Past Performance

Army AMRDEC – NLOS-LS

US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center - Non-Line-Of-Sight-Launch System (NLOS-LS)

Project Overview: Non-Line-Of-Sight-Launch System (NLOS-LS) is identified by congress as one of the 18 core programs of Future Combat Systems (FCS). Netfires LLC, a combination of Raytheon and Lockheed-Martin associates, has been working with the US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) on this effort. NLOS-LS will eventually consist of a family of artillery missiles that are fired from a vertical launcher, can be deployed by either ground or air, and can be networked quickly to engage the enemy.

Currently the purpose of NLOS-LS is to design 2 missiles and a launch unit that can be incorporated into the FCS network of the future. Once the technology has been designed, NLOS-LS will be produced for Boeing Corporation to include in the FCS Unit of Action. The two missiles will consist of a Precision Attack Missile (PAM) and a Loitering Attack Missile (LAM). The LAM will have the capability of searching wide areas for targets, by using laser radar, and relaying the locations back to a commander who can then deploy the PAM to strike the target. The system has automatic target recognition technology that will help in providing a responsive, precision attack of high-payoff targets. The missiles will have 2-way data links attached to provide for re-tasking while in flight and to download images.

The program looks to develop these missiles between FY04-FY07. CenGen Inc participated in the testing and evaluation of prototype networked communication systems to allow missile-to-missile and missile-to-ground/air users during 2004.

Army CECOM-SLICE Support

Army Communications Command (CECOM) Research Development and Engineering Center (RDEC)-SLICE Support (CECOM-SLICE)

Project Overview: The objective of the CECOM-SLICE effort was to develop and demonstrate a mobile communication system with high data-rate capacity that was optimized for restrictive terrain and configured to support a variety of missions. The SLICE effort developed of an integrated, high capacity LPD communications system that utilized a variety of waveforms with self-configuring networking.

In support of CECOM-SLICE, CenGen provided:

Boeing – FCS LSI Support

Project Overview: Future Combat Systems (FCS) aims to be an integrated structure of manned and unmanned, both air and ground nodes, which are connected to a single network allowing them to act as a unified combat force. FCS will eventually replace units of troops with Units of Action. A Unit of Action will be a network of technologies that can strike, fire, and maneuver without putting soldiers in danger. Although funded through the Army, Boeing, in partnership with SAIC, has been chosen as the Lead System Integrator (LSI) for the program.

CenGen Inc has been supporting the FCS LSI and is currently helping with the system design and demonstration phase.

The FCS network system will consist of 18 individual systems, the main network, and the individual troops. With each soldier acting as a node in the network, soldiers will be able to have secure communications. There will also be an enhanced situational awareness that will help decision makers in evaluating and deciding on the best plan of action. The common operating picture will allow troops access to information regarding terrain, enemy positions, and friendly positions.

The FCS program will be completed in three phases. The first phase, which was completed in 2003, involved developing a concept and developing technology. The current phase focuses on system design and demonstration. Lastly, the FCS Units of Action will go to production. Currently the army’s goal is to begin deploying Units of Action by 2010.

Boeing – LSI Scalable Mobile Network Demonstration

Boeing-Lead System Integrator Scalable Mobile Demonstration

Project Overview: The Scalable Mobile Network (SMN) Demonstration was part of the Future Combat System Concept Technology Demonstration Program. As the Lead System Integrator, Boeing/SAIC developed the architecture for the FCS. The FCS was envisioned as a networked system of systems including manned and unmanned platforms that would be capable of conducting missions for assault, indirect fires, air defense, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition, and battle command and communications.

CenGen support to the Boeing Network Communications team included:

DARPA ATO – Connectionless Networks

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency ATO - Connectionless Networks

Project Overview: DARPA ATO’s Connectionless Networks program developed technology to allow radio networks to send and receive messages without an initial link or previous sharing of routing information.

Phase 1 of the program was completed focused on addressing the Open System Interconnection (OSI) layers of a network. Phase 2, focused on turning designs into usable hardware and software. This phase included the development and testing of new technologies.

CenGen Inc assisted DARPA in the testing of new technologies developed and was also involved in Phase 3’s field demonstrations and investigations.

The Connectionless Networks program was part of a continuing effort to develop technologies that enable high efficiency and low power radio communications. Connectionless Networks are needed to deploy large numbers of autonomous, low duty cycle radios to troops. In order to save energy in the radios, the networks exploit signal processing components, intelligent routing, and the availability of situational information.

DARPA ATO – FCS Communications Program

Defense Advanced Research Project Agency Advanced Technology Office (ATO) — Future Combat Systems (FCS) Communications Program

Project Overview: The Future Combat Systems Communications Program tackled the challenge of mobile, ad-hoc networking on the battlefield with high-data-rate, real-time traffic that still retained a low probability of detection and a resistance to jamming in an effort to expand the tactical capabilities of U.S. forces.

The DARPA FCS Communications program developed a dual physical layer (high band and low band) communications system in a real-time mobile, wireless, ad-hoc network environment. Specific components developed and demonstrated include: high band component technology for exploiting microwave-wave and higher frequencies; low band (20 MHz to 3 GHz) subsystem technology; RF information assurance; and Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) technology utilizing directional antennas.

DARPA ATO – SUO Situational Awareness System

Defense Advanced Research Project Agency Advanced Technology Office (ATO) — Small Unit Operations Situational Awareness System

Project Overview: DARPA’s Small Unit Operations Situational Awareness System extended communications and a common operational picture down to the individual soldier. The main technology thrust of this program was in multi-band capability.

