Platforms for Persistent Communications, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Abstract
Studies of military operations indicate a need for improvements in persistent communications reconnaissance and surveillance (CSR). The Army Science Board investigated capabilities of platforms deployed in space near space and lower altitudes and assessed tradeoffs among benefits weaknesses costs and logistics burdens associated with platform types. The study used a model to assess platform types versus relevant characteristics. Key findings include: persistence is not well defined; there are gaps in coverage; communications relay capabilities are inadequate; use of commercial space platforms for communications relay is very costly; large aircraft (e.g. KC-135) could be utilized for communications relay; proponency for CSR platforms is distributed and many solutions are ad hoc; no integrated mission Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) was found; satellites are not sufficiently responsive to lower echelon commanders; unmanned platforms are increasingly effective and accepted; and Lighter than Air (LTA) platforms have great potential. Major recommendations include: assign proponency for LTA to the Aviation Center; retain proponency for High Altitude LTA platforms at SMDC; accelerate Medium Altitude LTA (untethered) prototypes for joint CSR experiments; invest to mature High Altitude LTA airship CSR platforms; form LTA Integrated Product Team (IPT) of technologists material developers and combat developers; conduct an integrated Analysis of Alternatives for CSR platforms mixes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA492129
Entities
People
- Allen Adler
- Bob Wynn
- Chuck Vehlow
- Darrell Collier
- Gary Glaser
- Herb Gallagher
- Jolene Puthoff
- Madhu Beriwaln
- Mike Wartell
- Pete Swan
- Steve Scalera
- William Campbell
Organizations
- Army Science Board