Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) Training

Network Enabled Weapons (NEW): Requirements, Architecture, Design, Implementation, Control, Interoperability and Operational Integration

Course Description

Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) represent a major transformation in modern military operations by integrating weapons systems with advanced communications networks, sensors, and command-and-control architectures. Unlike traditional stand-alone weapons, network-enabled weapons can exchange information with multiple platforms, receive updated targeting data, coordinate with other weapons, and operate as part of a distributed combat network.

This three-day course provides a comprehensive understanding of Network Enabled Weapons from both technical and operational perspectives. Participants will explore system requirements, weapon control architectures, missile integration, communication technologies, and the design principles required to implement network-enabled weapon systems.

The course also addresses the challenges of integrating sensors, communications, and weapon platforms into a resilient operational architecture capable of operating in contested environments. Participants will examine cybersecurity risks, electronic warfare threats, system resilience strategies, and real-world operational use cases of network-enabled weapons.

The course also covers Tactical Targeting Networking Technology (TTNT), an advanced tactical data link designed to support high-speed networking between military platforms operating in dynamic and contested environments. Developed by Rockwell Collins Government Systems and the Advanced Technology Center, TTNT enables rapid targeting of moving and time-sensitive targets by creating a high-throughput, Internet Protocol (IP)–based tactical network.

TTNT provides a self-forming, self-healing ad hoc network that allows aircraft, unmanned systems, and ground forces to exchange voice, video, and tactical data with extremely low latency. The technology supports advanced mission capabilities such as network-enabled weapons, inflight retargeting, weapon collaboration, and real-time battlefield awareness.

This session explores the architecture, capabilities, and operational applications of TTNT. Participants will learn how TTNT enables network-enabled weapons (NEW), supports modern net-centric warfare concepts, and integrates with existing tactical communication systems such as MIDS JTRS

By the end of the course, participants will understand how to design, implement, and operate network-enabled weapon systems within modern defense architectures.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the use cases, concept and operational value of Network Enabled Weapons (NEW).
• Identify the system requirements and operational requirements for network-enabled weapon systems including weapons and control mechanisms.
• Understand the architecture and components of network-enabled weapons.
• Evaluate  how sensors, networks, command systems, and weapons platforms interact.
• Analyze control mechanisms used to manage network-enabled weapon platforms.
• Evaluate missile integration and communication requirements for network-enabled weapons.
• Understand data link architectures used for weapon connectivity and mid-course updates.
• Analyze operational use cases of network-enabled weapons across different domains.
• Understand cybersecurity and electronic warfare risks affecting network-enabled weapons.
• Evaluate system implementation strategies and integration with C4ISR architectures.
• Understand the purpose and architecture of Tactical Targeting Networking Technology (TTNT).
• Identify the key characteristics and capabilities of TTNT networking.
• Understand the role of TTNT in enabling Network Enabled Weapons (NEW).
• Analyze how TTNT supports NEW and real-time targeting/dynamic mission operations.
• Understand TTNT ad hoc networking features and traffic management.
• Evaluate TTNT integration with modern tactical platforms and weapon systems.

Recommended Audience

• Systems engineers
• Missile and weapon engineers
• Electronic warfare specialists
• Communication engineers
• C4ISR architects
• Military analysts
• Defense portfolio and program managers

Course Availability and Eligibility

Due to the nature of the technologies discussed in this training, this course is restricted in availability.

This course is only available to:

• United States Government personnel
• U.S. Department of War (DoW) personnel
• Authorized defense contractors
• Military personnel from approved U.S. allied nations

Participation may require verification of organizational affiliation and eligibility prior to enrollment.

