All Systems Go recently interviewed Dr. Roger Roberts who, as senior vice president of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems, leads the company’s center for intelligence programs. A 27-year veteran of Boeing, Dr. Roberts also leads the team that is developing the integrated battlespace.

ASG: What is the integrated battlespace?

Roberts: The integrated battlespace is a network-centric information system that gathers real-time data from far-reaching resources, turns that data into information, and then provides it to requestors, who use this knowledge to make rapid decisions. The ability to use a network to see, hear, and understand what is happening now, as well as what others are doing, has profound implications, especially on the battlefield, where the ability to act first - before the adversary - is not only a strategic advantage ... it saves lives.

ASG: How does the integrated battlespace work?

Roberts: The integrated battlespace works by forming a network of new and existing systems and platforms, such as helicopters, satellites, tankers, etc. that are able to share information in real-time. Within the integrated battlespace network, each platform and system becomes an interoperable node on the network. Interoperability is achieved by using a common software architecture consisting of common interfaces, standards, and protocols. Intelligent software is used to pull information from the network and develop knowledge specific to the decisions or actions being considered.

ASG: Can you provide a few examples of how network-centric operations can be used?

Roberts:  Battlefield Management. Network-centric operations enable a battlefield commander at any moment to know the location of his troops and of coalition forces and what weaponry is available. Logistical information, such as road conditions and weather and the location of the adversary, and what it’s doing, are also available. Finally, the commander can run a few modeling scenarios to predict the outcome of alternative battle plans under consideration. The network allows decisions to be made that favor the user because actionable information is rapidly available to give the commander the ability to act before the opponent thinks of its next move. This network allows the commander to make the right decisions, at the right times and to save lives. This same network can also serve a soldier, an airman, a marine or a sailor by providing information that is relevant to the individual. No one would ever be alone on the battlefield. Information that they need — relevant, accurate, and immediate — is instantly available.

First Responders/Emergency Personnel. Using network-centric operations, a fire captain responding to an emergency can assess the situation before the wheels on the fire engine start rolling. The captain will immediately know if medical personnel are required, and if they are at the scene, en route, or not yet alerted. Emergency personnel also will know if this is related to a threat and if law enforcement officials are engaged. This network allows first responders to save lives, restore peace and ensure safety.

ASG: What are the benefits of becoming network-centric?

Roberts: By networking a number of systems together, every platform’s resources are available at each node so that no soldier, no airman, no marine, and no sailor are ever alone in the battlefield. Real-time information can be rapidly accessed and presented to the requestor in the format he or she needs to take action. For those in weaponry, the network assists them with targeting the adversary. For those in command and control, the network provides fused information that enables the commanders to act decisively.

ASG: Why are we just now hearing about the integrated battlespace?

Roberts: Over the years, there have been skeptics who believed that integrated, network-centric systems would never be adopted. They believed that we would remain platform-centric. In the last few years, a number of network-centric, lead systems integration (LSI) developments have been funded. It is my belief that network-centric operations is not just a vision; it is a reality.

ASG: Is the U.S. government currently funding programs that are part of the integrated battlespace?

Roberts: The Department of Defense has allocated more than $200 billion over the next five years toward programs that transform our military and intelligence capabilities. The integrated battlespace is addressing these needs by enabling multiple enterprises to work as one. In 2002, Boeing received contract awards for programs worth potentially tens of billions of dollars that will be the foundation of the integrated battlespace.

ASG: Can you tell me more about those programs?

Roberts: The U.S. Army’s Future Combat Systems (FCS) program marks the first major use of a network for our military, and will change the way we conduct land combat in the future. Another Army program, the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) Cluster 1, is a specialized radio system that uses programmable software to route communications from one radio to another. A third program is the U.S. Air Force’s Family of Beyond-Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T), a system that will enable wideband information to be transmitted between satellites and aircraft. Programs such as these enable Boeing to assist its customers with making the important and critical transformation to network-centric operations.

ASG: How many parts of Boeing are involved in the integrated battlespace?

Roberts: Virtually every business unit within Boeing Integrated Defense Systems and its extended industrial enterprise partners are involved in developing the integrated battlespace.

ASG: Is network-centric operations the way of the future?

Roberts: Absolutely. We are changing the way we collect intelligence and protect the peace. This technology is changing history. I think that every employee at Boeing knows this, and it’s a very rewarding experience to be involved in this work that is so vital to our future and to the future of our children.

ASG: Why is Boeing qualified to lead this effort?

Roberts: When you consider the company’s history as a major military platform provider, and add to that Boeing’s very broad experience as a lead systems integrator — which is best evidenced through the success of the International Space Station, the largest international space venture ever undertaken. Topping that off with our leadership position in systems engineering and software design and development, I think it’s clear that Boeing is qualified to bring all of this together and make it work. We aren’t just talking about it; we are doing it.