US Army and NGC demonstrate sensors-shooters integration as network components 41711153.

The test was a major milestone for the Northrop Grumman Co. Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). The IAMD Battle Command System (IBCS) tracked the simulated cruise missile with data being provided by ThalesRaytheonSystems Sentinel and Raytheon Patriot radars. These were provided to the Command and Control (C2) of a Lockheed Martin Patriot Advanced Capability Three (PAC-3) interceptor, which destroyed the cruise missile.

The enemy missile was simulated by an MQM-107 drone, which flew a low altitude trajectory against a friendly asset, defended by an Army IAMD task force. It was comprised of a battery and battalion IBCS engagement operations centres, a Patriot radar, two Sentinel radars and two PAC-3 launchers which were connected at the component level to the IBCS integrated fire control network.

Due to the low trajectory of the MQM-107, the Patriot radar could not track it. Thus, the IBCS used the data from the Sentinel radars to derive the required fire solution. The operations centre then ordered the launch of a single PAC-3 missile. The order was directed through the IBCS mission control software.

The IBCS’ technological leap allows the replacement of seven legacy C2 systems. It also provides the base for networking sensors and interceptors instead of linking them. In that way, the IBCS can provide surveillance and protection of wider areas. Furthermore, being of modular architecture, it allows the integration of legacy, current and future sensors and weapons, being also interoperable with joint C2 and ballistic missile defence systems.