Range Control


Logo: WSMR J.W. Cox Range Control Center

The White Sands Test Center recently activated a new ultra-modern Range Control Center. This new control center, named the J. W. Cox Range Control Center (CRCC), is a digital facility designed to meet current and future mission requirements and will contain the latest in backbone network design and functionality for the Range customer.

The CRCC is the single point of control for all missions conducted on the Range and contains all functions related to open air range testing. This includes:

  • Real Time Data Processing
  • Air Space Surveillance
  • Data Control Facility
  • Telemetry
  • Drone Formation Control System
  • Timing
  • Video Relay Facility
  • Real Time Software Development
  • Range Scheduling
  • Test Support Network Operations Center

Additionally, a high performance computer generates state-of-the-art graphics for display of mission scenarios that depict airborne targets, interceptor missiles, the virtual range land mass, and instrumentation location and coverage. A centrally located Operation Control Display Facility (OCDF), consists of tiered consoles surrounded by test cells containing state-of-the-art processing and display equipment. This includes Sun workstations and NT PCs that integrate with a Red-Green-Blue Sync (RGBS) matrix switch to provide a graphic intense atmosphere using high-resolution rear projection systems.

 

Transportable Range Augmentation Control System

WSMR is developing a mobile instrumentation system, which incorporates:

  • Range Control
  • Data Display and Processing
  • Telemetry
  • Radar
  • Communications
  • Target Control
  • Air Space Surveillance
  • Optical Mounts
  • Power Systems

This system is used to support off-range tri-service testing requirements.

Capabilities include the flexibility to configure the testing instrumentation to fit the required test. Mobility of the instrumentation is provided to move the equipment to test sites where testing is better suited.

The system provides a completely self-contained Transportable Range Augmentation Control System (TRACS) which augments existing Tri-Service Range capabilities, or with integral instrumentation, will completely support testing in an unimproved test area.