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Shield/ALERT

-- History --

Talon Shield was originally conceived from lessons learned during Desert Storm. Talon Shield was initially an Air Force Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (AF TENCAP) program whose tasks were to improve the existing theater warning capabilities of DSP and to find better ways of processing and disseminating crucial information to tactical users worldwide. These goals were achieved by significantly improving integration and processing of raw data from the entire DSP constellation at one location. This resulted in dramatic improvements in the accuracy and the description of detected events, as well as considerable reductions in data dissemination timeliness to theater. These capabilities represented such a vast improvement over existing systems, that on 22 November 1993, General Horner, Commander of Air Force Space Command, signed the order to transition Talon Shield to an operational squadron. On 30 September 1994, Talon Shield Phase 1 officially transitioned to the Attack and Launch Early Reporting to Theater (ALERT) system of the 11th Space Warning Squadron (SWS) under the 21st Space Wing. Following operational testing and training, the unit commenced initial warning operations on 10 March 1995 providing theater users with more accurate and timely theater missile warning information. ALERT will continue operating until the SBIRS Ground Processing Increment 1 Initial Operating Capability (IOC) is achieved in late 1999.

-- Program Overview --

Using existing sensors and data collection sources, global data related to theater missile warning is transmitted to the ALERT and Shield systems located at the National Test Facility at Falcon AFB, CO. Other communication resources are also integrated to facilitate information relay. The Central Tactical Processing Elements (CTPEs) are the mission data processors that produce timely and accurate warning and cueing reports, which are then disseminated to warfighters worldwide by existing communication networks dedicated to tactical applications. The Central Theater Processing Program (CTPP) is the effort that supports the ALERT, Shield and Initial Qualification Training (IQT) processing elements.

ALERT performs the operational mission while Shield provides the research and development environment to evaluate and demonstrate new sources of data and improved processing techniques for ALERT. The IQT system provides initial operator training. ALERT is a high confidence operational system that provides assured theater missile warning to warfighters worldwide. ALERT is the only component of the Tactical Event System that monitors all Major Regional Conflict and Rest of World areas simultaneously. Its current features include worldwide data coverage from a full DSP constellation augmented by other data sources and fusion of data at the sensor level from multiple real-time sources utilizing an open system architecture using modern, commercial equipment. Threat missile descriptors, such as launch point location, heading, state vector (position and velocity) and predicted impact area, have been improved by the use of algorithms that optimize multiple DSP satellite processing and additional sources of both event and environment data.

Shield is a research, development and support facility that evaluates and demonstrates the potential benefits of fusing multiple data sources and using advanced techniques in support of theater missile warning and defense. Shield is operated by the Space Warfare Center and receives part of its requirements and funding from the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO). Shield has the following three principal functions: develop prototypes for new CTPE-based capabilities in support of AFSPC requirements; test and debug new software releases for ALERT; and assess the operational feasibility of augmenting space based infrared data with a variety of additional data sources. Shield also serves as a system backup for ALERT operations and training. In addition, Shield may continue its research and development mission in support of the SBIRS program and other users by serving as a test bed for new candidate applications of spaceborne infrared data and processing/ communications improvements.

-- Description of Schedule and Tasks --

As shown by the schedule, development work is currently being done on the Shield/ALERT program. LOGISTICS covers the effort to support transition of ALERT operations and maintenance from contractor support to the Air Force. OPERATOR EFFICIENCY explores alternative ways to enhance the abilities of military operators to improve warning on infrared detectable events by improving their ability to discriminate real events from false alarms and reducing the time needed to release messages. MISSION IMPROVEMENTS strive to extend the scope and enhance the quality of messages generated by the system. CROSS CUEING involves the real-time interaction with various intelligence, radar-based and imagery systems to provide AFSPC with cueing information based on infrared observables and receive from them real-time sensor data that may be useful in refining event descriptions. ADDITIONAL SOURCES evaluate real-time fusion of data with real-time space based infrared data. BATTLESPACE CHARACTERIZATION evaluates battlefield situation in terms of relevant infrared observable events or threats to U.S. forces in that sector. MAPPING, EARTH IMAGERY & WEATHER IMAGERY COMPONENT (MEIWIC) data incorporates salient weather and terrain features into real-time operational displays to facilitate the operator's decision making.

The Shield/ALERT development will continue to pave the way for the follow-on SBIRS ground system. ALERT's motto is "In the Fight" and they will continue to be "In the Fight" until the SBIRS Increment 1 Initial Operation Capability has been achieved.

JTAGS

The U.S. Army and Navy Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) is capable of receiving data from DSP satellites directly in a combat area and has been operational since early 1997. JTAGS is also capable of relaying processed, real-time information through communications networks to forces within theater.

The JTAGS mission is to provide attack warnings to theater commanders so that appropriate firepower can be utilized to eliminate the immediate threat and to deter further aggression. JTAGS can be used by antimissile batteries to receive incoming missile warning messages and to point their radar systems in the proper direction.

Each JTAGS unit consists of three eight-foot antennas to receive satellite downlink information, one 8 X 8 X 20-foot processing & communications unit, one 60 kW generator and a HumVee.

The JTAGS system will be upgraded to accept data from the SBIRS satellites when they become operational in FY 2002. JTAGS truly brings the benefits of satellite early warning to the soldier in the field .

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