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Littoral Combat Future Naval Capability
OVERVIEW
The Littoral Combat (LC) component of the Littoral Combat and Power Projection Future Naval
Capability (FNC), initiated in FY02, concentrates on the application of technology rather than its
development and emphasizes achieving technology transition by delivering products on time, within
budget, and with agreed-upon performance specifications. Given its goal to support "assured access and
sustained operations in the littorals as the naval component to joint operations," the LC-FNC focuses
on the concerns raised in Naval Operating Concept for Joint Operations2 and, in particular, on Expedi-
tionary Maneuver Warfare (EMW),3 the Marine Corps capstone concept. Unlike other FNC efforts, the
LC-FNC's mission requires that its initiatives cut across other systems-focused FNCs and leverage their
critical technologies, products, and support.
As described in Chapter 1, a formal process put in place by Code 353 to convert LC-FNC goals into
an S&T investment strategy uses war games and other similar concept-generating exercises to identify
and prioritize current Ship-to-Objective Maneuver (STOM) capability shortfalls as input for a long-
term, concrete plan of action for the LC-FNC program. Planning for long-term efforts involves the full
process shown in Figure 1.1. Near-term efforts (to be completed in as little as 18 months) are intended
to provide rapid results and a funding wedge for the LC-FNC, so that slowly ramped up funding can be
allocated without limiting its future use for developing the long-term efforts identified in the planning
process.
1Barry Blumenthal, Program Manager, Littoral Combat FNC, Office of Naval Research, "Littoral Combat Future Naval
Capability," slide 13, presentation to the committee on May 14, 2003.
2ADM Vern Clark, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, and Gen Michael W. Hagee, USMC, Commandant of the Marine
Corps. 2003. Naval Operating Concept for Joint Operations, Department of the Navy, March.
3Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. 2001. Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare, Department of the Navy, November 10.
28
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LITTORAL COMBAT FUTURE NAVAL CAPABILITY
29
LC-FNC Mission Focus
The committee noted that the LC-FNC is still in the early stages of development, as indicated by the
near-term nature of the projects presented, most of which appeared to be a continuation of pre-FNC or
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) application efforts reasonably relevant to EMW goals. It was difficult
to see in these projects the overall mission focus of the FNC the EMW shortfalls being addressed, the
criticality of each, the interrelationships among individual projects, and so on. A number of FY04 new
starts were presented that may well have been outputs from the first steps of the long-term planning
process but did not show direct linkage to the S&T priorities set as a result of the planning activities.
For example, Operational Maneuver From the Sea (OMFTS) and STOM two concepts that repre-
sent specific goals and means for enabling EMW and are heavily used in capabilities analysis within the
broader Marine Corps were not explicitly referred to in many project descriptions. This omission
caused the committee to be concerned about the level of integration between the LC-FNC and
overarching Marine Corps needs, although the committee recognized that short-term projects might be
indicative of only part of the current planning process guiding long-term program development. The
formal planning process that is being used to develop the long-term investment strategy of the LC-FNC
focuses explicitly on STOM as the driving concept of operation for the identification of capabilities
shortfalls that could be addressed by the LC-FNC.
Although there is concern by the committee about the current near-term focus of the LC-FNC, the
planning process introduced by the MCS&T program is well structured and promising. It should be
improved and then applied rigorously across the FNC. The committee was pleased to learn that the
Marine Corps will be communicating more directly about the near-term results it expects from the S&T
community, particularly through the recently published Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare Capability
List4 and the soon-to-be completed Marine Corps S&T plank
Since the issuance of Naval Operating Concept for Joint Operations and Naval Power 21, the
Marine Corps and the Navy have adopted Marine Corps Strategy 21 and Sea Power 21 as overriding
Service-specific operational concepts. The committee is concerned that although the LC-FNC seems to
be responding strongly to the principal Marine Corps concept of STOM,6 it is not focused on the
implications of EMW for the Marine Corps in particular, the integral sea basing component, which is
closely aligned with OMFTS and STOM. The absence of attention to logistical issues associated with
sea basing was especially noted by the committee, given the recent statement by the Commandant of the
Marine Corps that sea basing is one of the highest-priority Marine Corps development initiatives.7
Part of the reason for this lack of focus on sea basing within the LC-FNC is that the Department of
the Navy's Science and Technology Corporate Board, which approves and prioritizes all FNCs, initiated
a separate FNC component scheduled to start in FY05 the Expeditionary Logistics (ExLog) compo-
nent of the Littoral Combat and Power Projection FNC to examine issues related to sea-based logis-
4LtGen Edward Hanlon, Jr., USMC, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development. 2003. Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare
Capability List (ECLJ. Expeditionary Force Development Center, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico,
Va., June 16. Available online at . Accessed on December 12, 2003.
5See Chapter 1, subsection entitled "ONR and Code 353's Relationship with the Marine Corps."
6Air defense needs are not addressed in the current MCS&T program. Code 353 is actively coordinating with the Missile
Defense FNC to address Marine Corps air defense needs.
7Special Projects Directorate, U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters. 2003. "The Marine Corps General," Vol. 15, April 14.
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2003 ASSESSMENT OF ONR'S MARINE CORPS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
tics.8 The ExLog-FNC is tasked to address gaps in critical logistical capabilities (such as deployment
from and reconstitution of a sea base) for naval forces engaged in expeditionary operations.9 Yet,
although the LC-FNC and the ExLog-FNC are closely related in mission, they nevertheless have
separate IPTs, separate performing organizations (the S&T lead for the ExLog-FNC is ONR Code 36
Industrial and Corporate Programs), and separate funding. The committee saw no evidence of interac-
tion between these two FNC components. Considering the critical role logistics plays in enabling
OMFTS and STOM, this separation seems unwise.
The LC-FNC consists of four enabling capabilities (ECs) under which the various projects are
grouped: EC 1 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) for the Amphibious Force; EC
2 Expeditionary Fire Support for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF); EC 3 MAGTF
Maneuver in the Littorals; and EC 4 Command and Control (Cal. These four ECs appear to the
committee to provide a reasonable set of program areas for coordination and categorization of the
shortfalls in EMW capabilities identified in the planning process.
The committee' s general findings and recommendations for the LC-FNC are provided below. Each
section after that reviews one of the four constituent ECs and the projects within each.
Recommendation for the Overall LC-FNC
Recommendation. The Department of the Navy's Science and Technology Corporate Board should (1)
expand the LC-FNC's mission to include Marine Corps capability needs for all of Expeditionary
Maneuver Warfare and (2) provide a means for strongly coupling the integrated product teams for the
Littoral Combat and the Expeditionary Logistics components of the Littoral Combat and Power Projec-
tion FNC. At a minimum, it should assign Code 353 the co-S&T lead of the ExLog-FNC (with full
voting rights) while retaining Code 353 as the S&T lead of the LC-FNC.
