Figure 3-13: Navwar Future Battlefield
The navigation warfare (Navwar) ACTD is focused on validating the technologies and CONOPS for implementing electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures against satellite navigation systems. The overall goal for the Navwar program is to mitigate hostile use of satellite navigation by unfriendly forces on the battlefield (prevention) while ensuring unimpeded use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) for U.S. and Allied forces (protection). The specific purpose of this ACTD is to demonstrate Navwar protection and prevention technologies and validate the CONOPS. Additionally, residual design implementation and delivery of assets will provide an initial capability available for training exercises and contingency operations.
This overall effort has had $57M allocated and is planned to be completed in FY99. In addition, USD(A&T) added $20M in FY97 as a catalyst for future development beyond the initial scope of the ACTD. Throughout the execution of this program, a multi-Service evaluation team will incrementally assess the viability of developed technologies and their ability to effectively satisfy mission needs. Those technologies which are proven successful will be incorporated into the overall Navwar architecture.
Concept of Operations and Technical Approach
The Navwar concept is to maintain navigation superiority on the future battlefield in which friendly and opposing forces are often intermixed (Figure 3-13). The prevention hardware, software, and techniques developed during this program will be capable of being employed from a variety of platforms, in a multitude of operational environments. In addition, advanced protection technologies will be incorporated into current DoD GPS receivers to improve their operational capabilities.
Figure 3-13: Navwar Future Battlefield
The Navwar Prevention Program has subelements within the framework of the overall program, each element focuses on separate yet complimentary operational objectives. These elements will be designed to operate either individually or together in a synergistic approach to ensuring satellite navigation superiority within a theater of operations. Once developed, the prevention technologies explored during this ACTD will form the baseline from which advanced techniques can be created and tailored to meet emerging threats.
The Navwar Protection Program is focused on developing new technologies to enhance operational capability in both friendly and hostile satellite navigation EW environments. EW protection technology enhancements will be developed and implemented into a small number of current DoD GPS receivers, the Miniaturized Airborne GPS Receiver (MAGR), Embedded GPS/INS (EGI), and handheld Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR).
The elements of the ACTD program will be initially employed in USACOM exercises which will be comprised of land, sea, and air forces from command assets. These forces will train in accordance with selected operations plans (OPLANs) for the designated exercise. Incorporated into the exercise will be the ACTD assets to act as either blue or red forces. The intent is to introduce the users to the threat or operational environment they may face in a hostile conflict. Depending on what user equipment (UE) the exercise participants are utilizing, the ACTD technologies will illustrate enhancements or limitations of their respective UE. As a result, they will be able to identify where additional technological improvements are required or where tactics need to be developed to mitigate the threat.
SMC/CZ has been designated as the lead development organization for this ACTD and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the associated prevention and protection programs. Within the SMC/CZ structure, the ACTD Demonstration Manager (DM) will be SMC/CZUN. This organization will form a Navigation Warfare Integrated Product Team (IPT) to manage the ACTD effort while simultaneously working with the user community to develop a long-range plan for an overall system's approach. The DM will be responsible for managing all funds for the ACTD and will monitor and coordinate the funding and expenditures from all other RDT&E participants.
USACOM will function as the operational (warfighting) community for this ACTD. They will provide the context and scenario(s) for the demonstration, active force element participants and equipment, and post-demonstration analysis ("after action review" (AAR)). USACOM/J36 will be the Operational Manager (OM), responsible for all planning, coordination, and direction of user activities related to the demonstration project. The OM will serve as the Deputy Demonstration Manager (DDM) and a member of the technical oversight IPT.
Evolution Beyond ACTD
The Navwar ACTD is the initial phase of a larger, longer range Navwar development program. The larger program is structured to explore other technologies for protection and prevention and to apply both the ACTD technologies and these other technologies as appropriate across the forces of all of the Services. The ACTD is a critical first step in the realization of Navwar objectives.
USD (A&T) has designated the Navwar Technical Oversight IPT (TOIPT) responsible for executing a DoD Navwar development program to meet user CONOPS requirements. The body has been established under the direction of the U.S. Air Force, as the lead Service for the GPS Program chaired by SAF/AQPE. Functioning as the single DoD focal point on navigation warfare technical issues, the TOIPT will provide the strategic direction for Navwar development efforts and will provide the executive management of the ACTD. A multi-Service Navwar Evaluation Team (NET) will function as the working level organization in which the technical experts develop the capabilities needed to meet operational mission requirements. As stated in its charter, the TOIPT is responsible for the establishment, implementation, and oversight of the Navwar infrastructure. Specifically, the TOIPT will:
This IPT will be represented by a cross-section of the Services EW and GPS user communities and additional requisite organizations as deemed necessary by the IPT. The following organizations represent an initial TOIPT:
SMC/CZUN, in cooperation with SAF/AQPE, will sponsor a Navwar Evaluation Team which will function as the working level organization responsible for exploring and evaluating technologies which can be employed in satellite navigation (SATNAV) warfare. This organization will convene monthly to consider technologies, review current efforts, and provide recommendations to the Technical Oversight IPT on which efforts should be integrated into the overall system to meet user requirements. The NET will have Tri-Service representation, with functional expertise drawn from the operations, electronic warfare, acquisition, financial management, GPS technology, and intelligence communities. Figure 3-14 provides a schedule overview of the ACTD program.
Figure 3-14: ACTD Master Program Schedule
This ACTD effort is integrated into a time-phased implementation schedule. This strategy is driven by the time required to develop the technologies, accomplish limited testing, and integrate into host vehicles.
Navwar points of contact are listed below.
| AT Staff | Service/Agency POC | User Sponsor |
| Dr. Charles Perkins (703) 697-3568 |
Maj Joe Lortie SMC/CZUN (310) 363-3454 |
Maj Kirk Little USACOM/J362D (804) 322-5351/5451 |