B. PRECISION FORCE

1. Definition

Precision Force is the capability to destroy selected high-value and time-critical targets or to inflict damage with precision while limiting collateral damage. This capability supports mission requirements to rapidly neutralize hostile assets for communication, command and control, mobile or fixed weapons of mass destruction (WMD), attacking force projection elements and supporting infrastructure. Precision Force includes surveillance, targeting capabilities, and precision-guided munitions. It requires advances in sensors, C² interoperability, battle management, and lethality. It also requires precision-guided munition enhancements for increased weapon range, accuracy, and effectiveness. Additionally, sensor-to-shooter enhancements in C⁴ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) are necessary for responsive and timely force application.

The C⁴ISR enhancements needed for Precision Force are included in Section A, Information Superiority. Additionally, the Precision Force capabilities addressed in this section support the attack operational elements of Joint Theater Missile Defense (Section D) by providing capabilities for quick-response strikes against mobile and fixed missile launchers. Furthermore, many of the Precision Force JWCOs are enabled or enhanced by incorporating advanced sensor technologies.

Figure IV.B-1 shows a typical concept of precision force. Additional components include land- and sea-launched fighter and bomber aircraft, Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs), and naval gunfire.

2. Operational Capability Elements

Mission space is no longer linear or sequential. Given a digitized battlespace environment with C⁴ISR, the partitioning between land, sea, and air mission space disappears. The precision force concept is achievable only with heavy reliance on many technologies being developed to support other Joint Warfare Capability Objectives (JWCOs). By drawing on these capabilities, the joint area commander will be able to attack and neutralize enemy forces and capabilities throughout the breadth and depth of the mission space to break the coherence and continuity of the enemy's operations.

The key operational capability elements are:

• Mission planning
• C⁴ISR
• Weapon employment
• Combat assessment.

3. Functional Capabilities

Precision force operational capability elements are made possible by a number of functional capabilities. Table IV.B-1 identifies these functional capabilities and shows the linkages with operational capabilities.

Recent RAND studies summarize the potential implications of enhanced operational concepts associated with the Rapid Force Projection Initiative that are based on emerging technologies such as standoff weapons, unattended sensors, intelligent minefields, and hunter vehicles (References 12 and 13). These studies have shown that the vulnerability of light forces—such as a Division Ready Brigade (DRB)—to current and future heavy forces can be substantially reduced or, in many cases, eliminated. The combination of Army, Navy, and Air Force standoff weapons and sophisticated reconnaissance and targeting systems—coupled with efficient counterbattery systems—has been shown to be more effective than current forces that rely on direct-fire, line-of-sight (LOS) technologies.

A DRB—operating with the support of Air Force or Navy precision weapons—would have significantly enhanced lethality against a heavily armored foe employing widespread Soviet equipment and Soviet-style tactics by employing hunter/standoff killer (HSOK) systems. HSOK weapons introduce the benefits of an indirect, precision-fire battlefield. The HSOK systems attain viability because of emerging technologies that enable the battle to commence earlier at greater range, extend the battle to non-LOS battlespace, and meter surviving enemy heavy forces at a reduced rate such that direct-fire systems become increasingly effective.

4. Current Capabilities, Deficiencies, and Barriers

Operational capability elements and associated limitations are presented in Table IV.B-2. Major deficiencies confronting the area of mission planning are the timely combat decision and resource allocation processes in relation to target cycle time, the detection of highly mobile targets in crowded mission space, slow processes for fusing various service automated mission planning systems for target information, and time consuming and incomplete battle damage information and assessments.

Inadequacies in the area of weapon employment include the inability to satisfy the simultaneous need for sensor information; the limited ability of some sensors to acquire and track multiple targets; inadequate coordination of sensor information among battle managers; lack of an all-weather/day-night precision (<3-meter CEP) weapon capability; sortie efficiency for attacks against hard, buried, and strategic targets; GPS jamming; and more affordable precision-guided munitions.