EC 1 INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, AND RECONNAISSANCE
FOR THE AMPHIBIOUS FORCE
EC 1 is intended to provide enhanced autonomous and semiautonomous intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that can be locally assigned and controlled. It includes the Tacti-
cal Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Platform product line, which supports development of the hardware and
software necessary for a deployable tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and the Tactical Sensors
product line, which supports development of sonar, electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR), radio frequency
(RF), and chemical, radiological, and biological (CRB) sensor systems.
EC 1 Findings and Recommendations
The committee found that the EC 1 projects address many valid and critical Marine Corps ISR
issues and should continue in the same general direction. However, four of the five EC 1 projects focus
on the development of a Tier II UAV platform and its sensors. Based on lessons from recent operations
8The Department of the Navy Science and Technology Corporate Board is composed of the Vice Chief of Naval Opera-
tions, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development,
and Acquisition.
9Expeditionary Logistics (ExLog) component of the Littoral Combat and Power Projection Future Naval Capability (FNC).
2002. Expeditionary Logistics, Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Va., June 3. Available online at . Accessed on August 20, 2003.
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LITTORAL COMBAT FUTURE NAVAL CAPABILITY
3
in Afghanistan, the Marine Corps is considering redefining the requirements for the Tier II UAV
project. The committee is concerned that the Tier II UAV's dominance within EC 1 is causing funding
for other LC-FNC projects to be overly restricted. Specific recommendations for each project are
offered in the relevant sections below.
In addition, the committee noted that the Tier II UAV and the chemical, radiological, and biological
payload projects are in many cases significantly affected by directions prescribed by Joint Service
offices. When asked, Code 353 said it did not have a thorough knowledge of these subjects and had only
limited interaction with the relevant Joint Service offices.
Recommendation. Code 353 should reexamine EC 1, ISR for the Amphibious Force, and seek to
expand its funding options beyond sensors and platforms tied to Tier II UAV development.
Recommendation. Code 353 should establish better coordination between EC 1, ISR for the Amphibi-
ous Force, and EC 4, Command and Control, as well as better coordination with related intelligence
community, joint, and other Service research and development programs.
Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Platform Product Line
Tier II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
The Tier II UAV project is focused on development of a mid-range vertical takeoff and landing
capability with an emphasis on performance, endurance, and payload. It is viewed as mid-range between
a Tier I (hand-launched, limited-performance) platform and the much more capable Tier III (longer-
range, higher-performance) platform. Candidates for the Tier II UAV platform are the Dragon Warrior
helicopter and a ducted-fan vehicle. Both prototype vehicles have demonstrated flight capability. Poten-
tial plug-and-play sensors being developed for the Tier II platform were described in briefing material
presented to the committee.
Findings and Recommendations. The committee finds that Tier II platform development is well within
the scope of the LC-FNC and represents a viable advanced development effort. Vertical takeoff and
landing capability, autonomous flight, engines using heavy fuels, and modular plug-and-play payloads
are all excellent objectives. Prototype tests of both candidate platforms appear to be making solid
progress in establishing flight stability, endurance, and range. If the purpose of developing a 42-inch-
diameter version of the ducted-fan vehicle is to demonstrate payload or performance levels comparable
to those of the Dragon Warrior helicopter, then the committee views such a comparison as a useful
endeavor that also enables cost and performance profiles for the larger fan system.
The Marine Corps currently envisions several levels of UAV support for its warfighters ashore. At
the level of battalion and company, the man-portable Dragon Eye system has already proven its worth in
the field. From the division down to the regimental level of the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), the
Marine Corps appears to be supporting a vertical takeoff UAV system suitable for both ship-based and
forward land-based use. A concern of the committee is that after-action reports from Operation Iraqi
Freedom have indicated that tactical ISR systems (such as that envisioned here) often did not have the
horizontal speed necessary to keep up with rapid ground operations.~° Even if these vehicles cannot
attain such high horizontal speeds, they might still play a valuable role in military operations in urban
terrain.
1OMarine Corps Combat Development Command. 2003. Field Report Marine Corps Systems Command Liaison Team,
Central Iraq (April 20-25, 2003J, Quantico, Va., May.
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2003 ASSESSMENT OF ONR'S MARINE CORPS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue Tier II UAV development through a demonstration
phase involving tests of both functional platforms (the Dragon Warrior helicopter and the ducted-fan
vehicle) in tactical environments to thoroughly establish their potential military utility and roles.
Recommendation. Code 353 should examine the potential of the Dragon Warrior helicopter and the
ducted-fan vehicle to support short-range missions such as military operations in urban terrain.
Recommendation. The Marine Corps should reevaluate the operational altitude objective for Tier II
UAVs to determine if such vehicles can support their projected use as a communications relay.
Tactical Sensors Product Line
Tactical Hydrographic Survey Equipment
The tactical hydrographic survey equipment project is focused on the development of a next-
generation underwater survey and mapping system to address the tasks of shallow water underwater
reconnaissance and beach surveillance. For decades, these tasks have been personnel-intensive, with
trained divers recording observations with grease pencils. The tactical hydrographic survey equipment
integrates a 1.2-MHz sonar, a Global Positioning System (GPS) geolocation capability, data storage, a
satellite communications (SATCOM) data link, and a 3-knot-capable diver propulsion device (DPD)
into a single deployable package.
Findings and Recommendations. The committee finds that the tactical hydrographic survey equipment
project addresses a key EMW requirement by providing timely knowledge of coastal bottom contours
and beach conditions prior to amphibious landings, including the detection of various man-made ob-
stacles. Furthermore, the committee views this effort as addressing a unique Marine Corps capability
requirement.
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue development of the tactical hydrographic survey
equipment as planned, with tactical marine environment experimentation and testing taking place at the
earliest possible time.
Recommendation. Code 353 should initiate an analysis of systems-level communications and pro-
cessing to define the trade-offs in local versus remote data processing, to identify data throughput
requirements and the potential availability of satellite channels for transmission of sensor data to over-
the-horizon receivers, and to consider an alternative (backup) communications path if satellite capacity
is not available.
Tactical Littoral Sensing Payload
The tactical littoral sensing payload project is focused on the development of a high-resolution EO/
IR sensor for ISR of mines, obstacles, terrain elevation, and bathymetry. Project components will
include a lightweight EO/IR sensor, algorithms from the Airborne Remote Optical Spotlight System
(AROSS), and, potentially, a small gimbaled system for sensor incorporation on a Tier II UAV. Opera-
tional enhancements include precision targeting, water depth and current speed measurements, and
navigation aids for the advanced amphibious assault vehicle (AAAV) operations in threat areas. The
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LITTORAL COMBAT FUTURE NAVAL CAPABILITY
33
Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD), the Army Research Laboratory
(ARL), several Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories, and various defense contractors have all done
work in this area.
