FCS Network - Applications Layer
The Applications Layer is responsible for providing the integrated ability to assess, plan, and execute network-centric mission operations using a common interface and a set of non-overlapping functional services that provides the full range of FCS (BCT) Warfighter capabilities to include:
- Integrated On-The-Move Common Operational Picture Real of the 4D Battlespace
- Real-time collaboration among dispersed warfighters
- Real-time assessment and sharing of combat power
- Common display interface for the Soldier based on role, echelon, and permissions
- Automated deconfliction of Blue Forces, air/ground space, and fires
- Automated planning and rehearsal decision making process
- Multi-levels of fusion for situation refinement to the platform
- Decision aiding supporting Command and Control (C2) of multiple unmanned airborne, unattended sensor & munitions, and ground systems
- Dynamic sensor planning, tasking & collection visualization to support Commanders Critical Information Requirements (CCIR) at all levels
- Rapid battlefield damage assessment tied to networked fires
- Execution monitoring and dynamic plan adjustment based on changes in the current situation
- Full control and autonomy of unmanned systems and payloads
The Applications Layer incorporates ten software packages covering each Battle Command functional domains. These ten software services packages' combined capabilities enable full interaction among the FCS (BCTs) and will share a common framework to achieve the long-desired goal of an integrated and interoperable system with no hardware, software or information stovepipes. The 10 Situation Understanding package's services allow warfighters to better comprehend the battlespace and gain information superiority. The package includes map information and situational awareness (SA) database maintenance, which performs fusion as follows:
- Situation refinement that fuses spatial and temporal relationships among objects, grouping objects and abstract interpretation of the patterns in the order of battle.
- Threat refinement that combines activity with capability of enemy forces, infers enemy intentions and performs threat assessment.
- Process refinement that monitors the fusion process itself, assesses the accuracy of the fusion process and regulates the acquisition of data to achieve optimal results.
The Applications Layer provides the ability for cross Battlefield Functional Area (BFA) problem solving and decision aiding capability for all brigade and below echelons, the ability to allow doctrine and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) to evolve during development and after fielding, the ability to provide rapid reconfiguration of roles and levels of automation during execution, and the ability to promote development efficiencies prior to fielding and technology refresh and insertion afterwards.
Battle Command (BC) mission applications include: mission planning and preparation, situation understanding, BC and mission execution and warfighter-machine interface (WMI). These four software packages' combined capabilities enable full interaction among the FCS-equipped Units of Action (UAs). Battle Command (BC) capabilities will be common to, and tightly integrated into, all FCS, and will share a common framework to achieve the long-desired goal of an integrated and interoperable system with no hardware, software or information stovepipes.
The Mission Planning and Preparation package consists of 16 services embedded within System-of-Systems Common Operating Environment (SOSCOE). They support the development of deliberate, anticipatory and rapid-response plans; the ability to perform plan assessments and evaluations; terrain analysis; mission rehearsals; and after-action reviews for the Modular Force. As an example of the capabilities provided by this package, consider the FCS-networked fires key performance parameter (KPP). This package's predictive planning capabilities pre-approve airspace for weapons/munitions to target pairings so that when the decision to engage a target is made, the available weapons/munitions are already understood.
The Battle Command (BC) and Mission Execution package contains planning and decision aids that assist the commander in making quick, informed and accurate decisions to best prosecute the battle. These services are fully independent of mode -- training, rehearsal or operational -- and are intended to support manual to autonomous operations.
The warfighter-machine interface (WMI) package provides the capabilities to present Soldier information and receive Soldier information. WMI provides a common user interface across multiple platforms supporting the common crew station and "personal digital assistant" display system. It considers parameters such as echelon, type of system being used, and the warfighter's role to tailor information presentation.
Networked Logistics Systems
The key to the success of the FCS (BCT) is the Networked Logistics Systems integrated through the Family-of-Systems (FOS) to achieve the logistics goals of reducing the logistics footprint, enhancing deployability, increasing operational availability, and reducing total ownership costs. These critical program goals are included in the two logistics Key Performance Parameters (KPP), KPP 4 (Transportability/Deployability) and KPP 5 (Sustainability/Reliability). Inherent to meeting these KPPs is the integration of logistics in the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) network primarily through the Platform-Soldier Mission Readiness System (PSMRS) and the Logistics Decision Support System (LDSS).
These systems provide unprecedented depth and accuracy of logistics information and decision tools to the commanders and logisticians by enabling the distribution system to deliver the right stuff to the right place at the right time reducing O&S costs. The supportability of the FCS (BCT) is further enabled by the reduction of demand designed into the System of Systems. Increased Reliability Availability Maintainability-Test (RAM-T) goals and implementing a Performance Based Logistics (PBL) support concept through extensive up front systems engineering efforts will result in increased Operational Availability and significant decreases in both parts and maintenance personnel while generating increased combat power. The time required to execute a repair is significantly decreased through implementation of "Pit-Stop Engineering" designs for maintenance easing both crew and maintainer burdens.
Embedded Training
The FCS (BCT) network facilitates the Soldier's ability to train anywhere, any time. Technology has matured to a level that supports these requirements. Embedded Training (ET) will be developed as an integral part of the FCS (BCT) manned platform and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) architectures.
The Embedded Live-Virtual-Constructive (L-V-C) Multi-mode Training is the cornerstone of the networked Embedded Training (ET) and will satisfy the Key Performance Parameter (KPP#6) which states "The FCS Family of Systems (FoS) must have an embedded individual and collective training capability that supports live, virtual, and constructive training environments." ET must be designed-in at the start of the program to ensure it is developed in conjunction with the other FCS (BCT) System of Systems (SoS) components. Embedding the training capabilities as an inherent part of the operational system mitigates negative training inherent with attempting to replicate operational performance, since an embedded solution stimulates and uses the operational capabilities as an organic part of the solution. To fulfill the Operational and Organizational (O&O) concepts, the SoS must be capable of supporting operations, mission rehearsal and training of separate audiences (soldiers, units, leader/staff teams) simultaneously.
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