Army Airborne Command & Control System (A2C2S)
The Army Airborne Command & Control System (A2C2S) is a helicopter (UH-60) based Command and Control (C2) mission kit which will serve as a corps, division, maneuver brigade, or attack helicopter commander's airborne tactical command post (TACCP). The system will feature C2 "on-the-move" and situational awareness that foster a commander's common view of the battlefield through voice and data equipment that provides battlefield information processing and connectivity equivalent to ground tactical command post and Battle Command Vehicle (BCV). The system will provide connectivity to embassy, law enforcement, maritime, civil, and/or other humanitarian information/communcation networks.
The A2C2S achieves real-time situational awareness by utilizing a suite of existing Army Battle Command System (ABCS) and Army Tactical Command and Control System (ATCCS) systems for a common relevant battlefield picture:
- The All Source Analysis System (ASAS) provides battle management and information warfare capabilities by fusing Military Intelligence (MI) information. ASAS is the Intelligence and Electronic Warfare (IEW) subelement of ABCS.
- The Maneuver Control System (MCS) is the heart of ABCS. It is the horizontal and vertical integrator of Force Level Information from battalion to corps. It is used for planning, coordinating, and controlling tactical operations and maintains and disseminates the common operational picture for all command posts.
- The Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) provides battle management and a decision support system which functions from firing battery through echelon above corps as the Fire Support (FS) node of ATCCS.
- The Force XXI Battle Command-Brigade and Below (FBCB2) is Applique hardware and software that provides situational awareness by interconnecting platforms through the Tactical Internet communications infrastructure
- The Aviation Mission Planning System (AMPS) is a planning and battle synchronization tool which automates aviation mission planning tasks from brigade to the aircrew.
The A2C2S provides battle information processing and connectivity, while airborne or on the ground, that is equivalent to the ground tactical command post and Battle Command Vehicle (BCV). This battlefield connectivity is available throughout the spectrum of conflict -- high intensity combat operations to low intensity stability operations or support operations. The A2C2S is a mission package mounted on the UH-60A/L platform. It includes five (5) interchangeable workstations, large-screen displays, and an advanced voice/data communications suite.
The A2C2S replaces the AN/ASC-15B/C Command and Control Console. These systems will be returned to depot for expected use by the National Guard.
Army Airborne Command and Control System provides the commander with a common picture of the battle through the Army Battle Command System (ABCS). The ABCS is a complex system of systems that links automation assets, communications media, and operational facilities to provide commanders and their staffs the ability to collect and analyze information, develop plans and orders, and monitor the tactical battlefield while simultaneously planning future operations. The Army Battlefield Command System's (ABCS) Battlefield Functional Area Control Systems (BFACS) are Maneuver Control, Fire Support, Combat Service Support, Intelligence/Electronics Warfare and Air Defense. The automated programs related to the respective BFACS are referred to as the Army Tactical
Command and Control System (ATCCS)
Sources and Resources
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/equip/a2c2s.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Friday, May 05, 2000 10:39:34 AM