Findings and Recommendations. The tactical littoral sensing payload project offers a potential for
wide-area surveillance of minefields and obstacles that the Marine Corps should pursue. In its present
state of development, the sensor has demonstrated that it can detect minelike objects in daylight,
although the algorithms need to be considerably improved in order to reach the desired real-time
performance. Code 353 expects to transition the technology to the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance
and Analysis (COBRA) program and/or a future UAV to provide mine detection, targeting, and other
TC,1' ~~1_;1;~;~n 1l A 16~ In ~~;~+ ;n A; To A (~ BITT in; +~ ^~ ~~
1~1\ ~a[J"ulil~l~. ~l~llQU~11 L111~ ~1~1~L 1~ L"l~Llil~ ~1~ 1~1 L~lill~lQUy 1111111 L11~1~ "lo 11Q
~ O ~ J O O OF
preplanned product improvement (P3I) plans, nor has funding been identified in the COBRA program to
incorporate the products described above.
The project appears to significantly overlap ONR's Rapid Overt Airborne Reconnaissance (ROAR)
program. The Army NVESD is also developing an ISR system under the Airborne Standoff Minefield
Detection System (ASTAMIDS) program that overlaps some objectives of the tactical littoral sensing
payload project (terrain elevation, target tracking, high resolution, high dynamic range, and multisensor
payload including EO/IR).
Recommendation. Code 353 should establish a clear collaboration between the tactical littoral
sensing payload project, the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis program, and the airborne
standoff mine detection system project to minimize redundant efforts and to increase emphasis on the
identification of fixed and moving targets without the need for overflight.
Recommendation. Code 353 should review the tactical littoral sensing payload project and the
Rapid Overt Airborne Reconnaissance program to eliminate overlaps and to free much-needed re-
sources.
Recommendation. Code 353 should maintain strong ties to and collaboration with the Army Night
Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate.l2
Radio Frequency Emitter Mapping Payload
The radio frequency emitter mapping payload project is a follow-on to the recently completed
mobile direction finding project.l3 The purpose of the current project is to develop a RF sensing payload
based on COTS hardware that is compatible with the Tier II UAV development effort. The sensor will
1lJay G. Moore, Manager (Acting), Expeditionary Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance for the Amphibious
Force, "Littoral Combat Future Naval Capability Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance," slides 12 to 15, presenta-
tion to the committee on May 14, 2003.
12Army and Marine Corps cooperation in the development of countermine systems is cited in Army RDT&E Budget Item
Justification (R-2 Exhibit), PE 0602712A Countermine Systems, February 2003. Available online at . Accessed on August 20, 2003.
13See "Mobile Direction Finding" under the C4ISR core thrust in Chapter 3.
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2003 ASSESSMENT OF ONR'S MARINE CORPS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
be designed to uniquely detect, identify, geolocate, and track battlefield RF emitters and thus create a
map of these emitters for use by the tactical commander. Position measurements would be computed
utilizing a combination of time and frequency difference of arrival methods. Time difference of arrival
(TDOA) is a standard technique for establishing emitter bearing, and multiple measurement nodes
(three or more points or a single extended aperture) are required to establish geolocation through
intersection of the TDOA lines. Frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) positioning techniques mea-
sure Doppler-induced frequency differences produced by a moving source or receiver.~4 Key to this
system is the development of a wavelet transform to allow for the generation of a unique signal pattern
for each emitter. In addition, a system will be developed for combining each set of measurements to
develop a multipoint, time-integrated picture of a given RF source.
Findings and Recommendations. The committee places the radio frequency emitter mapping payload
project in the moderate- to high-risk category, given the project's stated goals. Unique detection,
identification, geolocation, and tracking are exceedingly difficult in a noisy RF environment and gener-
ally require a multitude of sensing nodes collecting and correlating signal characteristics in near-real
time. A complex urban environment typically leads to large numbers of multiple reflections arising from
each emitter; this issue makes the project challenging. The committee finds that the current effort poses
significant technical challenges that do not appear to have been sufficiently resolved.
Recommendation. Code 353 should initiate a systems-level analysis to determine the feasibility of
the radio frequency emitter mapping payload project's objectives, including the feasibility of mapping
RF emitters in a noisy RF environment to the degree planned for in the project's objectives. Analyses
should establish the level of preprocessing needed at the sensing platform, the processing needed at the
control node, and the performance characteristics of the connecting data communications and order
links. The availability and quality of service of communications channels should be key factors in such
a systems-type analysis.
Recommendation. Code 353 should work closely with related commercial, intelligence, and other
Service initiatives aimed at radio frequency emitter mapping.
Chemical, Radiological, and Biological Payload
The chemical, radiological, and biological payload project is focused on the development of an
integrated sensor package capable of detecting CRB agents from an airborne platform. The project is
being performed in conjunction with the Tier II UAV platform project and represents one of the plug-
and-play payloads envisioned.
Findings and Recommendations. The committee regards the chemical, radiological, and biological
payload project as critically important at present in light of the potential battlefield use of CRB agents.
Selected sensors are available with demonstrated capability to separately detect chemical, radiological,
or biological agents. A complication is that, while radiological and chemical sensors can respond in
near-real time, biological sensors generally cannot. The technical challenge is to integrate these indi-
14FDoA was used in the Navy navigation satellite system known as Transit.
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LITTORAL COMBAT FUTURE NAVAL CAPABILITY
35
vidual capabilities into a single unit with airborne potential while dealing effectively with the sensors
very different characteristic detection times. An added difficulty is that weight goals are often hard to
.,
meet Wltn systems that combine EKE detection capanllltles. lne lUU-lb weight lout postulated tor tills
project appears to the committee to be overly ambitious for the current state of the art.
The management of S&T programs in chemical and biological defense is a congressionally man-
dated responsibility of the Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological
Defense, in coordination with the Joint Science and Technology Panel for Chemical and Biological
Defense.~5 This joint panel has representation from all the Services. It was clear to the committee that
Code 353 had made no contact with these DOD and joint offices.
Recommendation. Code 353 should establish a clear working relationship with the Joint Science
and Technology Panel for Chemical and Biological Defense and coordinate with its science and technol-
ogy initiatives and programs.
Recommendation. With appropriate coordination, Code 353 should continue the chemical, radio-
logical, and biological payload project as planned but should conduct a systems-level analysis to iden-
tify operational concepts for the airborne sensor and supporting infrastructure.
