Carrier Systems Development

Mission — Carrier Systems Development source

This Program Element (PE) addresses technology areas associated with Command and Control (C2) of the MH-60R/S Seahawk Helicopter, as well as the development of other technologies and enhancements for Aircraft Carrier-based systems. PROJECT 3216: The AN/SQQ-34 Aircraft Carrier Tactical Support Center (CV-TSC) program delivers Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Surface Warfare (SUW) combat capability to the Aircraft Carrier supporting Aircraft Carrier, Nuclear power (CVN) Tactical Action Office (TAO) and embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Sea Combat Commander. This project develops, tests, certifies, and fields improved combat capability and critical cyber-security enhancements via incremental Fleet Capability Releases (FCR). The project maintains interoperability with current interfaces and develops interoperability with future interfaces; supports mission data exchange; improves ASW/SUW track/sensor processing and analysis techniques; improves mission planning; improves data recording, reconstruction, and distribution; improves embedded simulation and training capabilities; and implements cyber-security measures to effectively employ overall CVN self-defense capabilities. CV-TSC integrates sensor data from organic rotary wing aircraft (MH-60R), organic platform sensors and tracks via Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) (both Product Line Architecture (PLA) and non-PLA), Link-16 track data, Global Command and Control System (GCCS) Over-the-Horizon (OTH) track data, and environmental and threat databases to assess the threat and assist the TAO and CSG to effectively employ overall CVN self-defense capabilities against ASW/SUW threats. Current development efforts are focused on extending non-organic ASW/SUW data sources to provide situational awareness and targets beyond the CSG surveillance area. This includes Minotaur Family of Services (MFoS)/Joint Tactical Terminal - Maritime (JTT-M) and Maritime Targeting Cell - Afloat (MTC-A), Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS), and future Resilient Command & Control, Communication (RC3) data links. CV-TSC generates real-time ASW/SUW information and recommendations, tactical planning and employment of ASW/SUW assets, ASW/SUW sensor data processing and analysis, and distribution of tactically significant data. Aircraft supported include the MH-60R/S Seahawk, with P-8 Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton as future ASW/SUW non-organic supporting platforms. FY 2026 will focus on final development and testing of FCR-7, to include critical software architecture upgrades, MTC-A integration, MH-60S interface enhancements, cyber-security upgrades, as well as the initiation of FCR-8 development, to include Integrated Combat System (ICS) integration, development, and testing. PROJECT 4005: The In-Service Carrier Systems Development Demonstration and Validation Program develops new technology and enhancements to deliver an affordable, robust, operator-friendly automation control environment for Navy Aircraft Carrier shipboard equipment. The program provides the system architecture, requirements/specification development, technology selection, software development (including software baseline), manpower requirements, Total Ownership Costs (TOC), cyber-security engineering and integration, as well as land-based and shipboard testing of new technologies to improve shipboard operations. PROJECT 9999 / C989: CONGRESSIONAL ADD - Digital Component Certification Center tri-service, Army-Air Force-Navy installation for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to address cyber threats to Naval Aviation Aircraft Carrier Systems.

Mission — Tactical Support Center-Integration source

The AN/SQQ-34 CV-TSC project delivers ASW and SUW combat capability to the Aircraft Carrier. This project delivers capability updates to the Fleet, developing, testing, certifying, and fielding system upgrades and cyber-security patches. The project maintains interoperability with current and future interfaces; supports mission data exchange; improves track/sensor processing and analysis techniques; improves mission planning; improves data recording, reconstruction, and distribution; improves embedded simulation and training capabilities and implements cyber-security measures to effectively employ overall CVN self-defense capabilities. CV-TSC integrates sensor data from off-board aircraft, organic platform sensors, Minotaur multi-sensor fused track data, Link-16 track data, SSDS track data (PLA and non-PLA), GCCS OTH track data, and environmental and threat databases to assess the threat and assist the TAO and Composite Warfare Commander (CWC) to effectively employ overall CVN self-defense capabilities. CV-TSC generates real-time ASW/SUW information and recommendations, tactical planning and employment of ASW/SUW assets, ASW/SUW sensor data processing and analysis, and distribution of tactically significant data. Aircraft supported include MH-60R/S Seahawk, and P-8 Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton as future ASW/SUW systems. System development is accomplished through the following initiatives: 1) Maintaining interoperability with the local CVN warfare systems through current and future interfaces; 2) Continuing to support mission data exchange and tactical control with current and future ASW/SUW assets and their mission systems; 3) Improving track and sensor processing and analysis techniques as new track and sensor data becomes available; 4) Improving mission planning support for the ASW/SUW missions conducted from the CVN; 5) Improving data recording, reconstruct, and distribution to meet the decreasing timelines associated with getting tactically significant data to other end users both on and off platform; 6) Improving embedded simulation and training capabilities to enable operator proficiencies; and 7) Implementing cyber security measures.

Mission — In-Service Carrier Systems Development source

The In-Service Carrier Systems Demonstration and Validation Program develops new technology and enhancements for 11 nuclear powered Aircraft Carriers with nearly 300 systems onboard each vessel. These systems are a combination of historical and new initiatives that deliver an affordable, robust, operator-friendly automated control environment. In order to deter threats and properly integrate all of the systems, the Demonstration and Validation Program segments the testing and upgrades into four areas: system architecture, requirements/specification development, technology selection, cyber-security engineering and integration, and software development. The Demonstration and Validation Program also focuses on the Total Ownership Costs of each system and any equipment obsolescence issues. Initial technologies include the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Replacements, the Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS), the On-Machine I/O development for Low Pressure Air Plants (LPAP) and LPAP Air End Re-design. Demonstration technologies include Advanced Damage Control System (ADCS) software improvements, Input / Output Controller (IOC) Replacement, Fleet wireless Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Weapons Elevator Laser Positioning System (WELPS), Legacy Steering Interface (LSI) upgrades, Passive Countermeasures System (PCMS) alternate measurement capability, additive manufacturing efforts, and Weapons Elevators Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) redesign.

Mission — Congressional Adds source

Establishing a Digital Component Certification Laboratory on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, where overseas and domestic manufactured digital components can be scanned and certified before their installation in weapon systems, would significantly enhance our ability to test components and certify digital integrity. The mission of the laboratory will include developing the processes, metrics, and tools to evaluate internal component designs and the embedded software (i.e., Firmware) with the ability to evolve a trustworthiness factor for each component. This mission intends to identify infected chip lots before installation in weapon systems, identify and track those manufacturers that deliver infected components, eliminate identified manufacturers as component suppliers, document the cyber tactics being employed in components, and assure that U.S. military systems are reliable, secure, and operable in the event of a conflict.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (1)