With this shipboard or land-based capability, a commander can optimally plan the use of assets in defense against enemy air attacks theaterwide, including ballistic and cruise missiles. From the planning module, databases messages can be automatically generated with a lay down of force assets including latitude and longitude coordinates for the operating area. The AADC also provides a play back capability offering a real time playback capability as well as provides a history of flight profile useful in distinguishing civilian airliners and tactical aircraft. Problems would occur if the ship dropped the radar track, which would cause an interruption in the flight profile's track history. Keeping track of the air picture is a combination of clues.
Clues are so important in air defense.
For example, fighters fly at a certain altitude and speed while civilian aircraft operate at different altitude and speed. Silicon graphics and Onyx 2 used in 3D graphics provide a 3-D representation of the tactical picture on high definition monitor. The whole system is designed to be readily available. Each of the armed forces uses different symbology to identify various weapons systems and platforms. An Army Patriot battery, though easily identified by Army personnel, would not be as easily recognized by another service.