Deficiencies confronting combat assessment revolve around timeliness (either real time or near-real time rather than the current capability of several hours) and accuracy. A major challenge is to counter an adversary's camouflage, concealment, and physical/electronic deception techniques to obtain accurate battle damage assessments and to measure weapons effectiveness.

Shortcomings in C⁴I focus on two trends. First is the need to handle ever-increasing amounts of information more quickly than ever before. Second is the steady integration of C⁴I functions into a modular "system-of-systems" architecture that maximizes information availability and aids the planners and warfighters in making the most effective use of that information. The ability to conduct rapid, accurate target identification and selection requires substantial development, as does the ability to follow up attacks with comprehensive combat assessments. Technology that will facilitate the completion of real-time, collaborative planning both in the area of operations and at distributed staff locations must be a priority. To support planning improvements, staff and commanders need to be able to track force status and execution. Rapid, precise strike planning will be improved by the development of a capability to quickly pair mission requirements, target locations, and physical characteristics to weapon delivery systems. The capability to better manage and integrate intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance analysis will enhance development of the precision force concept. The automatic target weapon pairing developed during the Precision Rapid Counter-MRL ACTD will definitely enhance the U.S. ability to conduct precision force missions.

5. Technology Plan

The science and technology program to correct the deficiencies in mission planning, weapon employment, combat assessment and C⁴ISR is shown in Figure IV.B-2. These technologies offer the potential for a significant increase in today's capability. Their need is underscored by experience in Operation Desert Storm.

Table IV.B-3 identifies the joint warfighting precision force DTOs. Definitions, points of contact, and funding profiles for the Joint Precision Force DTOs are provided. Table IV.B-4 shows the DTOs that, when attained, will enable the operational capability elements. The schedule for achieving the DTOs is in the technology roadmap in Figure IV.B-3. This roadmap represents activities in mission planning, weapon employment, combat assessment, and C⁴ISR.

The technology efforts include projects in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and DARPA S&T program. Below is a list of the efforts by DTO:

• B.01 The Precision Rapid Counter Multiple Rocket Launcher (PRCMRL) ACTD will develop and demonstrate a joint, adverse-weather, day/night, end-to-end, sensor-to-shooter, precision deep-strike capability to locate, identify, and kill high-value, short-dwell, time-sensitive targets and assess damage within tactically meaningful timelines.

• B.02 The Rapid Force Projection Initiative (RFPI) ACTD will demonstrate automated target transfer from forward sensors to standoff killer weapon systems with the capability to engage high-value targets beyond traditional direct-fire ranges. A "tactical internet"-based digital communications architecture will network hunters, standoff killers, and commanders.

• B.03 The Precision Signals Intelligence Targeting Systems (PSTSs) ACTD is an effort to develop and demonstrate a near-real-time, precision targeting, sensor-to-shooter capability using existing national and tactical assets.

• B.05 The Target Acquisition (TA) ATD will provide the warfighter a system for night or poor-visibility usage that will offer knowledge of the battlespace in real time and will improve light/armored combat vehicle lethality and survivability.

• B.06 The Air/Land Enhanced Reconnaissance and Targeting (ERT) ATD will provide the helicopter pilot/gunner the ability to automatically acquire and identify stationary and moving targets from an on-the-move, high-speed aerial platform such as a scout/attack helicopter.

• B.07 The Joint Continuous-Strike Environment (JCSE) (proposed ACTD) will optimize the use of air, land, and sea-based weapons to prosecute emerging targets within their cycle times. It will continuously update target priorities, assess weapon status, match weapon(s) to targets, and ensure execution by deconflicting airspace.

• B.08 The Arsenal Ship (AS) will develop and fabricate the lead ship in half the time of previous naval vessels. The ship will contain four times the VLS cells of a CG-52 class ship, require 80 percent fewer crew members as employed on current vessels (maximum of 50 persons), and support the precision force concept by acting as a remote magazine for air-directed and shore-based targeting and as a cooperative engagement capability ship.

