Joint Metoc Handboo - IHMC Ontology and Policy Management

10-USMC
Environmental Subsystem (NITES) version I, principal METOC analysis and fusion
system, and NITES version II, GCCS-M, METOC input to mission planners. It will be
Defense Information Infrastructure (DII)/Common Operating Environment (COE)
compliant and compatible with evolving joint communication and METOC
architectures.
• Communications Subsystem (CMS). The CMS enables the MetMF(R) to transmit and
receive secure and non-secure METOC data from meteorological channels, worldwide
meteorological broadcast frequencies, and satellite communications. The CMS will
have interoperable connectivity between the various other subsystems of MetMF(R),
the MAGTF C 4 I Local Area Network (LAN), and joint/government agencies and allied
nations via the GCCS-M. Two-way communications is accomplished through existing
Marine Corps communication infrastructure, normally the SIPRNET.
• Meteorological Satellite Subsystem (MSS). The MSS receives both high and lowresolution
meteorological imagery from polar orbiting satellites and low-resolution
meteorological imagery from geostationary satellites.
• Rawinsonde Subsystem (RWS). The RWS collects upper air soundings and will
automatically be ingested by the PCS.
• Local Sensor Subsystem (LSS). The LSS is installed within close proximity of the
MetMF(R) (within 150 feet) shelter and collect weather parameter measurements for
automatic ingestion into the PCS. The LSS will be a “WeatherPak” sensor suite
designed to measure and report: surface wind direction and speed, surface air and dew
point temperature, liquid precipitation rate, cloud height, visibility, atmospheric
pressure and altimeter setting.
• Remote Sensor Subsystem (RSS). The RSS consist of two sets of sensors capable of
being installed at separate sites located up to 200 nautical miles from the MetMF(R).
Each set of “WeatherPak” sensors measures and reports: surface wind direction and
speed, surface air and dew point temperature, liquid precipitation rate, atmospheric
pressure and altimeter setting. The RSS transmits its measurements to the MetMF(R)
by use of Meteorburst (VHF) communications. During periods of low meteorite
shower activity, an alternate means of communications may be required. The PMW-
185 METOC office is presently working to resolve the issue.
• Video Subsystem (VDS). The VDS is capable of disseminating weather products,
meteorological imagery, and alphanumerics to one monitor located within 2000 feet of
the MetMF(R).
• Meteorological Radar System (MRS). The MRS (AN/TPS-76) provides real-time
surveillance and advanced warning of potentially hazardous atmospheric conditions in
the vicinity of the MetMF(R). The Doppler weather radar will measure rainfall
intensities and predict the likelihood of hazardous activity, such as conditions for hail,
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