Systems Engineering in Counter Radio- Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare

58 INTRODUCTION Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have become an increasingly popular weapon of choice for insurgents and small armed forces over the past few decades. A favorite type of IED used in U.S. coalition theaters of operation today is the RF or radio-controlled (RC) command link. These IEDs are inexpensive, easy to build or acquire, and difficult to trace and can be triggered from long distances, keeping the operator safe from any detonation or exposure to U.S. military forces. An RCIED is simply explosive material that is integrated with a handheld wireless radio or device that will trigger upon receipt of a signal from a second wireless handheld device. These RCIEDs have caused many fatalities and injuries to U.S. forces and coalition partners. APL has significant history and depth of knowledge in the areas of RF propagation, electronic warfare (EW), electronic attack, and communication protocols. Because of this knowledge, APL was selected to provide technical guidance and lead development of jamming techniques for all RCIED countermeasures developed by he systems engineering process consists of several phases designed to develop a system or deliverable product through its entire life cycle, from needs definition through system disposal. Throughout this process, each phase plays a key role in the development and ultimately the operational success of the system. Failure to use systems engineering principles and procedures can result in numerous risks, including a delayed schedule, increased costs, a technically inferior product, and, potentially in this case, increased loss of human life. To improve our technical understanding of the fundamental issues, principles, and phenomena, as well as to provide greater support to the frontline warfighter, APL has adopted a systems engineering process in its Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (CREW) program. This article describes the systems engineering process used by CREW and how the process has improved both overall efficiency of development and product quality through its implementation in a quick-reaction or rapid-prototyping environment. Systems Engineering in Counter RadioControlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare