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Intrusion Detection System combines capabilities, enhances security

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  An Electronic Systems Center project to protect an essential Air Force platform has recently completed government acceptance testing and is moving toward certification in early December.

The Robins Air Force Base, Ga., Intrusion Detection System incorporates various technologies into one complete system in order to provide additional protection for the Joint STARS aircraft located there. The system allows the users the ability to rapidly detect and neutralize intruders.

"This enhances the 78th Security Forces ability to protect this critical asset," said Capt. Jonathan Demers, program manager.

Staff Sgt. Douglas Mikesch and Staff Sgt. Jarrod Kologinsky of the 78 SFS added, "The new system will greatly enhance the degree of security and quickened response times for incidents involving critical assets that have never before been possible at Robins Air Force Base."

The E-8C Joint STARS is an airborne battle management command and control and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform based upon the Boeing 707-300 airframe. Its mission is to provide theater ground and air commanders with ground surveillance to support attack operations and targeting that contributes to the delay, disruption and destruction of enemy forces.

During the government acceptance testing, where the system needed to meet a 95 percent probability of detection with 90 percent confidence, there was not one failed detection.

"It performed the best it could statistically," said Demers. "Every intrusion and intruder was detected and displayed properly."

This is the second Intrusion Detection System that has been delivered under the Force Protection Security System, or FPS2, contract. The FPS2 is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract designed to expedite fielding of security systems for assets critical to national security. It was awarded in July 2009 to three contractors: L-3 Communications, Science Applications International Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. The three companies now compete for delivery orders.

L-3 Communications was awarded a delivery order for $4.2 million for the Robins system on June 17, 2010.   

According to Patrick Dagle, FP program chief, using this type of contract that promotes competition, the savings on the Robins project was approximately $750,000.

"At the end of the day," Demers said, "it's all about protecting this valuable asset, this very unique aircraft. There are a small number of them, they are in high demand, and it is our job to provide Security Forces with the best tools available to accomplish the mission."

Future work for the Force Protection Program Office, winner of the Maj. Gen. Albert R. Shiely Jr. Award for acquisition excellence, includes projects at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and multiple USAFE installations.