General Dynamics C4 Systems,
Taunton MA: The Army recently concluded initial Development and Operational Tests (DT/OT) of the broadband, on-the-move enterprise network system called the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T), developed by General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. Completion of DT/OT, using real (not simulated) hardware and software at Ft. Huachuca, Ariz., marks a major milestone in the WIN-T program.
“WIN-T works,” said Col. Angel Colon, the Army's WIN-T Program Manager. “This network brings the Army into the future now. We're ready for current force adoption of key WIN-T elements and are prepared for implementation into the Future Force.”
“For the first time, we see critical technologies coming together in the field: dynamic bandwidth allocation with satellite communications on-the-move in a self-healing, self-forming network based on Quality of Service and operating over IPv4 and IPv6. These technologies present an opportunity to truly revolutionize tactical communications. The network moves from PowerPoint to reality,” said Col. Colon.
WIN-T is the Army's on-the-move, high-speed, high-capacity backbone communications network, linking warfighters on the ground with commanders and the Global Information Grid, the U.S. Dept. of Defense's worldwide network-centric information system. WIN-T is a critical enabler of LandWarNet, the Army's far-reaching effort to transform into joint, network-centric, knowledge-based warfare; the network provides a clear operational picture for theater combatant commanders by using true satellite on-the-move capabilities, robust network management and high-bandwidth radio systems to keep mobile forces connected, communicating and synchronized.
“Warfighters and commanders need high-bandwidth, self-forming networks to support highly mobile operations,” said Bill Weiss, vice president of tactical networks for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “At Ft. Huachuca, the team showed how WIN-T provides a true on-the-move enterprise network, enabling mobile battle command over large distances. This mobile, high-speed network is a key underpinning of Future Combat Systems, and can also provide immediate benefits to the Current Modular Force.”
Operationally, WIN-T is mobile, scalable, modular, self-forming, self-healing and secure; it is interoperable with both current and future forces. During DT/OT, held throughout November, the WIN-T Team conducted live demonstrations across 14 network nodes in four geographic locations: Ft. Huachuca; Ft. Monmouth, N.J.; Ft. Hood, Texas; and Taunton, Mass. Capabilities demonstrated included on-the-move networking over terrestrial (line of sight) and satellite (non-line of sight) links; voice-, video- and data-over-IP; self-healing network properties; satellite tracking and adaptive signal retrieval; network operations with real-time situational awareness; network security; secure cellular communications, and; collaboration tools reaching from commanders to foot soldiers.
From a tactical perspective, the network links state-of-the-art weapons and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems to provide warfighters with uninterrupted communications. WIN-T also serves as the tactical extension of the Global Information Grid and is interoperable with joint forces, coalition forces and other government agency networks.
Completion of this field testing is another in a series of on-time milestones for WIN-T development. General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin announced completion of customer technology demonstrations in Sept. and system design reviews in July of this year. Prime contractor General Dynamics and partner Lockheed Martin lead a team of communications, network systems and platform integration experts on the WIN-T program, including BAE Systems, Harris Corporation, L-3 Communications and Cisco Systems.