Recommendation. Code 353 should reexamine the 100-lb weight goal for the planned chemical,
radiological, and biological payload and determine how the UAV' s performance would be affected by
increasing the sensor weight.
EC 2 EXPEDITIONARY FIRE SUPPORT FOR THE MAGTF
EC 2 is intended to enhance fire support for elements of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF)
operating ashore by providing improved ammunitions and by integrating and networking all legacy and
future fire support systems. Meeting the objective of "first round fire for effect" requires five character-
istic capabilities: accurate target location, accurate fire unit location, accurate weapon and ammunition
data, access to accurate meteorological data, and accurate computational procedures. Designed to ad-
dress technical demands associated with this range of objectives, EC 2 includes (1) the Improved
Indirect Fire Weapon System product line, with three projects; (2) the Networked Fires product line,
with two projects; and (3) the Improved Ammunition product line, with four projects.
EC 2 Findings and Recommendation
EC 2 is at an early stage of development, with three of the nine projects well under way, two at the
requirements stage, and four scheduled to start in FY04. Much of the proposed work (market surveys,
development of conceptual architectures, and assessment of existing tools) seems to have been done
well enough to encourage effective application of new technologies. At the same time, it was difficult
for the committee to see the proposed work in the context of other existing efforts.
1SIn accordance with 50 USC 1522, chemical and biological defense programs within the Department of Defense are
overseen by a single office within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
16For example, interrelationships between rate of air sampling (volume and time), flight profile, onboard processing,
control node processing, and available communication links must be taken into account in such an analysis.
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2003 ASSESSMENT OF ONR'S MARINE CORPS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
The more mature projects are taking advantage of existing technology for near-term transition.
Many of the projects heavily leverage Army or DARPA efforts in guns and advanced munitions, and the
Networked Fires product line, in particular, will require significant coordination with all the Services.
Recommendation. Before FY04, Code 353 should assess the feasibility of integrating the expedition-
ary fire support projects with those of other Service components and should review relevant prior Army
and DARPA studies.
Improved Indirect Fire Weapon System Product Line
Advanced Materials for Indirect Fire Weapons Systems
The advanced materials for indirect fire weapons systems project seeks to improve gun weapon
systems by using new alloys and a redesign to reduce weight and improve mobility and set-up time. The
selected Isogrid technology uses a grid array of ribs, precisely machined from stainless steel, to enhance
structural integrity and increase the strength-to-weight ratio. The specific objective is to reduce the
weight and the manufacturing costs of the M777 trail (the long support arms needed to balance the
cannon during firing) without sacrificing performance.
Findings and Recommendations. The Isogrid technology appears very promising. This technology for
fabrication of lightweight, high-strength materials has been demonstrated to reduce M777 trail weight
(from 15,758 to 6,700 lb) and manufacturing cost. Isogrid trail components implemented through the
advanced materials for indirect fire weapons systems project are being prepared for field testing at
Twenty-nine Palms, California, in mid- to late-2003.
Recommendation. Due to the significant weight changes resulting from use of Isogrid components,
Code 353 should address the effect of weight reduction on the firing behavior of the M777 weapon.
Recommendation. Code 353 should engage in future testing and analysis of Isogrid components,
paying particular attention to questions of component reliability and fatigue under operational condi-
tions.
Recommendation. Code 353 should conduct a manufacturing cost study of Isogrid components to
quantify the benefits of reduced weight in light of expected changes in production cost.
~ J - ~ D - ~ - ID - — —' r
Improved Fire Control Systems
Improved fire control and indirect fire capability for existing weapons are critical to the success of
a lightweight fighting force, as envisioned in STOM. One aim of the improved fire control systems
project is to improve the first-round accuracy of existing gun systems by integrating the sensitive inertial
guidance component of an automatic aiming and pointing system onto the base plate of 120-mm and
105-mm howitzers. Success in this activity would have the additional benefit of permitting digital
integration with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System at the gun level. A second activity
seeks a methodology for using direct-fire weapons in an indirect-fire mode. In particular, an MK-47
Striker machine gun is to be modified with software enhancements to allow beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS
targeting.
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LITTORAL COMBAT FUTURE NAVAL CAPABILITY
37
Findings and Recommendations. Both activities in the improved fire control systems project entail
incremental changes to existing systems, with a potential for greatly enhanced performance. These
concepts seem practical and are reasonable near-term transition objectives for the LC-FNC.
The introduction of an advanced material and mounting system for integration of an aiming and
pointing system onto the gun base plate has the potential to reduce both circle-error probability and time
to emplace and fire. A late 2003 demonstration with live fire was anticipated.
The proposed modification for the MK-47 Striker to allow beyond-line-of-sight targeting has just
begun and is only at the requirements definition stage.
Recommendation. Code 353 should proceed with demonstration and the transition of the aiming
and pointing system into existing howitzers as quickly as possible.
Recommendation. Code 353 should develop a quantitative error budget for the MK-47 Striker
targeting requirements for use in beyond-line-of-sight targeting.
Mortar and Mobility Transport System
The mortar and mobility transport system project is focused on the development of a lighter, more
maneuverable, towed mortar platform consistent with V-22 and CH-53E air transportability. The plat-
form will incorporate advanced materials and designs for weight reduction and maneuverability to
facilitate aircraft loading and unloading. The goal is to develop a platform that enables an air-delivered
weapon to rapidly transition to a mobile system, with the ability to be integrated with existing COTS
mortars.
Findings and Recommendations. The mortar and mobility transport system project is ambitious, re-
quiring the development of gun system models and engineering analysis for the design and fabrication
of tires, wheels, axles, wheel maneuvers, and an adjustable suspension track system to facilitate loading
from V-22s and CH-53Es. Because the goal of this system is to enable rapid maneuver, the committee
noted that aspects of it may be better served through the EC 3 (Maneuver) of the LC-FNC.
Recommendation. Code 353 should develop a schedule to determine if the mortar and mobility
transport system project can be realized in the relatively short time frame typical of FNC Programs.
r D
Recommendation. Code 353 should examine if some aspects of the mortar and mobility transport
system project should be transferred to EC 3 (Maneuver) or to the Maneuver core thrust.
Networked Fires Product Line
Advanced Target Acquisition
The advanced target acquisition project has three activities. One is to produce an all-digital sensor-
to-shooter system by integrating a Viper II eye-safe laser range finder, a rugged handheld computer, and
hi__% _% ~ A ~ ~ · · · ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ STAN ~ . · · . · . ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
a PK(: 148 radio In a single handheld package. the second activity Is to produce a handheld meteoro-
logical station to use on the battlefield; the station would measure environmental parameters critical to
achieving firing accuracy parameters such as atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind direction, and
velocity. The wind-speed measurements are seen as especially important to the warfighter in calculating
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2003 ASSESSMENT OF ONR'S MARINE CORPS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
firing solutions. The third activity is to enhance the existing target location, designation, and handoff
system with a new target designator system and interoperability protocols to enable joint target handoffs.
