Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S)

Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) is a Commandant of the Marine Corps Force Design program aimed at providing the necessary hardware, software, equipment, and facilities to effectively command, control, and coordinate aviation operations for the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), Naval forces, Joint Services, and Coalition Forces. The specific objectives of CAC2S include integrating aviation command and control functions into an interoperable system that supports the core competencies of all Marine Corps warfighting concepts. This includes enhanced air control, improved situational awareness, sensor integration, full Tactical Data Link integration, airspace and battle planning and command functionality, and sensor netting integration. Additionally, CAC2S aims to develop a Small Form Factor (SFF) variant to meet the needs of Expeditionary Advance Base Operations and Force Design by being rapidly deployable, emitting at a lower signature, and possessing reduced size and weight.

Furthermore, CAC2S is focused on replacing legacy aviation command and control systems in various Marine aviation agencies such as Direct Air Support Center, Tactical Air Command Center, Tactical Air Operations Center, and Marine Air Traffic Control. The program also aims to integrate Naval Integrated Fire Control (NIFC) capabilities to support sea-based sensor and weapon systems for early warning and engagement of airborne threats to the MAGTF and Naval Forces. Additionally, CAC2S is working on developing and integrating the Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) system into its AN/TSQ-197 AC2S to enhance system survivability by utilizing a passive capability for vital aircraft information. Lastly, CAC2S will continue to investigate Force Design Technology Enhancements by researching new capabilities derived from Force Design and Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO) concepts. These efforts directly support CAC2S's anticipated roles within EABO and Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment concept of operations.

In summary, the goals of Program PE 0206335M are centered around enhancing aviation command and control capabilities to support Marine Corps warfighting concepts while also aligning with Force Design initiatives. The program aims to achieve this by integrating advanced technologies such as NIFC capabilities, ADS-B systems, Small Form Factor variants, and conducting research on new capabilities derived from Force Design and EABO concepts. These efforts are crucial in supporting Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO) and Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment concept of operations while fostering joint interoperability among various military forces.