AUSTIN, Texas – MARCH 5, 2014 – Overwatch Intelligence Solutions, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the release of its iCommandTM 1.0 mission command solution. The new software provides military and intelligence users a cloud-enabled service for command and control (C2), operations-intelligence data convergence and sensor/platform integration to deliver real-time situational understanding and enhanced mission-centric collaboration.
Tactical Operations Center mission critical information is currently spread across disjointed systems and displays, forcing personnel to scan multiple maps, live data displays, mission plans and intelligence summaries to build understanding of a situation or specific events. Much of this data is presented without context and requires cross referencing of multiple sources of information.
iCommand addresses these issues by means of a cloud-based C2 suite. It integrates data into a common platform where context is built and maintained over time. This information is displayed in a unified manner, removing the need to cross reference multiple displays and documents and reducing the time it takes to make decisions.
The iCommand solution enables cross-echelon integration from strategic users and platforms down to tactical units. It provides for a converged operations/intelligence battle rhythm through real-time data sharing and collaboration across organizational divides. A variety of apps make possible dynamic, multi-touch, information collaboration across users, organizations and platforms.
“iCommand helps create an unparalleled operational picture for decision makers, analysts and dismounted team members,” said Steve Overly, Overwatch Intelligence Solutions senior vice president and general manager. “With a clear and accurate understanding of what’s happening on the battlefield, iCommand users are in a better position to make decisions more quickly.”
Collapsing disparate data and systems onto common displays allows users to add mission critical contextual information to raw data. iCommand’s ease of use and configuration enables common operating picture (COP) managers to visualize real-time data from remote platforms, including unmanned aircraft, manned strike aircraft and a variety of intelligence and operations feeds. Using its intuitive web-based interface, COP managers can dynamically manage critical aspects of the data, such as name, symbology, attribution, layering and attachments. This COP management capability turns this data into powerful decision-making enablers for the end users.
Once tactical decisions are made, iCommand’s platform integration services enable operations center users to manage and task platforms under their command. Drag-and-drop tasking operations are translated into specific tactical messages, which are then sent to the appropriate radio or device. This closes the loop on situational understanding, decision making and platform management to provide an end-to-end intelligence/ operations convergence capability.
The software also eliminates the need for constant cross referencing of multiple documents. Users view, manage and interpret information regarding mission plans and platform synchronization for tactical assets using a map-centric view of the battlespace. This brings traditionally separate mission documents directly into geospatial context.
All tactical data and video are stored in the iCommand Cloud for rapid recall of events over time. Working closely with 2d3 Sensing, Overwatch has integrated 2d3’s TungstenTM Media Toolkit and CatalinaTM Media Server to create a cloud-based video archiving, processing and distribution capability. Videos maintain all associated metadata and are tightly synchronized with real-time operations and intelligence data feeds.
iCommand software is easy to deploy, with management operations performed via an intuitive web portal. Its integrated capabilities include:
- Battlespace situational awareness via a fast-updating map-based display of operational assets, remote sensor integration and display of full-motion video from manned and unmanned platforms;
- Drag-and-drop dynamic management of assets including tasking of unmanned- and remote-piloted aircraft sensors via tactical messaging with a ground control station and tasking of manned platforms via Program of Record (POR) communications protocols;
- Touch-screen enabled COP client for viewing of the battlespace for collaboration, situational awareness and asset tasking;
- Sensor and data feed integration using a cloud-based framework to support rapid integration of new data feed formats;
- Dynamic COP management of real-time data in the cloud enabling instant management of what the user sees (e.g., entity symbology, attribution and attachments).
The new iCommand software package is available now. It supports 20 simultaneous user connections and can be expanded up to 50 simultaneous users. For more information or to schedule a demonstration, contact Harvey Davis at 540-288-3358.
About Overwatch
Overwatch Intelligence Solutions is the leading provider of integrated intelligence software and services for today's U.S. and international defense and intelligence communities. For the past 20 years, Overwatch's intelligence solutions have supported decision makers, counter-terrorism analysts, warfighters and first responders by providing proven tools that simplify the integration, analysis and exploitation of intelligence in order to present a complete operational picture and accelerate the time-to-decision. More information is available at www.overwatch.com.
About Textron System
Textron Systems has been providing innovative solutions to the defense, homeland security and aerospace communities for more than 50 years. Headquartered in Providence, R.I., the company is known for its unmanned aircraft systems, advanced marine craft, armored vehicles, intelligent battlefield and surveillance systems, intelligence software solutions, precision smart weapons, piston engines, simulation, test and training systems, and total life cycle sustainment and operational services. Textron Systems includes AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training, AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Aerosonde, ESL Defence, Lycoming Engines, Medical Numerics, Overwatch, Textron Defense Systems and Textron Marine & Land Systems. More information is available at www.textronsystems.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.