Profiler

Abstract

Profiler provides meteorological(MET) information such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, pressure, humidity, rate of precipitation, visibility, cloud height and cloud ceiling. All of these are required for precise targeting and terminal guidance. Profiler uses this information to build a four-dimensional MET model (height, width, depth and time) that includes terrain effects. By providing more accurate MET messages, Profiler will enable the artillery to have a greater probability of a first round hit with indirect fire systems. The new capabilities will increase the lethality of field artillery systems such as Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), Paladin, and self-propelled or towed howitzers. When analysis determined that Block I Profiler already satisfied the requirements of Block II, the decision was made to proceed directly to Block III as the next evolution of the Profiler capability. The Block I, AN/TMQ-52 Meteorological Measuring Set-Profiler (MMS-P),uses a ground tactical meteorological (TACMET) sensor and Meteorological (MET) data from communication satellites along with an advanced weather model to provide highly accurate MET data covering an operational area of 500 kilometers with a tested range of 60 kilometers. Block III CMD-P, AN/GMK-2 will provide a networked laptop configuration that will enhance system efficiencies while further reducing the system's operational and logistical footprint with the elimination of the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) mounted shelter and trailer. The Block III configuration consists of one computer with a common operating system co-located within the Tactical Operation Center (TOC) with a direct interface to the TOC Local Area Network (LAN). The system will be able to autonomously generate MET messages upon request from Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (AFATDS) eliminating the need for a dedicated MET section crew. The Army will realize a significant Operations and Support cost avoidance with the improved configuration.The Profiler Virtual Module (PVM) using the IT Box Construct concept will address emerging requirements and system long-term sustainment challenges. The PVM concept includes the following updates to the Profiler; the software architecture will be redone to create a modular framework, the weather model will be updated from Mesoscale Model version5(MM5) to Weather Research Forecast model(WRF), the weather data format for initiation data and data exchange will be updated to Gridded Binary version2 (GRIB 2), and the Graphical User Interface(GUI) made into a Common Operating Environment(COE)compliant thin client. Along with these changes, a primary goal is to recode the multiple language reuse code pieces into a common development environment. This will also be developed in conjunction with the AFATDS program. This concept is a flexible approach that will be able to support both stand alone application (on a PC), or integrated into the COE (i.e. a Slice in the TOC server). FY2014 Base funds in the amount of $2.759M are provided for the Profiler Virtual Module to develop the new MET process and the replacement of the weather model from MM5 to WRF.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Source ID
L75_0604710A_5_2040_PB_2014

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.

Technology Areas

  • Space

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