Systems integration is the glue that connects independent systems. It makes diverse components work together. ISI's depth of theoretical and practical experience with complex systems allows us to successfully negotiate with diverse organizations and integrate components into a functioning whole.
 As System Integrator, ISI is responsible for conducting the day-to-day operations of the GPRS Program Office. We define and design the overall GPRS architecture, perform parametric trade studies on system capacity and link budget analysis identify the Mission Management scheme on how the GPRS will handle special situations and priorities. ISI also defines the user segment architecture in parallel with user-derived requirements, performing applicable systems engineering, business management and contract management tasks and developing applicable documents, system hardware and software that includes prototype user equipment.
Proof of Concept demonstrations were held in September 2000 and 2002 to demonstrate the GPRS’ ability to allow near-real-time communication between survivor, rescue forces, and command. Simultaneously, the Coast Guard conducted a Proof of Concept demonstration off the coast of Texas to show the system’s functionality for civilian search and rescue operations.
The result was a quantum leap in search and rescue capability. The demonstration marked the first time the survivor, rescue forces, and command and control segment could track and communicate with each other in real time. The impact of this capability is that rescue forces are no longer unduly exposed to hostile fire resulting from not having exact location on the survivor. The system is part of an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) being developed by the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA).
 The system performed very well in an operational demonstration during JEFX-02. “Overall the experiment was a successful proof-of-concept test of GPRS as a tagger, tracker, and two-way messenger. We successfully tested the links between ground-to-air, air-to-air, and ground-to-ground units as well as using the situational awareness tool in the aircraft and into the ground C2 facility. GPRS has great potential applications for aircrew as well as ground/airborne command and control.”
The following is a brief history of the operational and technical demonstrations conducted during the ACTD:
- Early JEFX-00 + Gulf of Mexico demo proved full operation diverse VPNs in multiple simultaneous C4/ISR scenarios. 406 alert beacon inserted into GPRS network
- JEFX-02 integrated GPRS into COP, proved 2-way BFT/SA
- USMC DACT/GPRS demo in Jul 03 demo’d merged EPLRS and GPRS to provide seamless integration of Line-of-sight and Over-the-Horizon systems
- 301st Rescue Squadron Deployed System to OIF
- Dec 03 – AFSOC demo of COP and Broadcast inject
- Jun 04 (NE-04) – Demonstrated new Task Force Application Server (TFAS) and GPRS Network Interface Card in Hook Chassis
- Oct 04 (Silent Hammer) – Navy SOF Exercise 04IP/SOF Exercise, COP GCCS-J/M inject across RM Guard
- Apr 06 – Integrated US/UK demonstration to highlight the interoperability aspects of the capability
|
