Operator-in-the-loop experimentation: Providing combat utility measures

This paper describes an experiment to assess the operational effectiveness of airborne platforms employing candidate advanced tactical data links (ATDL) and representative network-enabled applications in support of Close Air Support (CAS) missions. Results showed that increased network throughput reduced the total time required to build shared situational awareness (SA) between the aircrew and the Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), and ultimately shortened mission timelines. The ability to send and receive current imagery in a timely manner from and to the cockpit significantly enhanced SA for the air / ground team, particularly in a high clutter environment. For the Baghdad scenario, the average difference in time to build situational awareness was reduced by 7 minutes, 10 seconds by using Tactical Targeting Network Technologies (TTNT) versus Link 16.