buglerbilly
23-06-10, 04:15 PM
The AML is a Gulfstream III that has been modified into a flying lab.
Interview with James Quinn, Vice President, C4ISR Systems, Lockheed Martin
05:48 GMT, June 23, 2010 defpro.com | The complexity of developing new solutions in a rapidly growing net-centric environment, incorporating a vast scope of different technological sources of information, asks for a platform that offers the required flexibility and adequate technological basis to develop new systems and sensors. The airborne section of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications Computers, and Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities forms a vital part for the information gathering and distribution process in modern military operations and is subject to a fast-paced development of new systems solutions. To support the development of such new C4ISR solutions throughout the entire range of US and international partners and customers, Lockheed Martin introduced the Airborne Multi-Intelligence Laboratory (AML).
Nicolas von Kospoth of defpro.com asked James E. Quinn,* Vice President C4ISR Systems of Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions - Defence, to present the company’s airborne laboratory as well as planed research, development, and testing activities.
defpro.com: First, could you please briefly summarise Lockheed Martin’s AML project for our readers? Which is the status of the development?
James Quinn: The Airborne Multi-INT Laboratory, or AML, is a Gulfstream III business jet that has been modified into a flying laboratory focused on expediting the fielding of Command, Control, Communications Computers, and Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities.
Equipped with a full suite of multi-disciple collection systems as well as wideband and narrowband data-links, the AML configuration includes the airborne platform and a corresponding ground station, both of which can be integrated into enterprise intelligence networks. An open architecture, ample rack space, and large, flexible, payload bays enable different equipment, sensors, processors, and communications equipment to be rapidly changed. The open architecture design makes it simple to integrate the platform with existing sovereign ground architectures while maintaining interoperability during coalition engagements.
The AML is currently in service and 2010 will include visits to Africa, Europe, the Far East, as well as multiple trips within the United States.
defpro.com: Which is the principle focus of the experiments carried out with the AML: Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) experimentation and testing or the development of networked C4 capabilities?
Quinn: For both international and domestic customers, we are looking at the business model of providing the AML as a flying ISR test bed to help customers test new capabilities and reduce risk. The AML has four basic areas of utility:
1) it serves as a robust flying lab;
2) it provides a risk reduction asset for development of rapid contingency capabilities;
3) it can be used to fill an immediate operational need; and
4) it demonstrates our business model of rapidly modifying an existing commercial platform for C4ISTAR applications.
The system has the flexibility to test developed networked C4 infrastructure and experiment with RSTA capabilities, though our first focus has been on RSTA experimentation and development. It also can easily be integrated with existing ground processing architectures.
defpro.com: The changing nature of military operations towards asymmetric warfare demands great flexibility of all defence solutions, including RSTA. Which trends does Lockheed Martin observe in this context and how will the AML help to solve current challenges?
Quinn: There are certainly trends that increase the variety and complexity of RSTA. For example, a networked force operating in complex terrain, urban areas or mountainous areas with tunnel complexes, faces many challenges. There are also situations that require detecting, identifying, and tracking small groups operating outside a traditional military structure – these situations call for the synergistic use of sensors, integrated into all the knowledge the enterprise possesses, and distributed intelligence rapidly to the action elements at the “edge of the enterprise.”
The AML was designed to focus on exactly those principles. As a flying test bed, the AML gives the flexibility to evaluate new sensors; new combinations of sensors and new tactics for employing sensors. The AML is designed specifically to incorporate multiple, affordable sensors on one system. Built-in on-board processing and analysis provide rapid data correlation. An open software and hardware architecture permits rapid, affordable technology insertion. This operational platform allows us to quickly identify solutions to meet current and future challenges.
defpro.com: Which specific C4ISR capabilities and aims are you looking at to be supported by the AML experiments and which approach is the AML following to remain an up-to-date platform for the constantly progressing technology?
Quinn: Our current focus in on ISR sensors and the mission systems needed to exploit the data from those sensors in order to get knowledge to the end user. This focus requires that we look at the full spectrum of C4ISR from the front end sensor to the disadvantaged user at the edge.
By working closely with various industry partners, we have access to the latest sensor technology for testing; within Lockheed Martin, we offer the test bed as a platform for internal research and development activities.
defpro.com: Which defence applications and fields of technology will benefit of the results of the AML experimentation activities?
Quinn: AML efforts will benefit both specific sensor maturation efforts, communications systems technologies and the ability to process/exploit data and rapidly disseminate situation awareness to the tactical edge of the enterprise. The continuous optimisation of concepts of employment with respect to the changing tactical environments and our own sensor and systems advancement is a key aspect to understanding the optimum application of these types of resources and tactics.
