Israel Aircraft Industries is introducing at Paris the Twister net-centric command and control system. Twister is designed as a scalable system managing multiple missions by joint forces at divisional level and above. Co-developed by IAI/Malat, IAI/MLM and NESS TSG, assists commanders in planning, execution and control of time-critical complex missions by sharing sensors and controlling ad-hoc task-oriented joint forces, effectors and support elements.
“Twister's main benefits are its dynamic sensor utilization and visual collaboration capabilities," says IAI project leader Nadav Paz. "It provides an outstanding solution to overcome current limitations in command centers and to gain mission effectiveness in the joint operations battlespace."
The system can integrate airborne UAVs, airborne, ground or mobile observation posts, air- and ground-mobile, as well as maritime forces, to perform complex synchronized missions. Twister operators can tap into live imagery from imaging and electronic sensors, as well as radar, air operations pictures and archived data, to deliver actionable intelligence. Utilizing the same net-centric connectivity, the commander can allocate these resources to be shared by all mission participants and target specific forces and effectors.
To simplify complex battlespace pictures, the Twister’s tactical situation display utilizes three flat-panel displays showing different mission views. A typical display shows a detailed 2D digital map, presenting the locations of task force members, ‘blue’ forces and enemy. All assets associated with the mission are also presented, indicating progress of execution and critical synchronization data.
A second display focuses on sensor management, showing simultaneous real-time video streams and thumbnails of other available sensors which can be tasked to support the mission. When the mission controller assumes control of specific sensors he can point them to look at targets of interest and designate them for the lead sensor, which automatically slaves the other sensors to ensure continuous coverage from multiple directions. Interpretation of data is immediately dispatched to relevant users with annotations, markings and text overlaid on the image or video and shared through the network.
A third display can be used to create a 3D view of the battlespace. The system has a unique capability to integrate, correlate and display real-time image or video stream depicting the sensor's location, line-of-sight and footprint in real-time.
Simulation technology inherent with Twister supports joint mission training, planning and debriefing, to retain and develop combat experience and expertise gained by personnel and systems. The system dramatically cuts sensor-to-effector cycles and distributes complete situational understanding among all mission participants, improving the readiness and rapid response during joint forces operations. Advanced mission interfaces of video, voice and data a common graphic collaborative language.
Each of the resources managed by the system, including sensors, units and effectors, interfaces with Twister's core system through a Mission Interface Gateway (MIG) which translates its properties, capabilities, performance, doctrine and rules of engagement to a common language used by the Twister Core System (TCS). The system also expands the mission situation picture to include environmental effects such as weather and visibility. Twister operators and supported forces can communicate with each other and collaborate via advanced messaging, data, voice and live video embedded within the system. —Tamir Eshel
