ANOTHER STEP CLOSER


offices for the associated vehicle platforms. Together, we are developing integration kits for numerous platforms across infan- try, heavy, and Stryker BCT vehicle types.


Integrating these capabilities onto plat- forms is not without its engineering challenges, including size, weight, power, cooling, and claim space.


It is also essential to make certain that all of the electronics and transmission sys- tems to be placed on a vehicle can coexist and function without interference to existing weapon systems, while ensuring the safety of operators and maintainers. This is a team effort across multiple pro- gram managers and our industry partners.


TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS NODE


Soldiers work with a Tactical Communications Node at the WIN-T Increment 2 limited user test at Fort Lewis, WA. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of PEO C3T.)


SUPPORTING INTEROPERABILITY Another particularly challenging problem today is joint and coalition interoperability. Interoperability within our systems and with joint and coalition forces is key to a successful network and is paramount to any successful mission within the constantly changing and evolving operational environ- ment, as evidenced by the current fight.


The WIN-T Increment 2 architecture was designed to help combat part of this problem.


One specific configuration item, the Joint Gateway Node (JGN), enables legacy equipment, as well as joint and coalition partners, to plug into the network. The JGN is not just the perimeter information assurance protection boundary at the divi- sion layer and below. It is the plug-in point for joint and coalition forces, as well as organizations that are not organic to the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) or division


26 Army AL&T Magazine


headquarters network and do not have a standard connection in the network


The JGN does not solve the joint and coali- tion interoperability problem completely, but it does provide a mechanism to allow that joint or coalition partner to plug in to the WIN-T network, and it is modular to allow lower-echelon Army units to serve in joint and coalition mission capacities.


CHALLENGES OF INTEGRATION A unique characteristic of WIN-T is that for the Point of Presence and SNE, the kit must be integrated into the Modified Table of Organization and Equipment vehicle of that particular unit.


Integration into the Bradley family of vehicles, Stryker platforms, Mine Resis- tant Ambush Protected vehicles, and current and future wheeled vehicles is a joint engineering endeavor involving the WIN-T program office and the program


CONCLUSION There is, of course, a lot more to the WIN-T Increment 2 program. The cited examples are only a few of the configuration items and capabilities that will be made available to Army units starting in early 2012.


The current WIN-T Increment 1 network is the backbone of today’s tactical Army, soon to have its first OTM enhancement as WIN-T Increment 2 rolls off the pro- duction line.


WIN-T Increment 2 is no longer just a plan in PowerPoint. It’s real!


COL CHUCK HOPPE is the Project Man- ager WIN-T. He holds a B.S. in general engineering from the U.S. Military Academy. Hoppe is Level III certified in program man- agement and information technology and is a U.S. Army Acquisition Corps (AAC) member.


LTC ROB COLLINS is the Product Man- ager WIN-T Increments 2 and 3. He holds a B.A. in management from Shippensburg University. Collins is Level III certified in pro- gram management and is an AAC member.


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