Course Agenda

Day 1: Fundamentals, Requirements, and Operational Concepts

Module 1 – Introduction to Network Enabled Weapons

• Evolution of modern precision weapons
• Limitations of traditional “fire-and-forget” systems
• Concept of Network Enabled Weapons
• Network-centric warfare
• Distributed lethality concepts

Weapon Data Links Operational Background

• Current weapon systems
• Updated in flight or implement stove-piped support infrastructure
• Network Centric Warfare Requirements
• Connectivity and interoperability between sensor platforms, shooter platforms and weapons/munitions
• Operational flexibility and agility through decoupled sensors and tactical networks
• Desired Capabilities
• Weapon in-flight target update –key for time sensitive and movers
• Weapon retargeting –importance increases for standoff
• Weapon in-flight tracking –important for strike de-confliction and synchronization
• Weapon status –BIT/health, arming status, location, target acquisition
• Weapon abort

Developments for WDL Radios

• Form Factor
• Conform to existing and future weapons
• Multi-Channel Operation
• SCA compliant waveforms in the 225 –400 MHz band for UHF LOS and 960 –1215 MHz for Link 16
• Harris-ViaSat SDB II Terminal
• Rockwell TacNet For JSOW
• WDL CONOPS
• Receives Target Coordinates from Sensor/C2 over Link-16
• Tests Weapon
• Launches Weapon
• Link-16 Retarget Command and Verification
• Link-16 Switch to Terminal
• Receives New Target Coordinates from Sensor/C2 over Link-16Link-16 Location and Target Confirm
• Future Handover WDL CONOPS
• Pilot Receive Initial Target from Sensor/C2 over
• Initiates Weapon on Link-16
• Launches Weapon
• Guides to Handover Point

Network Enabled Weapon Requirements

• Transmit target coordinates to a weapon in flight
• Alter missions of airborne platforms and weapons with Receipt/Compliable messages
• Provide weapon abort
• Message implementation
• J or K-series messages over:
• Line of Sight UHF and Link 16
• Over the Horizon Communications
• Network enhancements
• Dynamic weapons employment infrastructure to support multiple weapons in flight
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Robustness
• Low Latency

Overview of Link 16 Network Enable Weapons (NEW)

• Overview of Network Enabled Weapons
• Why Expand the Use of Link 16
• New applications
• Use Link 16 to distribute other types of data, e.g. images, weapon control, etc.
• New users
• Air-Ground coordination –equip both air and ground platforms to exchange data
• Network Enabled Weapon Design and Implementation Requirements
• Network Enabled Weapon Architecture
• Network Enabled Weapons (NEW) Features

Module 2 – Operational Use Cases of Network Enabled Weapons

Key operational scenarios

• Sensor-to-shooter engagement
• Dynamic retargeting
• Cooperative targeting
• Multi-platform weapon coordination

Operational environments

• Air operations
• Naval strike systems
• Ground combat operations
• Space-enabled targeting

Example use cases

• Helicopters and UAV providing target updates to missiles
• Ship-based radar guiding long-range weapons
• Satellite ISR updating in-flight weapons
• Swarm weapon coordination

Module 3 – Weapon System Requirements for NEW

Operational requirements

• real-time targeting
• mid-course guidance updates
• collaborative targeting
• dynamic retasking

Technical requirements

• secure communications
• low-latency networks
• reliable data links
• interoperability

Performance considerations

• latency
• bandwidth
• reliability
• survivability

Module 4 – Network Enabled Weapon System Architecture

Architecture layers

• Sensors
• Communication networks
• Command and control systems
• Weapon platforms

Key architectural components

• targeting systems
• network infrastructure
• weapon guidance systems
• data fusion systems

System-of-systems integration

• multi-platform connectivity
• distributed targeting networks
• data distribution architecture

 

Day 2 – Networking, Control Systems, and Missile Integration

Module 5 – Tactical Communications for Network Enabled Weapons

Communication technologies supporting NEW

• Tactical data links
• Mobile ad hoc networks
• secure military communication waveforms
• Weapon Data Link Scenario
• Key operational capabilities
• Rapid network entry
• Weapons can join the tactical network in less than 5 seconds.
• Sufficient bandwidth
• Supports transmission of impact assessment imagery and video.
• Weapon-to-weapon collaboration
• Multiple weapons can exchange targeting information.
• Near-instantaneous precision retargeting
• Weapons can be redirected toward new targets during flight.

