Airborne SIGINT Enterprise

The Common Development project supports airborne SIGINT design studies, engineering analysis, non-recurring engineering (NRE), program management, risk reduction, and other efforts to field SIGINT sensors and their associated air and ground components. The Common Development project also supports the development and integration of new sensor capabilities, quick reaction capabilities, and capabilities to address emerging needs as identified by the SIGINT Capabilities Working Group (SCWG). Finally, the Common Development project supports replacement components affected by Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS). Future SIGINT sensors are being developed through the implementation of open architecture (OA) concepts that enable the rapid integration of new signals of interests. Future SIGINT sensor efforts will address needs identified in the ISR Planning and Programing Guidance (IP2G) in order to sustain SIGINT operations in a highly contested environment. The efforts include, but are not limited to, demonstrating the Phoenix OA software on a CI-6 family of systems sensor on a current USAF platform with USAF ground station integration (e.g. Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS)); conducting CI-6 family of systems sensor improvements through Phoenix OA software; expanding Phoenix OA software beyond the CI-6 family of systems; developing Low-Cost UAS Sensor Technology (LOCUST) for inclusion into small UAS; and furthering the development of CRESTONE to counter emerging threats. This project also addresses ACC Tier 1 and 2 exploitation needs by hosting signals of interest exploitation software on scalable SIGINT sensors to support rapid deployment on a variety of USAF platforms by developing NORTHSTAR. This project will develop RANGERS to further miniaturize the form-factor of tactical aircraft roll-on/roll-off collection systems. This project also supports overarching Airborne SIGINT Enterprise (ASE) common development to include, but not limited to SIGINT modeling and simulation efforts and technology development and risk reduction through the Air Force Research Lab managed Open Architecture Technology Lab (OATL). Capability improvements needed to exploit service identified signals of interest will be identified as priorities by the SCWG. This project provides the warfighter increased SIGINT combat capability via rapid acquisition.

This project supports design, engineering analysis, non-recurring engineering, development, test, and integration of RC-135 SIGINT sensor capabilities and their associated air and ground components. By extensively utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) based solutions to field needed capabilities, this project must continuously identify suitable replacements for components affected by Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and integrate with the COTS technology cycle. These efforts provide required engineering for preliminary assessments of technical feasibility, operability, or military utility as well as specific engineering implementations integrated into the various baseline modifications. Funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. These funds will be disbursed among the RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT, the RC-135U COMBAT SENT, and the RC-135S COBRA BALL programs. Funding reflects the SIGINT Capabilities Working Group (SCWG) priorities and the accomplishment of other Airborne SIGINT Enterprise initiatives.

The COMPASS BRIGHT project develops Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and Radio Frequency Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) capabilities for transition to Department ISR systems. COMPASS BIGHT pursues SIGINT technologies for project transition, to include Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Audio, Analytics, and Special Signals of Interest. COMPASS BRIGHT will pursue multi-INT cross-cue and fusion capabilities from other disciplines such as Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) in order to create a holistic ISR picture for the warfighter and the Intelligence Community (IC). COMPASS BRIGHT projects are selected through an annual data call process whereby the SIGINT Capabilities Working Group (SCWG) evaluates proposals from the laboratories, systems, and classified mission partners. The program office authority extends to accomplishment of out-of-cycle COMPASS BRIGHT efforts. These tasks may be filtered through the SCWG outside the normal vetting process to expedite acquisition of capabilities for the warfighter.

This project supports special SIGINT studies as well as the development and integration of advanced SIGINT capabilities for special programs including, but not limited to: quick reaction capability sensors, processing, exploitation, and dissemination associated with these systems, and other efforts approved by the USAF SIGINT Capabilities Working Group (SCWG). Development efforts will include, but are not limited to: new signal sets, antenna improvements, sensitivity upgrades, data distribution upgrades, and new/advanced deployment capabilities. This project provides the warfighter near term combat capabilities with increased capability improvements, accomplished as technologies and risks achieve satisfactory levels. Sensors will be integrated and tested on various platforms including the MQ-9A Unmanned Aerial System.