User-Centered Evaluation of Multi-National Communication and Collaborative Technologies in a Network-Centric Air Battle Management Environment

Abstract

Future command and control (C2) and air battle management (ABM) operations will undoubtedly be affected by the shift toward network-centric warfare (NCW), a concept of operations that relies upon a sophisticated information technology infrastructure comprising sensor, information, and engagement grids. It will be achieved through heightened shared situation awareness and real-time collaboration, which will require effective communication between coalition forces throughout the command chain. The present study provides an initial evaluation of communication effectiveness of persons from English-speaking countries with different dialects. In addition, an evaluation of collaborative interface technology for future ABM operations is presented. Together, these data provide an initial step in the characterization of communication challenges in future coalition operations and an assessment of the technologies that may be required to effectively share information and situation awareness in future ABM operations.