Findings and Recommendations. A prototype of the digital sensor-to-shooter system currently de-
ployed with operational forces sounds promising. The system has provided near-real-time targeting data
from a forward observer for U.S. attack aircraft operating in Operation Iraqi Freedom to establish GPS
coordinates for joint direct attack missiles and for close air support, and this system was reported to
"significantly improve upon current CAS Close air support] capability."~7
The handheld meteorological station is a new start scheduled for FY04, and no in-depth descriptive
materials were presented.
The target location, designation, and hand-off system enhancement project is a new start for FY03
and has just completed the requirements definition phase.
. .
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue advanced target acquisition project activities through
their testing phase.
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue to support the handheld meteorological station through
development and field-testing. Code 353 should also collaborate with the Army on small handheld
meteorological devices.
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue the project for enhancing the target location, designa-
tion, and hand-off system and transition the system into operational use as soon as possible.
Recommendation. Code 353 should reexamine and improve the Viper II/RHCIPRC 148 integrated
sensor-to-shooter system in light of recent reports on Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Recommendation. Code 353 should conduct testing of the Viper II/RHC/PRC 148 integrated sen-
sor-to-shooter system in the context of the required target location error tolerance for the joint direct
attack missile.
Integration with Naval Fires Network
The integration with the Naval Fires Network project aims to develop interoperability between the
Marine Corps Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) and the Air Force/Joint
Forces' Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS). This project will enable naval forces to
better integrate their air, surface, and ground C2 systems. The objective is to provide a means for robust
planning, replanning, and deconfliction within a networked system to ensure that fire support resources
are available to the warfighter when needed. The project is expected to proceed with a series of hardware
and software improvements to each system that will facilitate coordination between systems.
Findings and Recommendation. The integration with Naval Fires Network project appears to fill a
verified Marine Corps need and is slated to start in FY04. An external factor that could have a large
impact on this project is the Department of the Navy's FORCEnet program, which now oversees large-
17Vickie Williams, Manager, Expeditionary Fire Support for the MAGTF Enabling Capability, Office of Naval Research,
"Fires Enabling Capability," slide 20, presentation to the committee on May 14, 2003.
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scale interoperability and systems integration efforts throughout the naval community in the context of
implementing network-centric operations, of which the Naval Fires Network will inevitably be a part.
Recommendation. Code 353 should reexamine the integration with Naval Fires Network project to
ensure that it will complement the utility of planned and developing FORCEnet integration and
interoperability projects and to avoid duplication of efforts or, worse, incompatible solutions.
Improved Ammunition Product Line
Work aiming toward improved ammunition is focused on increasing the lethality of Marine Corps
ammunition to improve the probability of a first-round kill by the warfighter. It includes four projects:
lethality and advanced warheads, advanced kill mechanisms, extended-range mortar munitions, and
advanced ammunition packaging.
Lethality and Advanced Warheads
The lethality and advanced warheads project will compare the lethality of advanced and existing
expeditionary fires' kill mechanisms. The objective is to compare the effectiveness of potential materiel
solutions for expeditionary fire support needs.
Findings and Recommendations. Much of the raw information was gained through live-fire testing.
These tests have been completed for 120-mm rifled mortar rounds, and testing for munitions of other
sizes is ongoing. The information gained should prove useful in the development of advanced munitions
as well as in the application of firepower in combat situations.
Recommendation. Code 353 should proceed with the lethality and advanced warheads project
through completion, as planned.
Recommendation. Before starting any new, related initiatives, Code 353 should coordinate more
closely in warhead development with operational experimentation initiatives at the Marine Corps
Warfighting Laboratory and prior live-fire testing performed by the Army and DARPA.
Advanced Kill Mechanisms
The advanced kill mechanisms project supports a study of fragmentation technology to optimize
warhead lethality. It is evaluating existing fragmentation concepts and development; appropriate model-
ing and simulation of fragmentation patterns; and the design of novel codes to describe the fragmenta-
tion process within exploding shells and is comparing the above models with live-fire tests. The objec-
tive is to provide an Expeditionary Fires Support System (EFSS)-compatible munition having optimal
lethality and decreased logistics demands.
Findings and Recommendation. The advanced kill mechanisms activity is scheduled to start in FY04.
The committee sees this effort as the beginning of a new large-scale research program to develop
advanced fragmentation warheads by Code 353. While there is Marine Corps need in this area, the field
is dominated by Army input. Hence, care must be taken to examine Army initiatives in this area to avoid
duplication of effort. Part of this initial stage of the activity should focus on the identification of possible
new technologies and design approaches that have not been fully evaluated or pursued.
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2003 ASSESSMENT OF ONR'S MARINE CORPS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Recommendation. Before continuing or expanding its research allocations in the field of warhead
fragmentation, Code 353 should review prior Army and DARPA studies and development programs to
ensure that Code 353's efforts add new knowledge to this large and heavily studied area.
Extended Range Mortar Munitions
The Marine Corps, as part of EMW, has expressed a desire for longer-range organic (i.e., locally
tasked) fires to enable fast and independent movement of forces around the battlespace. The extended
range mortar munitions project is focused on improvement of mortar ammunition, with the specific goal
of developing a rocket-assisted mortar to extend the warhead range from the current 8 km out to 17 km.
Findings and Recommendations. The extended range mortar munitions project will build on an exist-
ing Army rocket-assisted 120-mm munition. Its planned late FY04 start is dependent on the choice of
munition for the EFSS. The committee notes that the Army's Future Combat System (FCS) program's
goals for extended-range munitions are similar to the Marine Corps goals espoused in this project for
EMW.
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue with the extended range mortar munitions project as
planned.
Recommendation. Code 353 should monitor and attempt to leverage Army Future Combat System
program efforts to develop organic, longer-range mortar munitions.
Advanced Ammunition Packaging
Current long-range munitions must be individually packaged for routine storage and transportation.
In some cases, these packaging systems add significant weight and volume to the logistics burden of the
warfighter. The advanced ammunition packaging project aims to develop advanced materials and pack-
age designs to reduce weight and improve handling and protection for munitions. One benchmark goal
of the project is a significant reduction in packaging volume along with a 50 percent reduction in
packaging weight. An additional goal is to devise interlocking packaging so that large groups of muni-
tions can be handled easily and safely.
Findings and Recommendations. The advanced ammunition packaging project will include require-
ments definition, package modeling, studies of hinge design for interlocking packaging, and evaluation
of materiel solutions for transport and protection. Care must be taken with the packaging design to
ensure that significant reduction in packaging volume will not lead to an increased probability of
accidental detonation of munitions. This project is scheduled for an FY04 start.
