http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/137461984

AS-IS (ACTIVE SAFING AND ISOLATION SYSTEM): A Satellite-Based Remote Continuing Authorization Concept with Application to Control of Naval Strategic Nuclear Missiles and Tactical Weapons

This paper describes a system for maintaining control of high technology weapons either before or after they have been launched. The system is applicable to weapons with either conventional or non-conventional warheads, and could be used both for the control of weapons of U.S. forces as well as those sold to other nations. The particular application considered in this paper is the control of U.S. naval strategic weapons. The system, called AS-IS (Active Safing and Isolation System), is based on globally transmitted messages, continuously sent by the National Command Authority (NCA) via one-way satellite links, to receiver modules embedded in the weapons and coupled to their on-board arming/guidance circuitry. In the event of a missile launch, the on-board AS-IS module receives the encrypted NCA signal at breakwater and reacts accordingly. In peacetime, 'DISABLE' signals would be broadcast continuously, causing any launched weapon to disarm and abort its flight. During periods of increased readiness, or in wartime, NCA would transmit 'ENABLE' signals either to selected weapons or to all weapons. The one-way nature of the message transmissions and the default 'ENABLE' feature in the event of any NCA signal disruption thus maintain the stealth aspects and launch autonomy of the submarine platform, while allowing NCA control over accidental/unauthorized SLBM launches in periods of reduced tension.

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