USMC Concepts & Programs 2013 - Defense Innovation Marketplace

USMC Concepts & Programs 2013
ADVANCED FIELD ARTILLERY
TACTICAL DATA SYSTEM (AFATDS)
FAMILY OF SYSTEMS
Description
The GYK-60 AFATDS
is an automated fire-support
Command and Control
system that provides
the Marine Air Ground
Task Force (MAGTF) the
ability to rapidly integrate
all fire-support assets into maneuver plans via digital
data communications links. AFATDS supports the
timely exchange of fire-support information and target
processing essential to survival on the modern battlefield
through the integration of all fire support assets,
including artillery, rockets, mortars, naval surface fire
support, and close air support. Additionally, the PYG-1
Back-Up Computer System (BUCS) and Mobile Tactical
Shelter (MTS) are subsystems of the AFATDS program
that fulfill requirements identified in the USMC
AFATDS Operational and Organizational Concept.
The AN/PYG-1 BUCS is
a hand-held computer system
that resides on a Ruggedized
Personal Digital Assistant designed
to provide a back-up
capability for computing ballistic
firing solutions, as well
as survey and meteorological
functions, in support of field
artillery cannon systems. The
BUCS hosts the following three
software applications:
• Centaur, the Light-Weight Technical Fire Direction
System application for computing safety parameters
and artillery technical firing solutions
• Field Artillery Survey Program software to compute
artillery survey data
• The meteorological software application to convert
raw meteorological Plot Balloon readings into ballistic
and computer meteorological messages
The TSQ-17 MTS is a modified U.S. Army-procured
shelter mounted on a High-Mobility Multiple
Wheeled Vehicle employed by the battery Fire Direction
Center (FDC), Battery Operations Center, and
Fire Support Teams. It provides environmental protection
for the AFATDS, its associated peripherals, and the
AFATDS operators. The MTS is designed to protect
against wind driven sand, dust, and rain. It will also
permit FDC and liaison sections to perform required
tasks at night without compromising light discipline.
The MTS provides environmental protection at the
battery level, while the Combat Operations Center
provides environmental protection for AFATDS at the
battalion and above.
Operational Impact
AFATDS will be the primary Commanders Fire
Support Coordination System employed from Marine
Expeditionary Force to battery-level operations.
AFATDS will be used to provide the commander with
the ability to rapidly employ all fire-support assets at
his disposal. This will allow him the flexibility to determine
what weapon systems to employ in shaping
and dominating his battle space. AFATDS will greatly
enhance the interchange of tactical data between
all MAGTF tactical command and control systems
through the use of graphics, common operating applications,
and communications.
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