Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN)

Abstract

Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) systems provide assured communications connectivity between the President and the strategic deterrent forces in stressed environments. There are four on-going MEECN activities working to modernize strategic forces' communication networks. MEECN System Improvements (MSI) is a long-range planning process with users (Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and the Navy) to develop positions for current and future requirements/issues based on available technology. Minuteman MEECN Program Upgrade (MMPU) updates existing systems composed of Minuteman ICBM Launch Control Center (LCC) Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) communications along with a Minuteman ICBM LCC Extremely High Frequency (EHF) communications capability. MMPU will provide a capability in the LCC for the Missile Combat Crew Members to have operator control of the terminal to switch among various EHF/Advanced EHF (AEHF) satellite constellations and be compatible with Advanced EHF (AEHF). AEHF is an Extended Data Rate (XDR) waveform that provides more secure transmit/receive at High Data Rate (HDR) frequencies than the Low Data Rate (LDR) frequencies currently used on MILSTAR satellites. Ground Element MEECN Systems (GEMS) provides secure, survivable inter-site, intra-site, and mobile VLF and EHF communication to bomber, tanker, reconnaissance units and other communications facilities with strategic responsibilities. GEMS will also be upgraded to be compatible with AEHF. Long Term Solution (LTS) will replace the current Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) Hybrid Solution and provide a worldwide, robust, non-survivable NC3 network for specialized messaging services to meet Nuclear Technical Performance Criteria (NTPC) requirements for Emergency Action Message (EAM) dissemination. This program is in Budget Activity 07, Operational System Development, because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
0303131F_7_3600_PB_2012
Change Summary Explanation
FY10 funding increase includes $6.715M for MMPU to complete remaining RDT&E effort, $2.997M for GEMS due to programmatic/technical issues, and a funding decrease includes $303K due to higher AF priorities. FY12 funding changes include $18.069M initial funding for new start LTS, additional $10.465M to complete MMPU integration and test, additional $4.952M for GEMS due to program delays, and decreases for MSI including a $292K reduction for Reports/Studies/Boards efficiencies and $238K for other higher AF priorities.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Communication Networks
  • Contracts
  • Cost Analysis
  • Data Rate
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  • Manufacturing
  • Networks
  • Software Development
  • United States Strategic Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space

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