• B.09 The Hunter Sensor Suite (HSS) will demonstrate a lightweight, low-observable, advanced long-range sensor suite with automatic target recognition (ATR) that provides rapid, multiple target acquisition and precision targeting handoff, integrated on stealthy Hunter vehicles operating in station-keeping and mobile modes.

• B.10 The Precision Guided Mortar Munitions (PGMM) ATD will demonstrate the ability to engage, detect, and defeat armored vehicles and high-value point targets, command posts, and logistic sites at ranges out to 12 km.

• B.11 The Guided MLRS will integrate inertial and GPS-based guidance and control packages with the current MLRS extended-range rocket.

• B.12 The Enhanced Fiber Optic Guided Missile (EFOG-M) ATD will develop and confirm precision standoff capability (out to a range of 15 km) against high-priority ground and airborne targets under day, night, and adverse weather conditions.

• B.13 The High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) will develop and demonstrate a lightweight, C-130-transportable M-270 MLRS launcher variant mounted on a 5-ton Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV) truck chassis that uses the same C³ system and crew as the M-270 MLRS.

• B.14 The Intelligent Minefield ATD will integrate new minefield munition systems and technologies (acoustics, decision aids) into an autonomous antiarmor/antivehicle system.

• B.15 The Antimateriel Warhead Flight Test will demonstrate and integrate advanced laser radar (LADAR) sensor technology in combination with a multimode warhead and advanced submunition airframe.

• B.16 The Concentric Canister Launcher ATD will demonstrate the feasibility of a universal launching system employing concentric canisters that can be applied to future combat ships capable of firing a wide range of missiles, including ESSM, Tomahawk, Standard Missile Block IV and the ATACMS.

• B.17 Low-Cost Missile ATD will demonstrate a unique, finless, low-drag, bending annular missile body (BAMB) airframe and ramjet propulsion concept that will provide the capability to attack time-critical and hardened targets in a timely and affordable manner.

• B.18 The Low-Cost Precision Kill (LCPK) will demonstrate a very low cost, accurate guidance and control retrofit package for the 2.75-inch Hydra-70 rocket. This rocket will provide a standoff capability against specified nonheavy armor targets, which are often engaged in large numbers.

• B.19 The Cruise Missile Real-Time Retargeting ATD will develop technologies for brilliant autonomous missiles that have onboard mission planning and control systems.

• B.21 Miniaturized Munition Technology (MMT) Guided Flight Tests will provide the Air Force with a 250-pound smart weapon capable of defeating 85 percent of the JDAM MK83/BLU-109-2010 fixed- and hard-target threats. Offers increased loadout of existing bombers and smaller weapons bay requirements for future aircraft.

• C.01 The Battlefield Combat Identification ATD will attempt to solve the combat identification (ID) problem underscored by the lessons learned from Operation Desert Storm.

• H.09 The Sensor Fusion/Integrated Situation Assessment TD will develop and demonstrate offboard, all-source information correlation (fusion) with onboard multispectral receiver/sensor information and enhanced emitter ID algorithms to provide platform self-defense at long interdiction/strike ranges, enhanced combat ID, and dynamic route planning/retargeting.

• HS.19.05 The Rotorcraft Pilot's Associate program will develop and demonstrate, through simulation and flight test, a knowledge-based associate system for real-time cognitive decision aiding.

• SE.02.01 The Foliage Penetration Detection Algorithm Demonstration provides a capability to detect adversary forces in "hiding" under tree canopies.

• SE.03.01 The Enhanced Moving Target Detection Development provides the warfighter with targeting superiority by detecting moving targets in all battlefield environments.

• SE.19.03 The Affordable ATR via Rapid Design, Evaluation, and Simulation reduces cost and development time for ATR while enhancing and providing evaluation of performance.

• SE.20.01 The ATR for Reconnaissance and Surveillance demonstrates ATR for both fixed and moving targets using standoff radar sensors aboard surveillance and UAV platforms.

• SE.33.01 The Advanced Focal Plane Array Technology provides "on-chip" processing to reduce target acquisition timelines. Reduction of FPA costs will allow more weapon systems to incorporate arrays capable of high-resolution imaging for increased spatial precision, thereby having direct application to some Precision Force FPA requirements.

