Compass Call
Abstract
The EC-130H COMPASS CALL is the USAF's wide-area, airborne Command and Control Warfare/Information Operations (C2W/IO) weapon system. The employment of this system interdicts our adversary's use of the electronic battlespace and is a key active component in the information battlespace and prosecution of overseas contingency operations. EC-130H COMPASS CALL's sophisticated electronic combat system is capable of surgical denial or disruption of adversary radio frequency (RF) communications systems and sensors. The system was fielded in 1983 and to date has evolved through the Block 35/Baseline 1 configuration. Due to the rapid advances in electronic attack technology, the EC-130H COMPASS CALL was designed to be easily modified and must continue to modernize and evolve to keep pace with adversary tactics and emerging technologies. Continuous system development is required to maintain battlespace superiority. The EC-130H COMPASS CALL program employs an incremental development and fielding strategy IAW AFPD 63-1 that puts capability into the warfighters hands as soon as practical and ensures each iteration of the weapon system is effective against the highest priority threats. To sustain that process requires a steady stream of system development funds. Development funds are required to accomplish subsystem additions and improvements such as the digital signal analysis and exciter subsystem (AXE), the Special Purpose Emitter Array (SPEAR), the IED Defeat subsystem (NOVA), the Human-to-Machine Interface (HMI), network centric operations, phased array transmit and receive apertures and other classified hardware and software developments necessary to counter military and commercial communications evolutions, command and control operations enhancements, and new/emerging sensor developments. Funding in FY10-15 is required to support RDT&E efforts for Baseline 2 (BL2) and Baseline 3 (BL3) upgrades to the EC-130H COMPASS CALL fleet. The BL2 and BL3 programmed requirements have advanced significantly over the two previously fielded baselines. The "Initial Perspectives" report from the House Armed Services Committee's Panel on Roles and Missions (Jan 08) stated, "The Air Force must also address emerging shortfalls and readiness concerns in the COMPASS CALL program . . . it is important that the Air Force dedicate necessary funding to sustain the airframe and upgrade its mission and operating systems." BL2 and BL3 upgrades will help cover the electronic attack shortfall in the coming years. Obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources (DMS) are addressed with each baseline upgrade as well as annually as part of the sustainment responsibilities. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current and future program planning and execution. This program will participate in the development, testing, and implementation of international standards (to include NATO standardization agreements) to pursue joint, allied, and coalition interoperability. This program is categorized as Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development, because it provides for development of technologies necessary to field esssential and operational capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 674804_0207253F_7_3600_PB_2011
Related Documents
- Root: Compass Call
- Child Accomplishment: MAJOR THRUST: Baseline 1 development, integration and test, and Baseline 2 non recurring engineering (NRE) and development
- Child Cost Item: 00bd322b0c759638f1f9c04fa2e08943
- Child Cost Item: c3d99962f13e0a648250d1398a81336e