Manual SHORAD Control System
This appendix provides standardized procedures for the manual SHORAD control system (MSCS). The objectives of the MSCS are to provide near real-time transmission of EW information to FAAD and other divisional units and weapons control information to the FAAD unit organic to the division. It also integrates ADA data into the division airspace management effort. EW data is available to any unit which is capable of receiving it. This includes ADA units, the divisional maneuver units, and combat support or combat service support units. ADA fire units (FUs) are more effective if they are provided accurate, timely, and reliable EW. EW serves two purposes--alerting and cueing. Alerting information tells the user that an aircraft is approaching his position or the assets he is defending. Cueing information tells the user from which direction the aircraft will be coming, its positional location, and its tentative identification in a timely manner. This enables the user to focus his attention in that direction to detect the aircraft at a greater range. To obtain this information, FAAD units use a manual control system that provides alerting, but very limited cueing.
The MSCS uses various communications nets and components to provide timely, accurate, and reliable EW information. The MSCS is implemented through three communications nets. The air defense coordination net (ADCN) provides EW information to the FAAD battalion from HIMAD systems or Air Force sources. It also facilitates command and control with those who monitor the ADCN. The division early warning (DEW) net disseminates a standardized form of manual EW within the division MSCS. The sensor net is used to pass those air tracks that are in the LSDIS 20-kilometer alert threshold, to the ABMOC/BNTOC, which will be correlated with the nearest HIMAD source and distributed to its customers, that is, battery, platoons, section and FUs, and associated maneuver elements. A nearby element within LOS can monitor the sensor net if so desired.
This net is used to transmit long-range track information, weapons control information, and facilitate command and control to the FAAD battalion TOC by communicating with the following sources:
- Brigade TOC LNOs (maneuver).
- Sensor platoon leader/sensors.
- Division TAC CP LNO.
- Local HIMAD source.
- ABMOC.
- ADCOORD officer.
- A2C2.
Long-range track information can be obtained at a HIMAD (Hawk or Patriot) fire direction center (FDC) or Air Force forward air control post (FACP), control and reporting post (CRP), or control and reporting center (CRC). The net control station (NCS) for the ADCN is the FAAD battalion air defense fire coordination section (ADFCS).
The DEW net is a one-way FM net originating at the FAAD battalion ABMOC. Any unit with an FM receiver and within line of sight (LOS) and operating range restrictions can obtain EW (MSCS) information simply by monitoring this net. Units unable to receive this information due to the restrictions mentioned above can obtain early warning from adjacent, subordinate, or parent units that are receiving the information. See the illustration below.
EW fixed- and rotary-wing information transmitted by the sensor, using MSCS, is received at the FAAD ABMOC/BNTOC in MSCS format. The FAAD ABMOC/BNTOC, in turn, correlates this information with the nearest HIMAD long-range EW information source. It distributes it in MSCS format to its batteries, and those maneuver elements that the FAAD battalion is supporting. Also, this net can be monitored by any element if so desired. Command nets, while not strictly part of the EW system, contribute to the efficient EW functioning of the system. Command nets contribute to the EW system by providing a backup communications network for directed EW.
The MSCS uses a unique grid system. A standard grid matrix is used with a specified reference point. The map coordinates of this reference point will normally be designated in the AD annex of the division operation order as will be the map sheet series number. The location of the reference points is standard on each sheet; however, it may be moved for security reasons. This can be accomplished by designating another intersection as the reference point (for example, intersection of HEMLOCK, INSECT, HAZEL, and INDIAN) and applying the specific map coordinates.
The EW grid matrix is a standardized matrix consisting of 400 grid squares with a code name assigned to each square. Users need only use that portion of the matrix applicable to their areas of operation. The matrix reference point should be set to extend the matrix coverage at least 20 kilometers beyond the division boundaries. See the Early Warning Grid System Matrix illustration.
The sensor operator uses the standard report format to relay target information. The following illustrations are examples of a track report format and a FAAD grid example within a division area.
PREFACE Initial track (repeat twice), track update, scrub track, or mass track.
ID Friend, unknown, or hostile (friendly, not normally transmitted).
LOCATION Lemon, 3-3 (10-km grid square designator plus 1-km grid increments for easting and northingread to the right and up).
HEADING Southwest, north, et cetera.
RAID SIZE One, few (2-4), or many (more than 4 - only used for mass tracks).
AIRCRAFT TYPE Jet, prop, or hel.
TRACK DESIGNATOR A-O assigned by detecting unit.
The Track Plotting illustration shows an example of an initial track, a mass track, and a track update. The initial track, track update, track update identified, scrub track, and mass track are described in the Track Report Examples illustration.
