Naval network-centric sensor resource management

Abstract

The benefits of implementing a network-centric Navy lie in the new capabilities made possible by enhanced information sharing between Navy platforms. Foremost is the potential to enable, enhance, and automate dispersed decision-making to support real-time critical mission areas. This paper explores a network-centric paradigm-enabled application: multi-platform resource management. Sensors in platform-centric Naval Battle Forces are generally utilized and managed to support a single weapon or conbat system. the networking of combat systems and platforms creates an information architecture in which sensor management can shift to a Battle Force (BF) focus. In such a network-centric paradigm, individual sensors address the needs of the BF as a whole, overcoming the platform-centric architecture, which constrains sensor use to individual platform's needs. This paper explores design concepts for an automated sensor resource manager that tasks sensors to address BF needs. Network-centric sensor resource management relies on viewing the BF as a single integrated interoperable combat system of systems, rather than a collection of loosely connected surface, subsurface, and air platforms. Such BF thinking shifts the focus from legacy stovepiipe systems and platforms with little or no collabroation incentive, to optimized uses of resources that transcend platform boundaries and span multi-threat dimensions. This paper explores interoperability problems and root causes associated with legacy Naval BF sensor managementand poses solutions and considerations for a network-centric sensor resource manager that functions as part of a BF system of systems. Network-centric sensor resource management relies on the achievement of BF information superiority. Information concerning the tactical battle space and BF resources (status & capabilities of sensors, weapons, communications, etc.) must be timely, accurate, and consistent across the BF in order to enable optimized sensor command and control. Another enabler is the introduction of higher levels of automation in link management to suppport optimized interplatform communications. Additionally, the human interaction with automated decision aids is a critical factor in the design of a BF sensor resource manager. This paper explores a BF-wide synchronized information database, intelligent link management, and human-machine interactions as necessary enablers for a network-centric sensor resource manager. This paper makes a case for further study of Naval BF sensor resource management as a viable network-centric application. An analysis is presented which addresses the BF's need for a sensor resource manager. This paper predicts enhancements to the BF based on the adoption of an automated sensor resource manager application into the network-centric Naval BF.