We also believe that these technologies extend beyond defence applications, and that multi-use/multi-mission systems for commercial and economic monitoring, disaster relief support, and others are just as important.
defpro.com: How will the AML be supported on the ground in terms of data transmission and evaluation as well as for the testing and proving of networked capabilities?
Quinn: The AML has a dedicated ground system and tactical data link, if no other existing ground system is available for integration. The platform’s mission system utilises an implementation approach that supports net-centric interfaces to other systems. Products/data from the AML are interoperable with numerous ground station intelligence enterprises and the AML itself uses standard data link transmission protocols to make integration with existing processing elements simpler. The ground station is an example of our open standards approach to processing and exploitation elements. We have long experience designing ground stations supporting sensor systems that fully support that new sensor system while integrating into existing and planned enterprise systems.
defpro.com: The AML is also intended to participate in government and coalition exercises. Which particular role will the AML play in such exercises and is any specific participation already scheduled?
Quinn: We are able to demonstrate the impact of a multi-INT system, as well as mature specific technologies, and finally integrate with other exercise participants to show the synergistic effects of cooperative platform use. Currently we are looking at several 2010 and 2011 opportunities, but have not committed to any specific opportunities.
defpro.com: Is this programme exclusively funded by Lockheed Martin or are government agencies or other partners involved in the development process? Are there already industrial partners co-operating with Lockheed Martin in terms of experiments?
Quinn: The AML is exclusively funded by Lockheed Martin. Several of our partners have been part of the development process and industry partners, including FLIR Systems, Rockwell Collins, L3 Communications and DRS Technologies, have already participated in AML experiments.
defpro.com: Which will be the next important milestones for the AML?
Quinn: Farnborough Air Show and the Royal International Air Tattoo immediately preceding the air show are the next milestones as they will allow Lockheed Martin to demonstrate the power and flexibility of the AML to an international audience.
defpro.com: Thank you very much, Mr Quinn.
----
As Vice President of C4ISR Systems, James E. Quinn leads a business that includes a comprehensive portfolio of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) programs. In this capacity, he has profit & loss responsibility for more than 100 programs that provide services & capabilities for all branches of the U.S. military, various national agencies and numerous international customers. Multi-million dollar programs under Mr. Quinn’s purview include Airborne, Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS), which will provide Joint warfighters at every level with secure, mobile networked communications; Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T), the Army’s integrated battlefield communications network; and the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) family of fixed and deployable multi-source ground and maritime processing systems that support a wide range of ISR systems.
Interview with James Quinn, Vice President, C4ISR Systems, Lockheed Martin
05:48 GMT, June 23, 2010 defpro.com | The complexity of developing new solutions in a rapidly growing net-centric environment, incorporating a vast scope of different technological sources of information, asks for a platform that offers the required flexibility and adequate technological basis to develop new systems and sensors. The airborne section of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications Computers, and Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities forms a vital part for the information gathering and distribution process in modern military operations and is subject to a fast-paced development of new systems solutions. To support the development of such new C4ISR solutions throughout the entire range of US and international partners and customers, Lockheed Martin introduced the Airborne Multi-Intelligence Laboratory (AML).
Nicolas von Kospoth of defpro.com asked James E. Quinn,* Vice President C4ISR Systems of Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions - Defence, to present the company’s airborne laboratory as well as planed research, development, and testing activities.
defpro.com: First, could you please briefly summarise Lockheed Martin’s AML project for our readers? Which is the status of the development?
James Quinn: The Airborne Multi-INT Laboratory, or AML, is a Gulfstream III business jet that has been modified into a flying laboratory focused on expediting the fielding of Command, Control, Communications Computers, and Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities.
Equipped with a full suite of multi-disciple collection systems as well as wideband and narrowband data-links, the AML configuration includes the airborne platform and a corresponding ground station, both of which can be integrated into enterprise intelligence networks. An open architecture, ample rack space, and large, flexible, payload bays enable different equipment, sensors, processors, and communications equipment to be rapidly changed. The open architecture design makes it simple to integrate the platform with existing sovereign ground architectures while maintaining interoperability during coalition engagements.
The AML is currently in service and 2010 will include visits to Africa, Europe, the Far East, as well as multiple trips within the United States.
defpro.com: Which is the principle focus of the experiments carried out with the AML: Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) experimentation and testing or the development of networked C4 capabilities?
Quinn: For both international and domestic customers, we are looking at the business model of providing the AML as a flying ISR test bed to help customers test new capabilities and reduce risk. The AML has four basic areas of utility:
1) it serves as a robust flying lab;
2) it provides a risk reduction asset for development of rapid contingency capabilities;
3) it can be used to fill an immediate operational need; and
4) it demonstrates our business model of rapidly modifying an existing commercial platform for C4ISTAR applications.