Trained personnel must understand both the structure and procedures of the MSCS for it to function smoothly. The following paragraphs discuss how the MSCS operates, who performs the functions at each level, and finally, how it is used. ADFCS usually consists of 10 to 15 personnel, then is broken down to accommodate individual sections (officer and driver minimum) which is called the air defense liaison officer (ADLNO) and a driver radiotelephone operator (RATELO). During operations, the sections deploy to the maneuver brigades, DTAC, and the nearest HIMAD or Air Force source to furnish long-range track information. Once deployed, the ADFCS establishes two-way AM radio communications with the ABMOC. See the illustration below. The ADFCS passes long-range aircraft track information and AD command and control information (for example, air defense warnings and weapons control status) disseminated through HIMAD and USAF control systems to the ABMOC over this net. The ADFCS obtains HIMAD track information by physically viewing a radar console or having the console operator do the interpreting of EW tracks. This provides the most timely EW information. The console can either be a fire unit or control facility radar scope on which the division's air picture is displayed. In situations where it is impossible for the ADLNO to physically view a radar scope, adequate data can be obtained from a manual plotting board. As with the radar console method, the division's area of operations should be marked on the plotting board. See the ADLNO Clipboard Map With FAAD Grid illustration. EW track data is passed in FAAD units in the following ways:
- When the ADLNO places his GEOREF acetate overlay over the FAAD grid on his clipboard, he can convert the GEOREF position to a FAAD grid position.
- If the ADFCS has an AN/GRA-6 radio set control group (AM remote unit), the ADLNO can transmit directly from the HIMAD source to the ABMOC.
- If the ADFCS has no AN/GRA-6 radio control group, it may use two TA-312/PT telephones. Using a TA-312/PT, the ADLNO can relay the track report to his driver/RATELO, who transmits the report on the AN/GRC-193.
The NCS for the ADCN is the ADFCS. The ADFCS uses the ADCN to transmit track reports to the FAAD TOC. Located where he can view a radar console or manual plotting board, the ADLNO detects tracks located within or approaching the division's area of operations. He converts track GEOREF positions to FAAD grid positions and transmits track EW to FAAD TOC. Position data is transmitted via a standardized format either directly or through the ADFCS driver/ RATELO. The ADLNO also acquires and transmits AD command and control information to the FAAD TOC. See the ADLNO Conversion of GEOREF Position illustration.
FAAD ABMOC personnel receive and filter the ADFCS track report. They record the track, determine if the track requires retransmission (filtering), and transmit EW over the DEW broadcast net. Air defense warnings and other AD command and control information are also transmitted over the battalion net, the DEW broadcast net, or the sensor net.
To be of best use to FAAD units, EW information must be displayed. Personnel must know how to use plotting equipment to display the information.
Directed EW over the command net is the preferred method of passing EW to fire unit level. For BSFV, Avenger, and Chaparral units, plotting is done by an observer located with the squad leader. For Stinger teams, plotting is done by the team chief. This information is used to alert personnel of aircraft in their vicinity. Command and control information received over the sensor EW net may require authentication and acknowledgment. This would be accomplished over command nets.
These units may monitor the DEW broadcast net or the sensor net for EW by using the FAAD grid. They may also receive this information through liaison from supporting ADA units.
The MSCS map/plotting case is a canvas and plastic map case adapted for use as a plotting board for the FAAD fire unit. The plotting case consists of a 30-by 30-kilometer plotting grid; a copy of the 200- by 200 kilometer standardized FAAD grid system; a status board, a pen, pencil, and rag storage compartment; and operating instructions. The MSCS map/ plotting case is shown in the following illustration. To set up the map/plotting case for operation, the following steps must be accomplished:
- Orient the map case to magnetic north.
- Find position on the map.
- Place the map under the plastic grid with position in the center grid box.
- Align the 10-kilometer major grid lines with the grid printed on the plastic. Keep position in the center grid box.
- Write the appropriate grid names on the plastic.
- Mark position on the plastic.
- Mark PTL on the plastic.
- Draw a clock around position (12 o'clock is on the PTL and 6 o'clock is to the rear).
Once the map/plotting case is set up as described, you are ready to plot per plotting instructions described earlier in this appendix (see the Map/Plotting Case illustration).