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue with the advanced ammunition packaging project as
planned.
Recommendation. Code 353 should establish and maintain close coordination between this project
and similar Army efforts related to munitions packaging.
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EC 3 is intended to enhance the maneuverability of landed elements of a MAGTF through knowl-
edge-based situational awareness and improved mine- and obstacle-breaching capabilities. The capa-
bilities being developed and demonstrated are intended to allow assault forces to dynamically plan and
execute STOM operations, which will require collaboration and distributive planning along with inte-
gration of situational awareness, logistics, and mission objectives.
Several technology gaps have been identified that could impair STOM execution in 2010, including
(1) a lack of common and integrated dynamic planning, rehearsal, and execution systems, (2) the
inability of lower echelons to get relevant data, (3) a lack of a common relevant operational picture
(CROP) at all echelons, and (4) a navigation and object location system that is currently unable to afford
a precise and responsive approach during amphibious operations at night, in adverse weather, or in
obstructed or mined waters.
Enhanced maneuverability, based on dynamic planning and adaptive execution at the mission
planning level, will require support at all phases of expeditionary marine warfare, multiple plans (what-
if alternatives), collaborative planning, rapid replanning, execution monitoring, near-real-time changes
based on enemy activities, up-to-date environmental data, and actual situational awareness. Further, this
capability must be flexible, distributable, and easy to use.
EC 3 includes the Knowledge-Based Situational Awareness product line, with one project; the
Maneuver Systems product line, with three projects; and the Landmine Countermeasures and Breaching
product line, with one project.
EC 3 Findings and Recommendations
Initial efforts in EC 3 are aiming for a significant advance in STOM capability by 2006, to be
supported by dynamic planning and adaptive execution, precise navigation tools, and development of an
advanced CROP. Evolutionary development of existing software tools and COTS hardware should lead
to rapid returns for MAGTF maneuver in the littorals. Particularly promising are the EX-45 stable
weapon mount, which has long been in development, and the AAAV collision avoidance system. The
remainder of the EC 3 projects started in FY03 or are set to start in FY04, so there are few final results
to report.
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue to pursue situational awareness efforts with vigor.
Recommendation. Code 353 should accelerate efforts to support the needs of mine countermeasures
and military operations in urban terrain by systematically addressing the many identified shortfalls.
Knowledge-Based Situational Awareness Product Line
Adaptive Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare System
The adaptive expeditionary maneuver warfare system project is a software development initiative
aimed at enabling the combined amphibious task forces, combat logistics forces, and their staffs to
better coordinate their decision making during the planning, evaluation, and execution of all phases of
18A weapon with two-axis stabilization was demonstrated in May 2001.
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EMW. The objective is to integrate the technologies required to synchronize operations for dynamic
planning and adaptive execution using collaborative and distributive planning. The expected warfighting
benefits include reduced planning time and increased speed and accuracy of command to allow rapid
decisions and replanning, in-stride assault guidance, and reduced fratricide.
Findings and Recommendation. The adaptive expeditionary maneuver warfare system project is devel-
oping evolutionary software tools that are currently undergoing field testing. Capabilities presented to
the committee demonstrated the individual software tools being implemented as part of the project. The
software tools supported overall mission objectives as well as visualization with real-world imagery of
a landing area and overlays of assault lanes, tactical areas, and an execution timeline; demonstrated the
ability to incorporate surf models that support beach selection and the identification of available assets;
and supported landing force landing plans, including organizing into landing waves and the order of
offload.
One particular tool was the augmented reality tool, which is being developed to improve navigation
and situational awareness for fast sea approaches to desired landing areas. The deployed experimental
system enables georegistered data to be presented on a cockpit monitor and enables the operator to see
the approach path clearly, via computer-generated guard rails.
Although a milestone and schedule timeline was presented, it was difficult for the committee to
determine when and how the individual software tools would be integrated into a dynamic system
synchronized across platforms, echelons, missions, and components. Early success and accomplish-
ments included a software-generated program-to-program interface library with Secure Socket Layer
status that had been deployed in an amphibious ready group. Code 353 also presented evidence of strong
fleet and Fleet Marine Force support with transitions planned in the out-years.
The committee endorses the adaptive expeditionary maneuver warfare system project. The overall
concept of dynamic planning and adaptive execution is worthwhile but complex, and it will require
extensive integration. In the end, all components of the integrated system will have to be field-tested.
Recommendation. Code 353 should generate a detailed overall plan for development of the adap-
tive expeditionary maneuver warfare system that clearly establishes the funding and schedule required
for integrating individual tools into an integrated system that can be validated in the field.
Maneuver Systems Product Line
Maneuver Systems includes three separate projects: the advanced amphibious assault vehicle
(AAAV) collision avoidance system, the EX-45 stable weapon mount, and urban maneuver. All three
are aimed at improving the ability of existing systems or systems under development to maneuver freely
through a battlespace.
AAAV Collision Avoidance System
The AAAV collision avoidance system project builds on prior work in the development of the
Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and the AQS-20(A) system. All three of these
systems rely on blue-green grazing-incidence laser light detection and ranging (LIDAR) coupled with a
streak tube imaging system to enable detection and localization of floating and submerged objects. The
objective of the AAAV collision avoidance system project is to develop an integrated sensor system that
reduces the size of the existing AAAV collision avoidance system, is integrated with AAAV onboard
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GPS and navigation systems, and prepares data that can be easily transmitted off-board to the battlefield
commander.
Findings and Recommendations. The AAAV collision avoidance system project represents an impor-
tant technology for improved mine and obstacle avoidance. The fundamental properties of the streak
tube imaging and detection geometry of the LIDAR system represent a reasonable approach to detect-
ing floating and submerged objects, yet not what would be described as a conventional LIDAR concept.
The LIDAR appears to have been developed over a long period, passing through two phases of a small
business innovation research effort, with claims of being able to transition quickly to TRL 7/8 to
support AAAV low-rate initial production. No evidence was presented to confirm the maturity of the
technology.
While this project claims "to build on ONR-developed technology in ALMDS," there appears to be
no ongoing sharing of information between the two efforts. The committee expressed concern that given
the advanced TRL projected, coupled with a lack of integration with other activities, the system would
be unlikely to meet the expectations of ONR.
Recommendation. Code 353 should coordinate the AAAV collision avoidance system project with
the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System Program Office to establish a detailed description of near-
term technology milestones and transition plans for both systems.
Recommendation. Code 353 should work with the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System Program
Office to investigate mutually beneficial opportunities to leverage streak-tube LIDAR development.
