C/sup 4/I for the 21st century

The development of the Copernicus Architecture, a command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) system, for the US Navy is discussed. The architecture is based on five thrusts uniting C4I form and function: replacement of equipment, new space and electronic warfare technologies, the use of combat centers, implementation of global indications and warning (I&W), and provides for tactical data exchanges. The system´s support of space and electronic warfare and its solution to the central C4I problem in contingency operations, focusing a large number of sensors, often the entire national inventory in one area, are described.<>