Joint Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Under One Roof

Abstract

Can one joint command, control, and communications (C3) platform replace five or more current C3 platforms and achieve the same results or better? Can we save money in the long run by concentrating our efforts on one global C3 system versus the continual research, development, and testing to extend the life of our present air-breathing platforms? These C3 platforms include ground units such as the Air Force ground Modular Control Element (MCE) and airborne units such as the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), Joint Surveillance Targeting and Radar System (JSTARS), and Airborne Battlefield Command, Control, and Communications (ABCCC); as well as our naval counterpart the E-2C Hawkeye. Presently, these units fall under different services, different commands, and speak different techno-babble languages when in fact they all serve the same purpose: relay of real-time information to the battlefield for the decision makers. Can we afford to continue using multiple platforms to achieve the same goal? Can technology not deliver the required information in one package? This research explores two concepts: the feasibility of combining current C3 platforms currently used in the USAF and USN and using commercial space-based satellite technology as the host for joint connectivity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA397883

Entities

People

  • Diane M. Mills

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Airborne Warning And Control System
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Command And Control
  • Control Systems
  • Data Links
  • Logistics
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Maintenance
  • Military Applications
  • Mobile Phones
  • Radar
  • Space Based
  • Surveillance
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Technology Areas

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