Network Centric Collaborative Targeting

Abstract

Network Centric Collaborative Targeting (NCCT) is the Air Force program of record responsible for developing core technologies to horizontally and vertically integrate Service, Joint, and Coalition ISR sensor systems both within and across intelligence disciplines (for example SIGINT to SIGINT or GMTI to SIGINT). NCCT software applications employ machine-to-machine interfaces and Internet Protocol (IP) communications to coordinate sensor cross-cues and collection activities. NCCT correlation and fusion services ingest collection data to produce a single, composite track (geolocation and ID) for high-value targets. NCCT Research and Development funding supports evolutionary development of the NCCT message set and network management systems (Operations Interface, Network Controller, Fusion Engine, Data Guard, Interface to Command and Control and the Interface to Airborne Overhead Cooperative Operations), the migration of the NCCT technologies to emerging network centric technologies (e.g. service-oriented architectures and web services), and satisfying DoD standards and information assurance requirements. Current NCCT-enabled systems and programmed development efforts include RC-135 RIVET JOINT, C-130 SENIOR SCOUT, EC-130H COMPASS CALL, U2/DCGS (SIGINT components), AOC (baseline workstations and Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JADOCS) interface), Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER), Gorgon Stare QRC, MC-12W, EP-3C, P-3C, and Airborne Overhead Cooperative Operations. Any prospective NCCT-enabled Coalition, Joint, or Service system is required to fund its respective integration, core technology improvements/upgrades to support system integration, and the infrastructure to support the system’s NCCT operational employment. The NCCT Program Manager will promote and facilitate the planning, demonstration and prototyping of capabilities, systems, and platforms in the approved Capabilities Production Document or designated by the Requirements Review Board toward the objective of inclusion and full participation in NCCT. In addition, FY 2011 OCO funding was provided for the development of a Core Technology GMTI / SIGINT Correlator. A GMTI / SIGINT Correlator will enhance on going efforts to address current GMTI operational needs by providing multi-source GMTI to GMTI and GMTI to SIGINT correlation services within the Network Centric Collaborative Targeting (NCCT) architecture. The result will be NCCT composite tracks with both SIGINT (ID) and GMTI (moving track/Doppler characteristics) components which will improve the find-fix-finish timelines against mobile and dismounted forces the Joint Force is encountering in current OCO. A GMTI / SIGINT correlator for the NCCT fusion engine supports OCO real-time and forensic operations, accelerates High-Side (classified) message architecture to network OCO relevant sensor systems, and directly supports tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) development for rapid operator use. The network service will accept and process network data from NCCT-enabled GMTI and SIGINT sources. These transactions will take place automatically in a machine-to-machine construct based on operator specified rule-sets. Activities also includestudies and analysis supporting current and future program planning and project execution. This program is in Budget Activity 7, 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 0305221F_7_3600_PB_2012
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2011 funding totals include $6.1M of Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) supplemental funding to develop a Core Technology GMTI / SIGINT Correlator. The program has been funded to latest cost estimate, less efficiencies. The reductions for efficiencies in FY12 are not intended to impact program content. Reductions for efficiencies may be spread to other Air Force programs at a later date. Amounts of the reductions are: $.024M in FY12.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• C4I
• Materials and Manufacturing Processes
• Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Force
• Application Software
• Command And Control
• Computing System Architectures
• Contingency Operations (Military)
• Correlators
• Cost Analysis
• Cost Estimates
• Costs
• Intelligence Collection Disciplines
• Life Cycle Management
• Life Cycles
• Network Protocols
• Networks
• Program Management
• Test And Evaluation
• Web Service

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control