An evaluation of the Effectiveness of SNTI, an Integrated Shipboard Communications System, for use aboard U.S. Navy surface combatants.

Abstract

Shipboard Interior Communication ( IC) systems, a critical part of command and control, have not kept pace with the technological advances occurring in other areas of Naval warfare. As a result, the requirements and demands placed on an IC system in a warfare scenario are not likely to be met with much success. This thesis to takes the first steps towards rectifying this unsatisfactory situation. The general weaknesses and problems with present IC systems are identified. Then, paying close attention to the needs of surface combatants, particularly DDG-51 and FFG-7 class ships, the requirements and functions needed to improve shipboard IC are presented. These are incorporated into the requirements and functions needed to develop an ideal Integrated Shipboard Communication System (ISCS). A French designed and built ISCS is then compared to this ideal system in order to evaluate its potential for implementation aboard U. S. Navy surface combatants.