• WE.12.02 The Antijam GPS Flight Test will develop and demonstrate Global Positioning System (GPS) antijam technology that ensures that the increased accuracy provided by any munition GPS/IMU navigation system is maintained in a jamming environment.

• WE.17.02 Hammerhead will demonstrate a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) seeker that physically, electrically, and logically will integrate with a GBU-15 weapon to perform autonomous, precision guidance in adverse weather.

• WE.21.02 Fiber Optic Gyro-Based Navigation Systems will demonstrate a new generation of affordable and reliable navigation systems.

The three ACTDs—PRCMRL, RFPI, and PSTS—address the deficiencies in the four precision force operational capability elements. The proposed ACTD—JCSE (B.07)—will demonstrate the seamless battlespace environment provided by the digitized C⁴ISR capability. The JCSE goals must be achieved to demonstrate a precision force joint engagement capability.

The ATDs and supporting key technology efforts are advancing work on data fusion and combining ATR technologies with precision location so that weapons can find the types of target specified, or even the particular target specified, and guide a weapon to within a few feet of a designated impact point. Other initiatives to destroy time-critical targets will demonstrate the capability to redirect missiles and attack aircraft while on a mission so as to exploit real-time retargeting.

A major focus is demonstrating GPS applications to both existing and new weapons. Examples include a Navy effort to demonstrate an inexpensive cruise missile and an Air Force effort to develop small smart bomb technology. The Air Force Miniaturized Munition Technology guided flight test will demonstrate the use of GPS guidance on a small penetrator munition. This new capability will dramatically improve the sortie efficiency for attacks against all but the very hardest fixed targets. Another flight demonstration by the Air Force, called Antijam GPS Technology Flight Test (AGTFT), will demonstrate an affordable solution for protecting against an enemy jamming a GPS guided munition. This technology will be demonstrated on a JDAM vehicle in FY98.

The Army Guided MLRS program will increase the accuracy of the Extended-Range MLRS rocket to a 3-mil system. The BAT Preplanned Product Improvement (BAT P3I) will be delivered by the Army TACMS Block II, extended-range Block IIa, and MLRS. BAT P3I employs acoustic, millimeter-wave, and imaging infrared (IIR) seekers while expanding the BAT target set to include cold, stationary armor, moving armor, SSMs, and MRLs. It includes a selectable warhead that will be switched to hard or soft target mode prior to impact. The BAT P3I is currently in the demonstration/validation phase with two competing seeker concepts. The Air Force and Army are jointly pursuing another antimateriel munition called LOCAAS, which uses a LADAR seeker to search, identify, and track ground mobile targets and attacks with a multimode warhead. LOCAAS is being designed for delivery by MLRS and by Air Force fighter and bomber aircraft.

The Air Force is also developing an expanded, more capable air command and control network based on the air operations center, but distributed to the Airborne Command and Control Centers, the Airborne Warning and Control System, and the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System. These systems receive tactical information from their own sensors and from other intelligence platforms and processing systems. They can rapidly direct combat elements to air superiority, ground attack, or interdiction missions.

The Joint Precision Strike Demonstration program includes the Integration and Evaluation Center (IEC), a simulation facility providing real, virtual, and constructive elements. It can use prerecorded and scripted events on a virtual battlefield and integrates this data line input. The IEC has a special capability to collect and record data during a demonstration, compute and display user-defined measures of effectiveness in real time, and provide for assessment and evaluation of critical mission parameters. The Rapid Force Projection Initiative ACTD also utilizes extensive simulation.

6. Summary

The collective capability demonstrated for each DTO scheduled between 1997 and 2004 shows a stepped improvement in operational capability over the previous demonstrations. The capabilities and schedule of availability are depicted in Figure IV.B-4. Integration of the DTOs over time will provide a greater ability to accurately locate, identify, and destroy all classes of high-value and time-critical targets with precision while limiting collateral damage.