BAE Systems to develop software that autonomously configures tactical networks for mission-critical communications as part of the Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) program. BAE Systems has received a $24 million contract from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop software that autonomously configures tactical networks for mission-critical communications as part of the Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) program. Reliable data and communications networks are critical in modern warfare.
“In today’s highly congested and contested environments, secure and adaptable multi-domain communications have never been more important,” said Brian Decleene, chief scientist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs. “Recent research advances in networking, autonomy, and mission planning offers a unique opportunity for real-time control of the tactical network based on the mission and evolving operating environment. As a result of this program, we’ll enable the operator to deliver the right information to the right user at the right time across multiple domains and improve mission outcome.”
Currently, no capability exists to dynamically control interconnected networks and ensure that warfighters can communicate across domains in contested environments. The MINC program seeks to build and demonstrate an integrated, advanced capability that creates a secure communications network to support multi-domain operations. Under the terms of the contract, BAE Systems’ FAST Labs™ research and development organization will develop the algorithms and software to anticipate, configure, and control available resources to optimize the flow of information.
BAE Systems’ work on this program leverages its robust networking, communications, and autonomy portfolios, including work on multi-domain programs such as Dynamic Network Adaptation for Mission Optimization, Resilient Synchronized Planning and Assessment for the Contested Environment, and Adapting Cross-Domain Kill-Webs. The program, called Resilient Synchronized Planning and Assessment for the Contested Environment (RSPACE), seeks to develop human-centered software decision aids that can assist air operators to better control daily operations in a complex battlespace. In response to this need, and as part of the RSPACE program, BAE Systems created software called the Distributed, Interactive, Command-and-Control Tool (DIRECT) to improve air battlespace awareness.