 

Module 6 – Data Links and Weapon Connectivity

Weapon communication architectures

• weapon-to-platform communications
• weapon-to-sensor communications
• weapon-to-network communications

Capabilities

• in-flight targeting updates
• mid-course guidance
• mission data updates

Challenges

• communication loss
• signal interference
• network congestion

Module 7 – Weapon Control Systems and Control Units

Weapon control unit architecture

• mission computers
• fire control systems
• launch control systems
• weapon management systems

Functions of control units

• targeting management
• launch authorization
• data link coordination
• weapon status monitoring

Integration with platforms

• aircraft weapon systems
• naval combat systems
• ground launch systems

Module 8 – Missile Integration in Network Enabled Weapons

Missile architecture

• seeker systems
• guidance systems
• navigation systems
• communication systems

Integration of missiles with networks

• mid-course correction
• collaborative targeting
• sensor updates

Examples

• network-enabled cruise missiles
• long-range strike weapons
• anti-ship missiles
• air-to-air networked missiles

Day 3 – Implementation, Security, and Future Capabilities

Module 9 – Implementation of Network Enabled Weapons

System engineering process

• requirement definition
• architecture design
• system integration
• testing and validation

Implementation challenges

• system interoperability
• platform compatibility
• communication reliability

Integration frameworks

• C4ISR systems
• JADC2 architectures
• NATO network-enabled capability

Module 10 – Cybersecurity of Network Enabled Weapons

• Cyber threats to weapon networks
• Electronic attack against weapon networks
• Operational impact
• Mitigation strategies
• Command injection attacks
• Supply chain vulnerabilities

Module 11 – Emerging Technologies and Future Trends

Future of network-enabled weapons

• AI-assisted targeting
• autonomous collaborative weapons
• swarm weapons
• space-based targeting integration
• hypersonic weapon networking

Future battlefield concepts

• collaborative combat systems
• adaptive weapon networks
• distributed engagement systems

Module 12 – Tactical Targeting Networking Technology (TTNT) – Enabling Network Enabled Weapons and High-Speed Tactical Networking

• Introduction to TTNT and Tactical Data Links
• TTNT as an IP-based, high-speed dynamic ad hoc network designed to enable rapid targeting of moving and time-critical targets
• TTNT Architecture and Networking Principles
• IP-Based Tactical Networking
• SNMP-based network management
• Key Characteristics of TTNT
• Self-Forming and Self-Healing Network
• High Throughput Data Sharing
• Low Probability of Intercept / Detection
• Medium Access Control: SPMA vs TDMA
• Statistical Priority Multiple Access (SPMA)

Module 13- TTNT and Network Enabled Weapons (NEW)

• TTNT as a Weapon Data Link (WDL)
• Weapon Data Link Capabilities
• Operational Benefits
• Anti-Air Warfare Use Case
• Platform Integration
• Integration with MIDS JTRS

Module 14 – Integrated Engineering of Network Enabled Weapons

Engineering Lifecycle of NEW Systems

• Mission and operational requirements definition
• System architecture development
• Weapon and network design
• Integration of sensors and communications
• Implementation and testing
• Operational deployment and integration
• Continuous upgrades and capability expansion

Requirements, Architecture, Design, Implementation, Control, Interoperability, and Operational Integration

• Requirements for Network Enabled Weapons
• Operational Requirements
• Performance Requirements
• System Requirements
• Architecture of Network Enabled Weapons
• Architectural Layers
• Sensor Layer
• Communication Layer
• Command and Control Layer
• Weapon Platform Layer
• Architecture Characteristics
• Key Design Considerations
• Network Integration
• Guidance and Navigation Integration
• System Modularity
• Implementation of Network Enabled Weapons
• Implementation Components
• Implementation Challenges
• Testing and Validation
• Control of Network Enabled Weapons
• Control Mechanisms
• Weapon Control Units
• Fire Control Systems
• Command Systems
• Control Functions
• Interoperability of Network Enabled Weapons
• Interoperability Requirements
• Integration Frameworks
• Interoperability Challenges
• Operational Integration
• Operational Concepts

Integration with Military Operations

• air combat operations
• naval strike operations
• ground combat operations
• multi-domain operations