TACTICAL SYSTEMS

• Space Control ›
• Air and Missile Defense Technology ›
• Communication Systems ›
• Cyber Security and Information Sciences ›
• ISR Systems and Technology ›
• Advanced Technology ›
• Tactical Systems ›
• Homeland Protection ›
• Air Traffic Control ›
• Engineering ›

More about the Tactical Systems mission

• Future outlook and focus for upcoming year

Principal Accomplishments

The Laboratory is leveraging fundamental strengths in systems analysis, radar design, antenna array development, and tactical data processing to develop a novel approach to ground-penetrating radar technology.

• The Laboratory continued a comprehensive assessment of U.S. Air Force airborne electronic attack options against foreign air defenses. Systems analysis, detailed radar and electronic protection system modeling, and testing of electronic attack systems informed acquisition decisions regarding next-generation electronic attack systems.

• Capabilities of the Laboratory’s Airborne Countermeasures Test System aircraft were enhanced to support captive-carry testing of threat representative electronic attack emulators and testing for advanced U.S. fighter aircraft radar development.

• Detailed assessments of digital RF memory–based electronic attack impacts on air-to-air weapon systems were continued. Flight testing, systems analysis, and hardware-in-the-loop simulation enabled improvement of U.S. electronic protection systems, and informed Department of Defense leadership involved in making decisions on future investments.

• The Laboratory conducted an evaluation of the capabilities and limitations of infrared sensors and seekers to support passive air-to-air engagements.

• Assessments that examined the impacts of advanced military system export were used by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and by Congress as part of the decision-making process for a number of major export programs.

• The Laboratory evaluated threats to U.S. space systems and assessed measures to preserve capabilities in the face of these threats.

• Work continued on advancements to several innovative airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. In collaboration with the user community, the Laboratory operationally demonstrated prototypes. The technology is being transitioned to industry for use in next-generation advanced SIGINT systems.

• The Laboratory developed a novel robot-mounted sensor system used by engineer teams for route-clearance applications. Enhancements supporting additional applications are also in development.

• Advanced architectures and technologies were transitioned to the next generation of counter–improvised explosive device electronic attack systems.

• Support continued for two novel airborne sensor systems that are elements of a fielded, quick-reaction, multiple-intelligence capability for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

• The Laboratory innovated a ground-penetrating radar technology for counterterrorism applications. Significant antenna array and processing advances were demonstrated, and a field-worthy prototype is in development.