The system has the flexibility to test developed networked C4 infrastructure and experiment with RSTA capabilities, though our first focus has been on RSTA experimentation and development. It also can easily be integrated with existing ground processing architectures.
defpro.com: The changing nature of military operations towards asymmetric warfare demands great flexibility of all defence solutions, including RSTA. Which trends does Lockheed Martin observe in this context and how will the AML help to solve current challenges?
Quinn: There are certainly trends that increase the variety and complexity of RSTA. For example, a networked force operating in complex terrain, urban areas or mountainous areas with tunnel complexes, faces many challenges. There are also situations that require detecting, identifying, and tracking small groups operating outside a traditional military structure – these situations call for the synergistic use of sensors, integrated into all the knowledge the enterprise possesses, and distributed intelligence rapidly to the action elements at the “edge of the enterprise.”
The AML was designed to focus on exactly those principles. As a flying test bed, the AML gives the flexibility to evaluate new sensors; new combinations of sensors and new tactics for employing sensors. The AML is designed specifically to incorporate multiple, affordable sensors on one system. Built-in on-board processing and analysis provide rapid data correlation. An open software and hardware architecture permits rapid, affordable technology insertion. This operational platform allows us to quickly identify solutions to meet current and future challenges.
defpro.com: Which specific C4ISR capabilities and aims are you looking at to be supported by the AML experiments and which approach is the AML following to remain an up-to-date platform for the constantly progressing technology?
Quinn: Our current focus in on ISR sensors and the mission systems needed to exploit the data from those sensors in order to get knowledge to the end user. This focus requires that we look at the full spectrum of C4ISR from the front end sensor to the disadvantaged user at the edge.
By working closely with various industry partners, we have access to the latest sensor technology for testing; within Lockheed Martin, we offer the test bed as a platform for internal research and development activities.
defpro.com: Which defence applications and fields of technology will benefit of the results of the AML experimentation activities?
Quinn: AML efforts will benefit both specific sensor maturation efforts, communications systems technologies and the ability to process/exploit data and rapidly disseminate situation awareness to the tactical edge of the enterprise. The continuous optimisation of concepts of employment with respect to the changing tactical environments and our own sensor and systems advancement is a key aspect to understanding the optimum application of these types of resources and tactics.
We also believe that these technologies extend beyond defence applications, and that multi-use/multi-mission systems for commercial and economic monitoring, disaster relief support, and others are just as important.
defpro.com: How will the AML be supported on the ground in terms of data transmission and evaluation as well as for the testing and proving of networked capabilities?
Quinn: The AML has a dedicated ground system and tactical data link, if no other existing ground system is available for integration. The platform’s mission system utilises an implementation approach that supports net-centric interfaces to other systems. Products/data from the AML are interoperable with numerous ground station intelligence enterprises and the AML itself uses standard data link transmission protocols to make integration with existing processing elements simpler. The ground station is an example of our open standards approach to processing and exploitation elements. We have long experience designing ground stations supporting sensor systems that fully support that new sensor system while integrating into existing and planned enterprise systems.
defpro.com: The AML is also intended to participate in government and coalition exercises. Which particular role will the AML play in such exercises and is any specific participation already scheduled?
Quinn: We are able to demonstrate the impact of a multi-INT system, as well as mature specific technologies, and finally integrate with other exercise participants to show the synergistic effects of cooperative platform use. Currently we are looking at several 2010 and 2011 opportunities, but have not committed to any specific opportunities.
defpro.com: Is this programme exclusively funded by Lockheed Martin or are government agencies or other partners involved in the development process? Are there already industrial partners co-operating with Lockheed Martin in terms of experiments?
Quinn: The AML is exclusively funded by Lockheed Martin. Several of our partners have been part of the development process and industry partners, including FLIR Systems, Rockwell Collins, L3 Communications and DRS Technologies, have already participated in AML experiments.
defpro.com: Which will be the next important milestones for the AML?
Quinn: Farnborough Air Show and the Royal International Air Tattoo immediately preceding the air show are the next milestones as they will allow Lockheed Martin to demonstrate the power and flexibility of the AML to an international audience.
defpro.com: Thank you very much, Mr Quinn.
----
As Vice President of C4ISR Systems, James E. Quinn leads a business that includes a comprehensive portfolio of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) programs. In this capacity, he has profit & loss responsibility for more than 100 programs that provide services & capabilities for all branches of the U.S. military, various national agencies and numerous international customers. Multi-million dollar programs under Mr. Quinn’s purview include Airborne, Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS), which will provide Joint warfighters at every level with secure, mobile networked communications; Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (WIN-T), the Army’s integrated battlefield communications network; and the Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) family of fixed and deployable multi-source ground and maritime processing systems that support a wide range of ISR systems.