fire control (less than 30 lb, 2-mil accuracy, 2.5 min ballistic solution for first round firing) supports all-up PGMM firings where a less than 30-lb mortar fire control will compute a firing solution. This will be demonstrated in FY98.

There are no identifiable technical barriers.

Improvements in rocket delivery accuracies will reduce (1) the following number of rockets required to defeat the target by as much as sixfold at extended ranges, (2) the required number of launchers per fire mission, (3) the logistical burden, (4) the duration of the fire mission, and (5) the minimum safe distances to avoid fratricide and collateral damage. IMU design will provide the system with a 2-3-mil delivery accuracy at all ranges. The GPS-aided G&C package provides the system with a 10-m CEP delivery accuracy at all ranges. System benefits are evaluated through ongoing Rapid Force Projections Initiative (RFPI) force-on-force modeling, analysis, and simulation during the RFPI ACTD field experiment in FY98. Milestones for the Guided MLRS include five flights tests (FY98) in support of the RFPI ACTD. System benefits are being evaluated through ongoing RFPI force-on-force modeling and analysis.

There are no technical barriers identified.

Exit criteria for the EFOGM include availability of short-range (1-15 km) firepower against ground and air targets for early-entry forces; engagement of non-line-of-sight targets by forces deployed in defilade; provision of a means of assisting in battlefield management by automating the presentation of situation awareness information to the EFOGM gunner as well as automating the receipt/transmission, processing, and display of C² information; tactical deployability (C-130 A/C); missile seeker imagery exploitation; conduct of precision strike; and domination of the maneuver battle.

The current EFOGM ATD schedule is a two-phase development effort. EFOGM will deliver one mobile and two stationary simulators; a fire unit load of simulated missiles; and 12 FUs, three platoon leader vehicles, and 300 missiles to support a series of three demonstrations to be conducted during the performance of the ATD. The program incorporates the integrated product team (IPT) concept in the acquisition structure to significantly lower the unit cost of the missiles while providing sufficient hardware to conduct the demonstrations. These demonstrations include an RFPI field demonstration in FY98 and a 2-year extended user evaluation beginning in FY99. These remaining activities will be conducted by a unit of FORSCOM.

The DNAW seeker is considered the single most costly component of the missile assembly. It is intended that leveraging on focal plane array efforts currently underway by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency will be maximized. Consideration will be given to manufacturability as well as effective array size and seeker sensitivity.

By the second quarter of FY98, HIMARS will demonstrate a man-rated cab to protect its crew from rocket exhaust gases and launch debris. It will be fully C-130 transportable, both in weight and in cubage, and will fire rockets and missiles in the M-270 family of munitions. Its automated onboard reload capability and quicker aiming platform movement will provide accelerated mission timelines, enabling greater survivability for the warfighter.

Milestones for the HIMARS include, by FY97, completing fabrication of vehicle one; and, in FY98, beginning live firings at White Sands Missile Range, delivering the tactical vehicles to 3-27 Field Artillery (FA), conducting new equipment training for 3-27 FA, and participating in RFPI field exercise.

Technical barriers include developing an accurate aiming platform within weight and height constraints, integrating MLRS LRUs (fire control system, radios, air filtration, etc.) into the space available in the FMTV 5-ton truck cab, and developing a robotic reload system for rocket and missile pods.

Specific demonstrated capabilities for the Intelligent Minefield include measures of effectiveness (MOE) and measures of success (MOS): improving wide-area munitions (WAM) performance by at least 50%, controlling a minimum of two WAM minefields (20-40 WAMS), interfacing with the MCS, detecting heavy vehicles at 2-3 km, and simultaneously tracking seven targets. The capabilities of this ATD were demonstrated in prior fiscal years. RFPI will use the acoustic sensor technology in the FY98 demonstration.

There are no technical barriers.

The primary program payoff is the ability to defeat the full range of ground mobile targets (tanks, trucks, surface-to-air missile systems) with a single submunition. Technology barriers are development of LADAR seeker and target classification algorithms, and development of a multimode warhead that produces three different kill mechanisms. An IPPD plan has been formulated jointly by the System Program Office and WL/MN.

Goals for the program are to reduce production costs by 25%, reduce maintenance costs by 40%, reduce manning by 50%, and reduce new missile shipboard launcher integration costs by 50%.

This DTO will demonstrate, by FY99, a unique, finless, low-drag bending annular missile body (BAMB) airframe and ramjet propulsion concept to give the Navy the capability to attack time-critical and hardened targets. In this concept, the ramjet combustor and tandem booster are connected to the frontal missile airframe by an articulating thrust vector control joint. The technical challenges demonstrated by flight tests are a robust H-infinity-based bending body control system to provide dynamically stable flight without aerodynamic control surfaces, a self-starting annular inlet with 68% pressure recovery at Mach 3.0, 60,000-ft altitude, and stable bent-body combustion during maneuvers and all flight regimes. A free-flight test of a BAMB ramjet missile configuration will be demonstrated by FY99. This provides the technologies necessary for a low-cost missile with a capability of carrying a 500-lb warhead with a block speed of Mach 3.5. This average velocity will provide significantly reduced time-to-target. Analysis shows that a weapon with this capability used in a Korean scenario would eliminate the need for over 240 aircraft sorties against time-urgent and buried targets, all in high-threat environments with a potential warfighting savings of over $250 million.

Fasthawk can be air-launched and provides a common low-cost delivery platform. The supersonic velocity provided by the Fasthawk missile will significantly reduce time to target and provide increased maneuverability and range. These attributes will provide a supersonic, low-observable, high-energy payload delivery to fixed targets, including hardened targets, eliminating the need for precision delivery by aircraft. It will result in increased launcher survivability with resultant cost savings. These technologies are also applicable to other sized missile airframes with equivalent ranges and reduced target times. It will also significantly reduce maintenance costs (standardized off-the-shelf equipment and simpler systems) and logistics costs (S/F commonality). Technology in this ATD will undergo transition to the Tomahawk Block 5 missile system. Major area defense programs that have indicated interest in this technology include Navy (PEO(CU), PEO(TAD), Aegis), Army (Corps SAM, Patriot), and Air Force.

Current plans and funding profiles for the Low-Cost Precision Kill technical base program call for hardware-in-the-loop demonstrations of at least two candidate brassboard strapdown (solid-state) guidance sections and an in-house developed 2.75-inch diameter canard control section by FY98, control test vehicle flights by FY00, and full-up proof-of-principle guided flights by FY01.

Technical barriers include unproven low-cost, producible strapdown (solid-state) mechanisms for precision guidance; a requirement for accurate, robust control of a highly rolling free rocket; the lack of small, very low cost inertial components; weight and size minimization component packaging in the 2.75-inch airframe; a limited understanding of structural, vibration, and shock considerations for guidance package retrofit to the 2.75-inch Hydra-70 rocket; and lack of standoff range target acquisition and engagement techniques to address current free-rocket launch and flight dispersions.

Several areas will be demonstrated, including (1) an enhanced fragmentation blast warhead with an explosive 1.5 times the energy in tritonal; (2) the warhead in conjunction with the Hard Target Smart Fuze's ability to sense layers/voids and detonate at the appropriate location to ensure the warhead's effectiveness against 85% of the JDAM MK83/BLU-109 2010 fixed-target threats; (3) an antijam GPS with a 120-dB jam-to-signal ratio (50 dB better than commercial systems) effective up to 1 nmi from a 100-kW jammer; and (4) a less than 3-meter accuracy (400% improvement over JDAM accuracy) using a LADAR terminal seeker.