Costs and benefits of integrating biometrics with a navy tactical weapons system

We investigate the cost and benefit of integrating biometrics with existing Navy tactical weapons systems. The approach to this investigation is to select a system and biometric technology to work with, build a prototype application, and evaluate it with system users. The Advanced Tomahawk Weapons Control System (ATWCS) was selected for integration with the Bioscrypt MV1200 finger scan device. After working with ATWCS representatives to develop a concept of operations (CONOPS), the prototype software application was developed and integrated into the ATWCS standard application environment (SAE). This prototype has been evaluated and provides a proof-of-concept for biometrics within the tactical environment. By experimenting with an existing system, we can more accurately address the real costs and benefits of using biometric technology in this legacy environment.