A White Paper on the Conceptual Requirements for an Operational Airpower Planning Tool
Abstract
The current operational Air Tasking Order (ATO) planning tool, Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) application Theater Air Planner (TAP), is approaching obsolescence. This application runs on a Uniplexed Information and Computing System (UNIX) platform. Most computers in the Air and Space Operations Center (AOC) are Windows/Intel-based PCs. The TAP application is the culmination of a long line of outstanding computer applications that minimized the time and manpower needed to create the United States Message Text Format (USMTF) ATO message. We must now posit conceptual requirements for the next generation Operation Airpower Planning tool. The design philosophies to achieve the capabilities required of the Operation Airpower Planning tool and the USMTF ATO production tool are diametrically opposed, despite their essentially identical role in directing assigned tactical forces. The purpose of the ATO and Air Control Order (ACO), as defined by the USMTF, is "The ATO is used to task air missions and assign cross-force tasking and may also be used for intra-Service tasking," while "The ACO is used to provide specific detailed orders for airspace management from a higher command to subordinate units." To clarify our goal in creating the next generation Operational Airpower Planning Tool, we must understand the history of the USMTF ATO production tool. The ATO message is divided into two sub-sets, Mission Data Lines (MSNDAT) and Special Operation Instructions (SPINS). Traditionally, the AOC staff creates MSNDAT and Air Force Forces (AFFOR) staff creates the information required for SPINS. Both sets of information and the information in the ACO message are required to execute combat air power.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA463398
Entities
People
- Marvin L. Simpson
Organizations
- Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center