Joint Terminal Attack Controllers Sensors and Lasers Modernization

Abstract

Inconsistencies exist among components of current ground targeting equipment because they were all fielded at different times and with different Concepts of Operations. This has caused an impractical design trade space resulting in unclear requirements that are inconsistent with either state of the art technology or a threat analysis of all possible combat situations. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller Sensors and Lasers Modernization capstone project was started to provide models, trade spaces, and a technology roadmap/modernization plan that will guide future development of equipment belonging to the Tactical Air Control Party suite of equipment. The process used for the project was to gather all of the requirements in one consolidated list and prioritize it based upon user representative feedback. This list, with current Science and Technology efforts, was used to provide data points corresponding to future technology improvements and determine whether or not those improvements will add value to the end user. Based upon this project it was found, somewhat surprisingly, that the most valued system characteristic is Target Location Error, followed by Weight and Target Designation Range. It was also found that both Mid Wave Infrared and Short Wave Infrared technologies are most promising compared to Long Wave Infrared.