Air-to-Ground Fratricide Reduction Technology: An Analysis

Abstract

The family of air-to-ground fratricide reduction systems likely to be fielded in the next decade will be most effective when a joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) identifies targets for attack. The systems will be less effective in reducing fratricide in situations where aircraft must independently identify their targets. The Department of Defense (DoD) failed to make significant improvements in its air-to-ground target identification and situational awareness (SA) capabilities after Operation DESERT STORM. Consequently, U.S.-led coalition forces suffered unnecessary, self-inflicted losses when they went to war in 2001 and 2003 with essentially the same ineffective air-to-ground fratricide reduction technology that was available in 1991. The DoD and several multinational partners are evaluating Radio Frequency Tags and Radio-Based Combat Identification systems for air-to-ground fratricide reduction. Additionally, other DoD programs have significant potential for reducing air-to-ground fratricide as they pursue broader goals of combining SA systems and integrating disparate tactical data links. As currently envisioned, the emerging fratricide reduction systems will primarily address JTACs' target identification and SA shortfalls, while providing only a moderate overall improvement in aircraft capabilities. The DoD must follow through on its fielding plans if it is to succeed in reducing the probability of air-to-ground fratricide. The fratricide trend of the last three wars cannot be reduced with rules of engagement and tactics, techniques, and procedures alone. Equally mature, interoperable, and ubiquitous air-to-ground fratricide reduction systems are required to save friendly lives on future battlefields. The appropriate technology is available and long overdue.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA506423

Entities

People

  • Sean P. Larkin

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • C4I
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircrafts
  • Armored Personnel Carriers
  • Armored Vehicles
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Command And Control
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Fixed Wing Aircraft
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Iraqi-War
  • Military Force Levels
  • Radio Equipment
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  • Voice Communications
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.