Overwatch’s ‘iCommand’ software promises real-time situational awareness

Overwatch Intelligence Solutions, an operating unit of Textron Systems, announced earlier this month the release of its iCommand 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, says the company in a March 5 news release.

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 Tungsten Media Toolkit and Catalina 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.