ISR and IROS3 rapid integration
Warfare Center Enterprise enables Fast Innovative Solutions for Force Protection
By NAVSEA Warfare Centers Public Affairs
WASHINGTON -- A new work assignment process enabled NAVSEA’s Warfare Centers to quickly respond to operational demands imposed by the global war on terrorism. A stark example was presented after the recent attacks on oil platforms off the shore of Iraq, which resulted in the deaths of four coalition force members. After the attack, the Chief of Naval Operations approved the rapid deployment of Spartan, an unmanned surface vehicle being developed at NAVSEA’s Warfare Center in Newport, R.I.
The Product Area Director for Undersea Warfare Command and Control, in conjunction with the Product Area Director for Homeland and Force Protection, met with sponsor representatives to develop a plan to quickly transition Spartan to the Fleet to support critical force protection needs. The vehicle’s Intelligence, Reconnaisacance and Surveillance (ISR) capability was successfully demonstrated during deployment with the USS Gettysburg as part of the Shipboard Protection System (SPS) program.
Another element of the SPS program is the Integrated Radar Optical Sighting and Surveillance System (IROS3), under development at the NAVSEA’s Warfare Center in Crane, Ind. IROS3 will be fielded aboard the Navy’s DDG-51 class destroyers. Working together, the two Warfare Centers hosted a joint demonstration of the IROS3 and Spartan at Narragansett Bay, R.I.
This effort demonstrated the integration between Spartan’s ISR module and the IROS3. Two different developmental efforts from two different warfare centers were conceptually aligned, integrated, and demonstrated within a month. The Defense Department’s Technology Transition Initiatives Office provided funding support. The Fleet is now well on the way to having an organic off-board force protection asset that will enable Navy ships to “determine intent” and provide ISR to the Battle Groups. The Spartan team is currently on stand-by to support Central Command requirements for force protection.
The new way of doing business is proving itself by enabling an unprecedented level of cooperation through the new work assignment process. The transformation is showing that the Warfare Centers cannot only use the new processes to be more efficient and cost effective, but more responsive to Fleet demands as well. |