Alternate routes for command and control information are provided for in the MSCS; these include the DEW broadcast net and command nets. In the event of loss of communications in the MSCS, procedures are flexible enough to make maximum effective use of remaining command and control facilities. For example, weapons control statuses, hostile criteria, and emergency information received from the ADLNO, division TOC, and or the brigade TOC can be passed to FAAD units via the DEW broadcast net or via the FAAD battalion command net. Emergency information is information that must be disseminated rapidly throughout the division, such as NBC strike warnings and enemy airmobile assaults. The division G3 and G2 are normally the primary sources of this information, which is usually disseminated through the division intelligence net and relayed down command nets. The DEW broadcast net provides the means to rapidly disseminate this information throughout the FAAD battalion. Alternately, the command nets are used to disseminate emergency messages and critical warning information.
Upon energizing the control indicator unit (CIU) the operator has the choice of selecting two forms of display on the plan position indicator (PPI). Either a range ring display or FAAD grid display can be selected to aid in target location. To use MSCS, the operator selects the FAAD grid display (see the PPI FAAD Grid Display illustration). With the FAAD grid display, the operator conducts manual plot and reporting of air targets. A common reference point is used as designated in the AD annex of the OPORD. The grid matrix displayed on the PPI is a 10- by l0-kilometer box with 1-kilometer increments. The names on the grid are filled in by the operator. The display grids correspond to grids on the EW grid system matrix.
The FAAD grid matrix is a standardized matrix consisting of 400 grid squares with a code name assigned to each square. The operator uses only the portion of the matrix needed for his operation. The scale of the grids on the PPI display is the same as on a 1:250,000 map. To achieve the designed accuracy, the sensor operator must know the actual position of the sensor. He obtains the sensor's location in relationship to the MSCS map. To set the PPI grid display for operation, the sensor operator should perform the following procedures. With the center of the grid display as the sensor's position, position the grid display as follows:
- At the CIU keyboard, use the arrow keys to position a 10-kilometer grid over the PPI center so that the centered cursor "X" symbol appears at the coordinates determined on the MSCS map.
- Once the grid is positioned, press "enter" for the grid to stay in position and the arrow keys to be used for cursor movement.
- Write the appropriate grid names of all grid squares on the display.
Using china markers (grease pencils), the sensor operator manually plots detected aircraft on the PPI display. Air targets are also plotted on the MSCS plotting/map case and MSCS map available to the operator. This additional platoon information provides the operator with a general view of the division air picture. It also provides direction of an aircraft that could enter the sensor's area of coverage.
The following four unique symbols are used to display unknown targets (those with no IFF response) and friendly targets (those with IFF response), and to discriminate helicopter targets from fixed-wing targets:
- Unknown rotary wing--Ú.
- Unknown fixed wing--U.
- Friendly rotary wing--Ó.
- Friendly fixed wing--O.
An available alarm, when enabled, will sound to alert the operator when the first unknown target is displayed. The alarm sounds only for the first unknown target and will not sound again until the screen has been cleared.
A target symbol is placed at its correct range and azimuth on the grid display. This is determined by the target's location within the 10-kilometer grid which is subdivided into 1-kilometer divisions. Each symbol will remain at this location for one complete antenna rotation, (6-second rotation) and will be erased from the display when the antenna passes its position on the next rotation. If the sensor detects the same target on the next revolution, the target symbol will be displayed at the new position. The sensor operator will continue to plot and report target data until either the aircraft is destroyed or passes out of sensor coverage range.
The following scenario is an example of how sensors would disseminate MSCS data by using directed EW to an ADA battery or platoon (versus the usual doctrine of sending all EW tracks to the ABMOC). The sensor has been operationally deployed and is providing sensor coverage for a task force operation (attached to an ADA battery commander). Suddenly, the sensor detects an unknown fixed-wing aircraft ingressing from the north at a range of 20 kilometers. At the CIU, the unknown fixed wing is shown on the grid display in grid square "KELLOG 1-9" (see the Operator's CIU Display illustration below). The sensor operator immediately reports the MSCS EW information presented on the FAAD grid display to the battery/platoon CP. The operator uses the MSCS procedures outlined in this chapter. The section chief, as directed by local TSOP, disseminates directed EW to the nearest ADA fire units on their FM platoon command net. At the platoon CP, the platoon leader receives the MSCS data and plots it on the 1:50,000 map. The map contains not only the MSCS grid squares, and battlefield graphics, but also the locations and PTLs of the platoon's fire units. The platoon leader determines that the aircraft's flight path is heading in the general direction of "NAI ONE" (see the illustration on page H-12). Using the platoon FM command net, the platoon leader broadcasts a directed early warning message, "Dynamite, Dynamite, unknown fixed-wing ingressing north of NAI ONE." At the fire units, NAI ONE's location is identified on the situation map. The observers and gunners then concentrate their search procedures towards NAI ONE and the ingressing aircraft's general direction. They apply the search and scan and engagement procedures described in FMs 44-31 and 44-44 (TBP).
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