Platform integration of UHF multi-network intelligence terminals using COTS, GOTS and NDI RF ancillary equipment

One-half of the life cycle cost of spaced-based intelligence dissemination systems resides in the terrestrial terminals. Of that cost, most is not the price of the terminal but the integration of the terminals into platforms. The future cost of terminals will decrease as COTS (commercial off-the-shelf), GOTS (government off-the-shelf) and NDI (nondevelopmental item) equipment are ushered in, but the integration cost will remain constant unless terminal vendors are funded to supply the best possible information to the integrator to accomplish a smooth platform installation for the warfighter. As budgets continue to shrink, the burden of integration falls on the end-user. Both the frustration level of not having the proper information and the cost of doing business must be reduced. This paper examines the complexity of the problem and the ability of an RF accessory manual to reduce paper work, increase utilization of available COTS/GOTS/NDI RF ancillary equipment, allow for the proper installation of RF accessories for a particular application and reduce frustration by consolidating all the required information. An Internet website can provide an interactive decision tree, along with the latest list of accessories. This concept is examined using the UHF commanders´ tactical terminal (CTT) intelligence terminal as an example