In February of 2014 the Strategic Technology Office within the Defense Advanced Research Program Agency decided to make a considerable investment to improve the DoD’s airborne battle management capability. Envisioned and managed by Dr. Craig Lawrence the program aimed to drastically improve the time critical situational awareness and decision-making tools utilized by Command and Control (C2) operators. To accomplish this the program, named “Dynamic Battle Management”, brought along the unique talents of Colonel Richard “Scotty” Wright (USAF Retired) from Barone Consulting to ensure they had a proper understanding of the challenges facing command and control operators.
All branches of the DoD have uniquely trained C2 operators. Key among them are the Air Battle Managers within the USAF who employ the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and the Naval Flight Officers of the US Navy’s E-2 Hawkeye fleet. These operators often describe their job as “performing air traffic control while people are shooting at each other”. Air Battle Managers and NFOs use a complex web of sensors, digital data links and voice radios to ensure the mission success of the US and coalition aircraft employed in military operations around the world. As C2 aircraft have modernized their sensors and data-links, their operators have become swarmed with the data available to them. The challenge of utilizing the data available form radar, air traffic control signals, and electronic warfare sensors on all networked aircraft is exactly what Dynamic Battle Management aims to solve.
DARPA has contracted with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon as key integrators for the program. They are developing mission planning, control, and situational understanding algorithms to enhance the C2 operator’s capabilities. Additionally they are researching the design of human-machine interfaces to make the operators more effective. Following this the Dynamic Battle Management team will build an integrated capability to manage air-to-air and air-to-ground combat and demonstrate that capability in large-scale simulation and live fly events. Fortunately for the program, Barone Consulting was available to guide them with subject matter expertise on these critical missions and technologies.
Founded in 2009, Barone Consulting provides system engineering and technical assistance services to the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. They provide a cadre of elite subject matter experts to the government in support of game-changing, cutting edge technologies that help performers bridge the “valley of death” between R&D and fielded tactically relevant products. To find out more, please visit www.baronedc.com.