EX-45 Stable Weapon Mount
The EX-45 stable weapon mount is designed to be an integrated weapon mount offering increased
gunner accuracy from a moving platform. The goals of the final system will require four-axis stabiliza-
tion (for patrol craft use); remote firing capabilities (to remove the gunner from harm's way and the
elements); forward-looking infrared surveillance; auto-tracking; light weight; and low visual signature.
The system will also incorporate a nonlethal laser dazzler effective day or night at up to 400 meters. The
primary technical challenges are to design the four-axis and six-axis sensors necessary for four-axis
stabilization, appropriate interfaces to the servocomputer, and algorithms for four-axis gun stabilization
and auto-tracking.
Findings and Recommendations. The EX-45 stable weapon mount is a worthwhile project designed to
increase gunner accuracy from a moving platform. The product objective, system requirements, charac-
teristics, and benefits are clear. Individual technologies such as a laser dazzler to blind the opponent's
infrared detectors, a remote-firing control panel, and a gun-mounted imager appear to be on track.
Recommendation. Code 353 should establish a clear definition of the near-term technology mile-
stones and transition plans for the EX-45 stable weapon mount.
Recommendation. Code 353 should develop a clear plan for the development and testing of the full
four-axis stabilization and auto-tracking algorithms. This plan should involve appropriate leveraging of
existing commercial and military work on motion-stabilized systems.
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Urban Maneuver
2003 ASSESSMENT OF ONR'S MARINE CORPS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
The urban maneuver project is focused on technology systems that will assist maneuver elements in
urban terrain. To date, efforts have focused on identifying technology and capability gaps. Six high-
priority objectives were developed based on results of a war-game seminar designed to understand the
nature of the urban environment: the ability to see inside a building, weapons optimized for MOUT,
enhanced urban protection, reliable BLOS communication, MOUT decision support tools, and MOUT
nodal analysis tools.
Findings and Recommendation. The urban maneuver project is in the early stages of identifying
capability/technology gaps and priorities, which will then have to be turned into individual projects that
address Marine Corps-specific needs and that are coordinated with ongoing projects in ONR, DARPA,
and other agencies. This is a fruitful area for the introduction of new technology.
Recommendation. Code 353 should establish new technology projects to achieve the six high-
priority objectives identified in the gap analysis exercise of the urban maneuver project.
Tailored Explosive Systems
The aim of this new-start project is to develop a family of tailored, organic, MAGTF explosive
systems for attacking suspected mine fields or individual antitank mines and neutralizing detected side-
attack, top-attack, and antihelicopter mines. This multiphase project will investigate various explosive
antimine mechanisms as well as issues related to system delivery accuracy and target mine vulnerabili-
ties, such as shock-induced mine fuze actuation.
Findings and Recommendations. The tailored explosive systems project is of joint Army-Marine Corps
interest and focuses on the nullification of landmine threats. The committee noted that the project's
examination of explosive kill mechanisms seems to be highly related as well as to the lethality and
advanced warheads project and the advanced kill mechanisms project described above under EC 2.
Recommendation. Code 353 should pursue the tailored explosive systems project through comple-
tion, as planned.
Recommendation. After initial phase investigations are complete, Code 353 should consider broad-
ening the tailored explosive systems project to examine how it could be made to also operate in the surf
zone.
Land Mine Countermeasures and Breaching Product Line
Lightweight Mechanical Breaching Systems
The objective of this new start is to develop a lightweight mechanical breaching system for use on
Marine Corps vehicles against all buried mine types regardless of mine fuzing technique. The current
man-portable mine breaching system used by the Marine Corps weighs in excess of 65 lb and can clear
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only a single 25-m-long track. Marine Corps field reports from Operation Iraqi Freedom noted that due
to this high weight and short clearance length the systems were little used.~9
Findings and Recommendation. Like the tailored explosive systems project, the lightweight mechani-
cal breaching systems project is of joint Army-Marine Corps interest and is focused on the nullification
of landmine threats to Marine Corps operations.
Recommendation. Code 353 should work cooperatively with the Army to support mine-breaching
and nullification initiatives that will lower the system weight and lengthen the cleared path to address
the concerns noted by marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
EC 4 COMMAND AND CONTROL
L(: 4 is intended to enhance the commander's capability to command all elements of the MAGTF by
increasing the reliability of BLOS communications and achieving near-real-time situational awareness
and an improved data network with optimized information flow. The focus of this EC is C2 at the
element level20 of the MAGTF.
Currently funded within EC 4 are three product lines: Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications
Connectivity, with two projects; Enhanced Individual, Unit, and Collective Situational Awareness, with
three projects; and Data Flow Optimization, with two projects.
EC 4 Findings and Recommendation
The eclectic collection of topics presented ranged from the forthright exploitation of COTS products
to new-start projects that would develop improved software tools. It was by no means clear that this
extremely critical area of C2 was being approached in a systematic manner in response to identified
operational shortfalls. Also, since the C2 enabling capability clearly depends on inputs from the ISR
enabling capability, the two should be closely coordinated.
Recommendation. Code 353 should review all C2 enabling capability projects to ensure coordination
with ISR enabling capability projects and alignment of the outputs of both enabling capabilities to
Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare.
Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications Connectivity Product Line
Secure Mobile Networks
The secure mobile networks project aims to integrate advanced protocols and applications, fre-
quency conversion, low probability of intercept (LPI)Aow probability of detection (LPD), and spectrum
compatibility into a secure system. The resultant connectivity enhancements will increase efficiency and
allow for expeditionary maneuver warfare by providing on-the-move connectivity, seamless mobility
19Marine Corps Combat Development Command. 2003. Field Report Marine Corps Systems Command Liaison Team,
Central Iraq (April 20-25, 2003J, Quantico, Va., May.
20MAGTF elements range in size from a platoon to a division, depending on mission requirements.
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2003 ASSESSMENT OF ONR'S MARINE CORPS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
and roaming capability for subscribers in and around a command post, and wireless connectivity from a
command post to a remote antenna/radio location. Implementing the capability within a MAGTF archi-
tecture will eliminate network setup time and reduce the embarkation footprint by decreasing the
amount of support cabling and equipment needed to support the network.
Findings and Recommendations. The secure mobile networks project grew out of the advanced con-
cept technology demonstration on enhancing the littoral battlespace and has focused on gaining National
Security Agency type 1 certification for an off-the-shelf Harris SECNET-ll secure wireless local area
network (LAN) system. Performance tests have successfully allowed technical characterization of net-
work performance even to the point of identifying an unforeseen falloff in performance in the multicast
mode. There was no indication in presentations to the committee that this project consisted of more than
a series of technical evaluations of equipment obtained from commercial sources; however, this effort
does appear to have been very closely coordinated with potential Navy and Marine Corps customers. As
part of this effort, a secure wireless LAN test facility has been co-located with the Marine Corps Tactical
Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) and has been selected as the DOD secure wireless LAN beta test
site, suggesting that this project is somewhat mature.
