Squadron Operations Center
The Squadron Operations Center (SOC) serves as the conduit and filter for information traversing the GCS. Pilot and payload operators rely on the SOC for continuous, real-time situational awareness in order to operate the unmanned system successfully and achieve mission objectives as needed. Since the system operators are, in the case of an unmanned aerial system, flying beyond the line-of-sight, the GCS personnel are dependent on the SOC for real-time video, voice, and data related to weather, intelligence, and other factors that directly impact aircraft itself.
Information that may impact the unmanned systems operation may be received from ground, air, sea and space operators, sensors and/or satellites. This information is reviewed by operators and analysts working in the SOC. Operators in the SOC are in direct, real-time contact with the pilot and sensor operator, providing them with mission critical situational awareness information, and giving them a comprehensive view or snapshot of what is occurring in the theater of operation.
A SOC typically houses a communications element managing all video, voice and data between the GCS and the rest of the world. It also contains an internal network supporting Intelligence, Weather, and other systems and personnel required to provide the GCS personnel with the situational awareness necessary to accomplish their mission.
Video and metadata retrieved from the GCS is processed and sent to a Video Hub, or Video Distribution Hub for transmission to designated consumers around the globe.