KEYWORDS: Sensors, Visualization, Reconnaissance, Databases, Reconnaissance systems, Data analysis, Defense and security, Data archive systems, Heads up displays, Target detection
The ever increasing sophistication of reconnaissance sensors reinforces the importance of timely, accurate, and equally sophisticated mission planning capabilities. Precision targeting and zero-tolerance for collateral damage and civilian casualties, stress the need for accuracy and timeliness. Recent events have highlighted the need for improvement in current planning procedures and systems. Annotating printed maps takes time and does not allow flexibility for rapid changes required in today's conflicts. We must give aircrew the ability to accurately navigate their aircraft to an area of interest, correctly position the sensor to obtain the required sensor coverage, adapt missions as required, and ensure mission success. The growth in automated mission planning system capability and the expansion of those systems to include dedicated and integrated reconnaissance modules, helps to overcome current limitations. Mission planning systems, coupled with extensive integrated visualization capabilities, allow aircrew to not only plan accurately and quickly, but know precisely when they will locate the target and visualize what the sensor will see during its operation. This paper will provide a broad overview of the current capabilities and describe how automated mission planning and visualization systems can improve and enhance the reconnaissance planning process and contribute to mission success. Think about the ultimate objective of the reconnaissance mission as we consider areas that technology can offer improvement. As we briefly review the fundamentals, remember where and how TAC RECCE systems will be used. Try to put yourself in the mindset of those who are on the front lines, working long hours at increasingly demanding tasks, trying to become familiar with new operating areas and equipment, while striving to minimize risk and optimize mission success. Technical advancements that can reduce the TAC RECCE timeline, simplify operations and instill Warfighter confidence, ultimately improve the desired outcome.
Tactical Reconnaissance (Tac Recce) Concept of Operations (CONOPS) is based on the fundamentals ofMission Planning, Mission Execution, Data Analysis and Data Distribution. These fundamentals apply whether addressing historic missions, current equipment capabilities, or projecting future capabilities. This paper is intended to orient technical experts with the tasks that the operational users face and to help focus technical breakthroughs and upgrades into systems that help the warfighter efficiently and effectively achieve his goals. Many technical experts focus on the intricate technical details oftheir project and many times are not aware ofthe ultimate objective that their technology is intended to improve. As we briefly overview the fundamentals, remember where and how Tac Recce systems will be used. For a moment, put yourself in the mindset ofthose who are on the front lines, working long hours at numerous tasks, striving for efficiency and effectiveness. Technical advancements that can reduce the Tac Recce timeline and simplify operations can improve the end product which is key to critical warfighting decisions.
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