C4ISR

The concepts covered by C4ISR (Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) or Command and Control (C2) include among others, gathering intelligence, analyzing the situation and making decisions. It is important to provide adequate information at the right time to enable the command structure to make quick and informed decisions, and this, both in national and joint operations. Since 2000, LTI has participated in several efforts led by DRDC Valcartier in the areas covered by C4ISR, more specifically to systems for decision support in command and control. These systems generally cover the steps of data fusion, situation analysis, decision support and planning.

Distributed and Interoperable Architecture

One of the main requirements of C4ISR systems is to be distributed physically among computers and to be interoperable with other nations and units within a joint context.  LTI has provided integration, distribution and interoperability solutions for C4ISR systems in the past and is acquainted with the challenges of dealing with different information sources and ontology.

Test and Validation

Before fielding a C2 system, it needs to be thoroughly tested and as advanced R&D concepts are integrated, they need to be fine tuned to obtain an optimal performance. To achieve this, test beds recreating the environment in which the C2 system will be used are created. This includes the creation of representative scenarios and vignettes and the creation or use of simulation environments providing realistic models. LTI possesses an extensive experience in the creation, modification and maintenance of test beds and simulators for applications such as C2 systems. Therefore, we have the ability to create or extend a software environment that will inter-operate with a custom C2 system and test the latter system through a validation process.

Data Fusion and Planning

C4ISR and C2 systems rely on "data fusion" and "planning" algorithms to provide the commander with an enhanced picture of the situation and assist him in the control of his resources. Data fusion is a technique for processing real-time and a priori information from various sources in order to provide additional, accurate and improved knowledge about a certain entity or situation. Panning techniques assist the commander in creating and synchronizing sets of ordered tasks/actions and take into account the commander’s objective(s), available resources and all existing constraints.

Using models and architectures such as the OODA (observe, orient, decide, and act) loop, blackboards and Multiagent systems, LTI has developed different components of C2 systems that would target land, air or sea environments. LTI has the expertise to create and program C2 algorithms, organize them within configurable architectures and validate the resulting system.