Recommendation. Code 353 should continue the secure mobile networks project as planned through
testing and down-selection of candidate secure wireless LAN systems.
Recommendation. Code 353 should, no later than late FY04, solve any problems identified in the
first round of testing.
Recommendation. If project limitations are resolved by FY04, ONR 353 should proceed with the
transitioning of these secure wireless LAN systems into existing Navy and Marine Corps C2 architec-
tures.
Innovative Relays
The innovative relays project aims to field wideband and narrowband relay capabilities suitable for
rapid, expeditionary use. The project seeks to integrate the relay functions of the Enhanced Position
Location and Reporting System (EPLRS), the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System
(SINCGARS), and the Joint Tactical Radio System wideband network waveform (JTRS WNW) into a
single payload for a UAV that will provide long-range and secure voice and data communications
during STOM.
Findings and Recommendations. The current plans for the innovative relays project are aimed at
providing an integrated radio relay payload for use on a Marine Corps tactical UAV to enable tactical
(line-of-sight) communications from the UAV out to 100 nautical miles. Originally a DARPA initiative,
the concept of developing UAVs as airborne communications nodes is being heavily studied by all the
Services.
Satellite relays are an extremely high altitude instance of this airborne relay concept. Satellite
communications served the marines well during Operation Iraqi Freedom as they were always available
(although their use was limited owing to the fixed number of communications channels operated by the
Services). The advantage of traditional radios (for example EPLRS and SINCGARS) is that they are
fully deployed at all levels of the Marine Corps; however, without an elevated relay, they suffer greatly
from difficulties in maintaining reliable line-of-sight connections. The innovative relays project seeks to
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enhance the performance of overhead relays in a straightforward, logical manner. Since this is an
integration effort, the committee expressed concern that Code 353 had not included weight and volume
constraints for specific UAV platforms in the design goals for the innovative relays project.
Recommendation. Code 353 should conduct a critical review of the innovative relays project with
the Navy and Marine Corps (e.g., First Marine Expeditionary Force and Commander, Third Fleet) to
determine if, in view of the success of the satellite radios in Operation Iraqi Freedom, this project
continues to be viable.
Recommendation. If the innovative relays project is viable, Code 353 should establish priorities for
the remaining engineering studies and tests.
Enhanced Individual, Unit, and Collective Situational Awareness Product Line
Common Relevant Operational Picture
The common relevant operational picture project is an effort to develop a near-real-time display
with an active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM OLED) that can be used uniformly in a broad
variety of military vehicles and ground stations. The initial stage (to be performed during 2003) is to
support and coordinate with industry and with the other Services on AM OLED display technology and
to assess (jointly with the Marine Corps Systems Command and MCCDC) current Marine Corps needs
for display technology.
Findings and Recommendation. This project's title is a bit misleading, as it addresses the issue of
displaying a common relevant operational picture but not that of assembling it. The current project is an
offshoot of a 5-year DARPA investment (completed in 2002) that evaluated AM OLED technology.
AM OLED displays are expected to have numerous advantages over commonly used liquid crystal
displays, including greater brightness control (necessary for a range of day and night operations);
reduced weight, power consumption, and heat dissipation; and potential flexibility. Code 353 also noted
that it is monitoring work on heads-up displays and dismounted data terminals being performed under
the Force Protection FNC, as well as similar work on AM OLED display initiatives by the Air Force and
the Army.
The committee is concerned that the project is predicting faster progress for the technology than is
likely, with predicted progress going from trade-off studies of AM OLED technologies and Marine
Corps needs in 2003 to production of AAAV displays by the end of 2005.
Recommendation. Code 353 should reevaluate the timeline proposed for the AM OLED advanced
display technology after completion of the surveys, studies of trade-offs, and roadmaps scheduled for
2003.
Position Location Information/Range Instrumentation
The position location information/range instrumentation project aims to support development of a
communications infrastructure for the acquisition and archiving of position location information at
Marine Corps live-training ranges. This project will include development of the necessary communica-
tions infrastructure, precision weapon location and orientation devices, and information management
systems to allow for accurate real-time and after-action analysis of live training exercises.
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Findings and Recommendation. The system developed in connection with the position location infor-
mation/range instrumentation project should greatly enhance the ability of training managers to conduct
after-action reviews of live exercises and, thus, the ability of the Marine Corps to conduct training. This
project appears to be primarily an integration activity aimed at synthesizing the responses of various
communications and location determination systems. The committee noted that although the communi-
cations and information management systems were being pursued aggressively (with the prototype
demonstration scheduled in 2003), the indirect fire weapon position and orientation systems were not
discussed. While deployment of this prototype system at the MAGTF Training Center at Twenty-nine
Palms, California, will be a necessary step in the program development, the committee believes that the
short timeline for this complex and integrated system may be overly optimistic.
Recommendation. Code 353 should conduct a critical progress review of the position location
information/range instrumentation project with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory to establish a
firm timeline for integration of the diverse systems under development.
Deployable Virtual Training Environment
The deployable virtual training environment project supports development of automated, rapid,
location-specific terrain database generation, enhanced digital voice communications, and improved
visualization tools. All these activities aim to improve the quality and utility of mobile virtual training
systems. For example, one goal is to improve the speed at which high-fidelity geo-registered terrain data
can be acquired, processed, and disseminated for use in multiuser, deployed training sessions.
Findings and Recommendation. The deployable virtual training environment project is building on
prior ONR development efforts. These initiatives, if successful, will improve the ability of the Marine
Corps to support distributed mission rehearsal as well as training. Testing will include two shipboard
trials, critical for testing the responsiveness of the distributed system to the needs of the trainees, who
must have high-quality, real-time interactions. Coordination must be ensured between this project and
other ONR, other Service, and Joint Forces Command initiatives to push technology in this fast-moving
subject field.
Recommendation. Code 353 should coordinate in the area of distributed virtual training with the
MCS&T program's Human Performance, Training, and Education core thrust as well as with other
ONR, Service, and joint initiatives.
Data Flow Optimization Product Line
There are two projects in Data Flow Optimization, both new starts scheduled for FY04: improved
network management tools and improved decision support tools. Neither of these two initiatives was
formally briefed to this committee, although they were included in the supplemental material provided.
Recommendation. Code 353 should provide a quantitative brief of the Data Flow Optimization
product line to the LC-FNC integrated product team for determination of priority in terms of supporting
vision and requirements compatible with Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare. Program results should also
be briefed to appropriate elements of the Joint Forces Command as a means to foster collaboration and
leveraging.
Representative terms from entire chapter:
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