A SYSTEM ENGINEERING APPROACH FOR NAVY C2 APPLICATIONS

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper emphasizes the importance of structured system engineering in complex communication (C) architectures. The focus is on acquisition of Navy command and control (C2) programs.The paper begins with a discussion of the requirement for and the benefits of system engineering. A classic approach is described. The Navy's action to implement structured C2 system engineering is addressed. Technical sophistication in platforms, sensors, weapons, and electronics is identified as the primary reason for renewed emphasis on system engineering. Large increases in the volume of data that must be collected, exchanged, analyzed, and acted upon by the military commander are a product of this technology. In some instances the commander must act within seconds to survive attack. He can do so only with efficient, prioritized, and transparently connected systems. System engineering has gone from the category of “nice to have” to “essential.”The application of system engineering disciplines in a major command and control system upgrade being undertaken by the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) is outlined in detail and cited as an example of a successful system engineering response to a complex communications architecture problem.The final part of this paper examines the feasibility of applying the FAA approach to the Navy C2 modernization plan. It reviews the organizational history of important Navy C2 system engineering initiatives and identifies the current documentation used in the Navy C2 architectural process.Conclusions reemphasize the importance of a disciplined system engineering approach to managing complex communication system architectures; cite the FAA program as a model to be followed; and identify the current Navy C2 need as a program that could readily implement and benefit from the use of this model.Finally, the paper emphasizes that commitment is essential if any system engineering approach is to be effective. Top‐level decision makers must be willing to provide authority and resources to achieve the desired goal.