The AN/SYQ-20 Advanced Combat Direction System (ACDS) Block 1 consists of computer program software and associated hardware for non-Aegis combatant ships (aircraft carriers and selected amphibious warfare ships). ACDS integrates the ship's sensors, weapons, and intelligence sources to allow command and control of battle group tactical
operations.
ACDS Block 1 is a combat direction system for aircraft carriers and amphibious warfare ships that supports the JV 2010 concept of full-dimensional protection, by providing control of a final layer of self protection against threat "leakers" (air, surface, subsurface) for individual ships. By ensuring such protection, ACDS Block 1 contributes indirectly to the concept of precision engagement, in that strike operations against targets are executed from these platforms.
ACDS Block 1 represents the second phase of implementation of the Combat Direction System (CDS) improvement plan of 1981, with ACDS Block 0 representing the initial phase. The Block 1 program was restructured in April 1991. Further adjustment occurred in FY93, targeting FY97 for fleet delivery of the software. Correction of deficiencies observed during testing through August 1997 delayed the OPEVAL and the full production decision. OPEVAL is now scheduled for February 1998. Milestone III is scheduled for July 1998.
ACDS Block 1 provides integration efforts with the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) program, Theater Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD) program, and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) programs.During demonstrations on USS Constellation (CV 64), the higher capacity of ACDS Block 1 over earlier ACDS systems was apparent. During one at-sea evaluation near the Los Angeles/Orange County area, ACDS Block 1 was tracking three times the number of targets ever tracked by a shipboard combat direction system. Key "firsts" demonstrated included a 4000 by 4000 mile theater-sized surveillance coverage, the ability to track and display significantly higher numbers of tracks, and the first full implementation of the Tactical Digital Information Link-J (TADIL-J)
message capability on a surface ship. TADIL-J affords significantly higher resolution of track identification and support of
advanced electronic warfare capabilities. Other "firsts" were display of track symbology in color and the use of artificial
intelligence features that continuously analyze the tactical situation providing heightened awareness to the crew. Also
demonstrated were the Navy fully TADIL-J capable command and control units that allow the Constellation and an E-2C
aircraft to communicate using the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System/TADIL-J.
TEST & EVALUATION ACTIVITY
At-sea DT was conducted onboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in April 1997 during independent steaming in Atlantic Fleet Operating Areas. Operations included detection, localization, classification, air control, tracking and simulated engagement of air, surface, and subsurface targets. COMOPTEVFOR observed testing events and conducted an operational assessment (OA), identified as phase OT-IIC1. Technical Evaluation was conducted in August 1997. A second OA, OT-IIC2, was conducted in late October 1997, based on limited testing at a land-based test site, the Integrated Combat Systems Test Facility (ICSTF), located at Point Loma, San Diego, CA. Both OAs were conducted in accordance with a DOT&E-approved assessment plan. The testing at ICSTF was observed by DOT&E staff. The TEMP was undergoing revision during FY97 and was approved by DOT&E in January 1998.
TEST & EVALUATION ASSESSMENT
OT-IIC1. ACDS Block 1 was tested continuously for 160 hours during a period from April 14 to April 21, 1997. Limitations associated with the DT, upon which the OA was based, include the following:
ACDS Block 1 evidenced deficiencies in several areas of own ship mission management, survivability, maintainability, interoperability, and human factors. Within the constraints of the foregoing limitations and based upon results, ACDS Block 1 is projected to be potentially operationally effective and potentially operationally suitable. Based on observed results during this testing, COMOPTEVFOR recommended further engineering and manufacturing development and stated that the risk of an unsuccessful OPEVAL was high.
OT-IIC2. This OA was conducted in late October 1997 at the ICSTF, Point Loma, San Diego, CA. and results of the testing are still being analyzed as of this writing.
The OPEVAL is scheduled to be conducted with the ship operating as part of a Battle Group, as insisted upon by DOT&E.
| Navy ACAT II Program 40 systems (25 back fit, 15 forward fit) Total program cost (TY$)$296.8M Average unit cost (TY$) back fit:$1.8M forward fit:$13.9M Full-rate productionFY98 Prime Contractor Hughes Aircraft Co., Naval and Maritime Systems San Diego, CA Platforms: CVN, CGN, DDG, LHA, LHD, LPD |