SUO SAS enabled deployed forces to set up and maintain a voice and data network, including geolocation data, reaching down to the individual soldier or rescue worker.The SUO SAS enabled users to accurately locate personnel and communicate individually with them without depending on a fixed infrastructure that could be damaged.

CenGen provided Test Director role in SUO SAS testing efforts.

DARPA DCA MANET

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency - Defense Against Cyber Attacks (DCA) on MANETS

Project Overview: DCA MANET (Mobile Ad hoc Networks) focused on developing technologies to automatically detect and reconfigure MANET systems if a cyber attack occurs. This detection and reconfiguring protects information and allow missions to be completed successfully in the presence of advanced cyber attacks.

When completed, the DCA MANET program will protect future networks from things such as worms, malicious code, cyber intrusions, infrastructure attacks, and software or hardware failures. By sensing an attack and acting quickly, DCA MANET will limit the spread of an attack and the damage done a network. Since the system will be designed to automatically reconfigure MANET systems, the transmittal of vital information should not be disturbed. With multiple nodes working within the same network, nodes that are affected should be able to pick up and process information lost from nodes that were not involved in the cyber attack.

CenGen Inc is participating in the testing and evaluating of DCA MANET technologies.

DARPA Grand Challenge 2004

Project Overview: DARPA Grand Challenge 2004, running from March 8-13, was the beginning of a new era for defense research. DARPA opened up their competition of creating an autonomous robotic ground vehicle to all that wanted to participate. Entries came from technology companies, colleges and universities, and groups of friends with an idea.

Gaining a spot at the Grand Challenge was a long process. The group of 106 entries was narrowed down to 15 teams. These teams got to send their autonomous vehicle along the 142-mile course through the Mojave Desert. Beginning in Barstow, California, the course had many on and off-road obstacles for the vehicles to master before crossing the finish line in Primm, Nevada. The reward for crossing the finish line was to be $1 million. Unfortunately, none of the vehicles reached the finish line in 2004. However, the event was a historical and educational experience for everyone involved. CenGen Inc acted as the communications and networking provider for DARPA Grand Challenge 2004.

DARPA TTO – Boomerang

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency TTO - Boomerang

Project Overview: DARPA’S TTO office, developed Boomerang to assist troops in urban warfare settings. Boomerang is a mounted group of sensors that can detect sniper fire. The sensor suite can currently be mounted to a HMMWV and a troop-mounted version is being designed.

By using sensors to detect both the sonic shockwave and the muzzle blast from a gun, Boomerang can pinpoint a shooter up to 500 meters away. The system works by comparing the shockwave and the blast to determine the sniper’s location. The location of the sniper can be displayed on a device mounted on a dashboard or can be seen on a handheld version that resembles a clock to show the individual soldiers where the bullets are coming from.

Boomerang is able to identify the type of bullet used, detect gunfire even if the shooter is using a silencer. and can even alert troops of rocket-propelled grenades. Boomerang prototypes are currently being used in Iraq.

CenGen, Inc assisted in the networking and testing of the Boomerang technology.

DARPA TTO – PerceptOR Communications Engineering

Defense Advanced Research Project Agency-TTO — Perception for Off Road Robots (PerceptOR) Communications Engineering

Project Overview: The PerceptOR program supported technology to advance outdoor obstacle detection for robotic systems and to enable higher levels of autonomous mobility needed for FCS operations. Experimentally backed performance data enabled the U.S. Army to better understand how to design and deploy field robots, as well as the level of human involvement required for robot navigation.

MARCORSYSCOM – UCIM

Marine Corps Systems Command - Universal Communications Interface Module (UCIM)

Project Overview: The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is developing a communications technology called Universal Communications Interface Module (UCIM). UCIM will allow previously used legacy radios and future JTRS radios to be integrated on a single networked system. This will make the transition to future JTRS radios easier from both a technological standpoint and for the soldiers as well.

The UCIM will integrate radios and different command and control functions like telephones, intercoms, workstations, and servers. The UCIM will be able to connect and establish a command center on any military platform. By isolating communications functions in a single module, UCIM is different from previous technologies in that it is self-sufficient.

UCIM is one of three new communications technologies that the Marines hope to develop by 2020 that will assist troops in locating and destroying the enemy. UCIM will bring digital technology to the battlefield assisting our troops in combat.

As of 26th Dec 2008, CenGen, Inc began assisting in the integration and evaluation of UCIM.

Office of Naval Research – ELB Advanced Concept

Office of Naval Research — Extending The Littoral Battlespace (ELB) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration
Project Overview: The primary focus of the ELB ACTD Wide Area Relay Network (WARNET) was to support a rapidly deployable, on-the-move, secure and reliable wireless network connectivity. The ELB utilized a heterogeneous mix of technologies, including RF, microwave, fiber optic and satellite to provide seamless end-to-end service.

USMC – CONDOR

USMC Command and control On-the-move Network Digital Over-the-horizon Relay (CONDOR)

CenGen demonstrated the Ship To Objective Maneuver (STOM) Bridge proof of concept through an ONR contract which ultimately became the USMC CONDOR Program of Record.

The CONDOR capability set needed to be enhanced in an operationally relevant environment and its capabilities enhanced. CenGen achieved the following: