Dominant Logistics
The U-2 for Tactical Operations Support
As our military rushes blindly into the breach of network centric warfare, some reality needs to be injected into the discussion. The concept of netcentric warfare is based on everyone on the battlefield having access to "The Big Picture" in such a way as to maximize their tactical awareness to allow for quicker and more decisive action in combat. But as with most Pentagon pipe dreams, there are some serious flaws in the netcentric paradigm.
The concept relies upon the common access of everyone to the data generated by sensors throughout the battlefield. What our military tends to forget is that most enemies are not going to be kind enough to share their own data with us. This means that our knowledge of enemy actions and capabilities will be coming from two sources - forces engaged in action (who need the data BEFORE engaging the enemy) and remote sensors like UAVs and satellites. But this poses a number of problems.
Traditional UAVs have a very limited field of view. This is because they tend to operate at low altitudes so that they don't get shot down and also due to cost issues as high flying aircraft tend to cost more money. But this dramatically limits our abilities to view the enemy and increases our reliance on satellite data. Satellites are very limited for other reasons. They are only capable of operating in the method for which they were built before launch (can't upgrade satellites while in orbit - yet). They are also limited to consistent flight paths that allow enemies to avoid detection. Satellites can also be easily fooled by decoys if they employed properly.
So we're faced with a serious problem - we are intending to convert our force to operate using data that in most cases will not be available. Worse yet, we may enter combat using data that is intentionally false through enemy use of deception techniques. What is needed here is a way in which to obtain the data needed for operations in a surviveable platform that is capable enough to obtain good information while being able to recognize the bad information. While this may appear to be an unsolvable issue, it really isn't.
The U-2 is a very old system but it is still available and can still be produced. It can carry a significant payload and operate at altitudes greater than 70,000 feet. Perhaps most important is that it can remain at these altitudes for a considerable length of time. While the U-2 is notoriously difficult to fly, it could easily be adapted to operate as a UAV without eliminating the ability to include a pilot. But the key factor in this equation is that the U-2 is a very low cost aircraft, both to purchase and to operate. So we have an ideal candidate platform to solve our dilema; we just need the proper payload. As is the case with the Boeing 767 utility aircraft, we need to include a number of capabilities into the U-2 platform, but unlike the 767, these will serve as the U-2s entire purpose for operating.
Communications Relays
Communication relays should be included in the mix because the entire netcentric concept is going to require enormous amounts of bandwidth in order to function. These relays should also include circuitry to support conventional off-the-shelf satellite phones in addition to high powered radios.
Reconnaissance Optics
Each U-2 should also include a basic level of real-time reconnaissance optics. This should include daylight as well as infrared optics. No film will be required as all video will be stored on computer or broadcast through existing communications channels as needed. Other optics and intel packages should be available for various specific missions. Ideally, a set should include standard visual, thermal, and a small radar set to evaluate the visual, thermal, and radar-feedback of potential targets for a better evaluation of if the target is real or a decoy.
Extrapolated GPS Support
Given the vulnerability of existing GPS to jamming and anti-satellite systems, we need to expedite development of Extrapolated GPS. Conventional GPS relies on signals from satellites being triangulated to compute a given location on Earth. Aircraft are less susceptible to GPS jamming at high altitudes and also feature inertial navigation systems as well. For E-GPS, these aircraft will be able to broadcast a higher wattage, jam-resistant signal that modified GPS recievers can use to determine their location. Even if GPS satellites are disabled, the aircraft can still use INS to generate the signal. While this approach will lack the accuracy of GPS, it will be accurate enough for military use because a greater quantity of signals will be available to provide a better computation.
With these systems in the U-2, we can have these capabilities in place in advance of the deploying force. The U-2s ability to operate at 70,000 feet keeps it well out of range of most enemy air defense systems but also out of the way of our own air operations. The UAV option allows for the use of this system even if there is a significant threat as no life would be at risk. We also need to remember that at this range, all missiles can be jammed as they are either radar guided or command guided from the ground.
This approach gives us communications, full spectrum aerial recon, and unjammable GPS in a cost effective and capable package. Any theater requiring these assets would simply field a modest fleet of U-2s and have all of their needs covered. And with the U-2s exceptional range, it can be based at safe locations away from the conflict. A complete squadron of 18 aircraft would allow for the U-2s to simply fly pre-programmed flights in racetrack patterns over the conflict zone giving full 24/7 coverage including maintenance downtimes and a few spare aircraft. Secure burst transmissions can redirect aircraft for specific needs while preventing the enemy from seizing control of the plane.