Aerospace

Command & Control for the Modern Military

Article

In the context of modern militaries, command and control refers to the processes, systems, and structures that enable military leaders to direct and manage their operating forces effectively. The original acronym for command and control (C2), has been expanded, broadened, narrowed, split, and divided in enumerable ways, from R2C2I to MDC2 to C4ISR. At the foundation of all of the various derivative acronyms, however, is command and control, the venerable C2.

Advancing Defense Technology: MOSA, SOSA, and FACE

Article

Integrating new technology into military and aerospace systems presents a wide variety of challenges. Modern defense and aerospace sensor systems are highly complex, and final products often contain components from different vendors. Integrating these components into a system can be challenging due to differences in interfaces, protocols, and/or architectures. Further, rapid technological advancements can create compatibility issues between new and legacy components, complicating the issue.

To meet these challenges, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has mandated the use of a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) in technology development.

Next Generation Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems for Crewed and Uncrewed Aircraft

Article

Airborne collision avoidance systems (ACAS) are a crucial component of modern aviation. The Convention on International Civil Aviation, one of the founding documents of the United Nations, established the international rules of airspace, aircraft registration, and the safety and security of aircraft. Within these rules is a mandate requiring all aircraft – both manned and unmanned – to use ACAS and/or other types of detect and avoid technology.

Generally, ACAS systems enhance the situational awareness of pilots by actively monitoring the airspace around an aircraft, assessing potential collision threats, and providing guidance to avoid those threats.

Upgrading Command-and-Control Military Communications

Video

A client partner reached out to Sealevel for a product to be used in aerospace defense communications. The application is for the system that connects commercial radar with military radar. That radar network conducts air surveillance, identification of objects in airspace, and security in support of North American homeland defense. It is the center of air defense command-and-control for North America. The network has been heavily updated in the last 10 years, with all new communications systems intended to integrate information between multiple US Military branches.

Serial Communications for Ground Control

Case Study

The U.S. Navy’s arsenal includes a jet-powered, long-range cruise missile that receives real-time, in-flight guidance via SATCOM. This communication enables the missile to dynamically track and engage targets. This capability is extremely valuable as it can take some time for the missile to reach a designated target.

An aerospace prime contractor contacted Sealevel to explore options for serial communications adapters to provide the connectivity for the communication and navigation in the ground control guidance system.