Building the Combat Information Center of the Future

Abstract

The Combat Information Center (CIC) is the tactical command center for most US Navy ships. Because of the CIC’s dense integration of sailors and complex systems necessary to fulfill the multiple simultaneous missions it supports, adherence to human systems engineering and integration principles is paramount to both its current and future designs. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is undertaking efforts to envision the art of the possible for CIC technology advancements through independent research and development emphasizing collaboration between warfighters and APL engineers. Through forecasting future warfighter needs, skills, and mental models; anticipating future technology trends; and creating flexible, rapidprototyping environments, APL hopes to bring the Navy CIC into the future and help keep our sailors and country safe.