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Communications Networks to Support Integrated Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Strike Operations Elham Ghashghai Prepared for the United States Air Force
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The research reported here was sponsored by the United States Air Force under Contract F49642-01-C-0003. Further information may be obtained from the Strategic Planning Division, Directorate of Plans, Hq USAF.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ghashghai, Elham. Communications networks to support integrated intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations / Elham Ghashghai. p. cm. “TR-159.” Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-8330-3664-5 (pbk.) 1. Command and control systems—United States. 2. United States—Armed Forces—Communication systems. I. Title. UB212.G49 2004 355.3'3041'0973—dc22 2004018245
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Preface U.S. military operations in the 21st century rely heavily on receiving and distributing information to and from the field of operation. Immense amounts of data must be collected, processed, and fused into knowledge via high-capacity networks. This report addresses the communications challenges associated with integrating current and future intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets effectively with weapons platforms and the weapons themselves. It evaluates a variety of options for satisfying the needs of robust communications systems. The research was sponsored by Major General Ronald F. Sams (Director, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), Brigadier General Daniel Leaf (Director, Operational Requirements), and Mr. Harry Disbrow, all of whom report to the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air and Space Operations. The action officer was LtCol Karen Clark. This research was conducted within the Aerospace Force Development Program of RAND Project AIR FORCE as part of the “Integrated ISR-Strike” study led by Dr. Glenn Buchan. For further information, contact the author, Elham Ghashghai (310-393-0411, x7211;
[email protected]).
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