TESS-Next Century

TESS-Next Century Figure 1-17.—TESS-NC hardware configuration for afloat units. 1-30 The Tactical Environmental Support System-Next Century or TESS-NC is the latest in a series of scheduled changes to shipboard (as well as shore-based communications) for the next century. The vision for this system is to provide easy access not only to a wide range of data from various sources, but also to interface with remote systems to access a variety of environmental applications programs. TESS-NC will provide a METOC database containing climatological data, on-scene environmental measurements, and numerical forecasts. TESS-NC will have the capability to produce analyses and forecasts, to support weather briefings, and also provide tactical decision aids. The goal is to provide maximum flexibility to support the individual needs of each site. As of this writing, the final configuration of TESS- NC is not available. TESS-NC will retain the basic configuration of the TESS-NC Transition, but will be equipped with more powerful computer processors. It will consist of at least three PC workstations using 300 to 500 MHz Pentium processors. Each of these workstations will have SIPRNET access. An unclassified workstation, operating with a 300 to 500 MHz Pentium processor, will be used for NIPRNET access, HF facsimile download, and connection to the ship’s LAN. A standard 166 MHz laptop with SIPRNET access is also included. Additionally, TESS- NC will have a Unix-based server and workstation for access to the Global Command and Control System- Maritime (GCCS-M). The system will also have connectivity to the SMQ-11 (fig. 1-17). Software for TESS-NC is discussed in chapter 2. TESS-NC is actually included with several METOC-related support systems under the umbrella of the Navy Integrated Tactical Environmental Subsystem (NITES). NITES incorporates five major subsystems identified as NITES I through V (fig. 1-18). NITES I will be the classified local data ingest center and principal METOC analysis and forecast system. NITES I is in fact another designation for the TESS-NC. NITES II is the METOC-related software segment found on the Global Command and Control System- Maritime (GCCS-M). NITES II is actually a classified network that will provide access to a distributed METOC database via a GCCS-M Unix workstation. NITES III is the unclassified forecast, briefing, and display system tailored to Naval METOC shore activities in support of aviation operations. This system will be the eventual replacement for the MIDDS, which was discussed earlier in the chapter. NITES IV is the