AFSIM
AFSIM
AFSIM
Experience Knowledge Innovation
Projects
On each of these missions for Navy, Army and Air Force missions, MDS engineers have striven to best support our clients in the quest to successfully manage the complexity and costs of their R&D, systems engineering and A&AS efforts. Be it scientific/algorithmic software design, M&S of Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS), consulting on directed energy experimentation strategic paths, demonstrating technologies and analysis tools for air dominance in contested and A2/AD (anti-access, area denial) environments through a Simulation-Based R&D (SBR&D), or the programmatic support to U-2 modernization programs, we have attempted to understand the intricate relationships between science/research, new technology, programmatic processes, and the people involved. Our approach is based on the premise that the systems integration methodology can be most effectively applied when the various elements in a mission enterprise are viewed and defined iteratively, that is, critically reviewed, prototyped, balanced, and in turn re-applied to the schema. Only with such adherence to process and detail can truly systemically common environments and applications be realized.
AFSIM - Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling
AFRL M&S
Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling (AFSIM)
AFSIM M&S: Air/Ground/Space - EW/ISR - UAV/SUAS-Hypersonic. MDS develops systems and applies M&S platforms and frameworks such as AFSIM, MatLab, LEEDR as well as integrated capabilities of legacy M&S environments for AFRL to analyze and quantify physical, mission and campaign level aspects of technological applications. The work includes analyzing various ISR technology capabilities, related mission survivability, susceptibility, lethality and overall mission effectiveness. Areas of concern addressed or anticipated:
- Engagement/mission effectiveness in adverse and nonadverse;
conditions (air-to-air, air-to-ground, kinetic, nonkinetic,
defensive, survivability);
- Sensor performance (time track, area, FOV, distance, time,track, on-
board processing;
- Logistic considerations (reliability, availability, basing);
- Technologies/Platforms modeled: Attritable aircraft. Reconfigurable
aircraft, Unique sensor tech, Denied environment communications,
Cyber effects on ISR, Space systems, Hypersonic systems, Ground-
based ISR, Sea-based ISR
Development efforts include open-architecture software engineering, data manipulation/reduction, database development/management/integration, software Graphical User Interface (GUI)/other interface design and development, model operating environment HW/SW integration and testing, and integration of various DoD and commercial third party applications. MDS assists in the verification and validation of various components associated with the complete MS&A toolset developed for any given project.
NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)
MDS personnel supported the NASA Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) scientific weather algorithms, data repository and associated ground storage architecture efforts. TRMM (a sub program of the Earth Observation System,)science team in sensor (Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I)) data algorithms development and the development of related ground segment data storage and manipulation capabilities. TRMM is a research satellite designed to improve our understanding of the distribution and variability of precipitation within the tropics as part of the water cycle in the current climate system. By covering the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Earth, TRMM provides much needed information on rainfall and its associated heat release that helps to power the global atmospheric circulation that shapes both weather and climate. In coordination with other satellites in NASA's Earth Observing System, TRMM provides important precipitation information using several space-borne instruments to increase our understanding of the interactions between water vapor, clouds, and precipitation, that are central to regulating Earth's climate. The TRMM Visible and Infrared Scanner (VIRS) Level 1B Calibrated Radiance Product (1B01) contains calibrated radiances and auxiliary geolocation information from the five channels of the VIRS instrument, for each pixel of each scan.
Space/Cyber/Air Exercise/Wargame Support, AFSPC
MDS supports the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC, A9, Peterson AFB) in developing and refining exercises and related wargamming capabilities in support of, for example, Joint Force Space Component Command (JFSCC ) construct directed by CDRUSSTRATCOM. Work involves interacting with AF and joint parties on multi-disciplined exercise supportive discovery , expert analysis and the development of Lessons Learned articles to aid in continual refinement of the programs. Such exercises as GLOBAL THUNDER (GT) and GLOBAL LIGHTNING (GL) are monitored and documented to better understand the type of information most widely and effectively processed, determine best practice mission elements and recommend enhancements. simulation and flight test activities to discover and develop advanced technologies and system designs. MDS is a subcontractor on the program.
Nuclear Command and Control Communications (NC3)
MDS personnel provide in-depth system engineering, operational analysis and related Modeling and Simulation (M&S) of Air Force NC3 reliant environments. Functional areas of focus include communications performance across sustaining engineering processes and procedures, implementation and fielding measures, cyber security, survivability and vulnerability assessment and mitigation, metrics development, analysis, tracking, and configuration management and control of AF nuclear capabilities. AFGSC directly executes and complies with Nuclear Command and Control Systems Technical Performance Criteria, prioritization of C3 nodes and systems for High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse protection, critical nuclear C2 equipment and facilities, lead command responsibilities identified in AFPD 10-9 Lead Command, AFI 10-901 Operating Units and Lead Command Responsibilities, AFI 13-5 550 Air Force Nuclear Command and Control, AFI 10-601 Operational Capability Requirements Development
Directed Energy Scientific /Management Research and Technology, AFRL, Kirtland AFB
MDS personnel provide engineering and management services for space based platforms, directed energy, and advanced optics for the US Air Force AFRL, HEL-JTO and ORS and NASA. Support covers projective analysis and M&S of science and technology advancements across space electronics, space electro-optics and infrared, space environmental impacts and mitigation, space experiments, space platforms and operations technologies, nuclear explosion monitoring for treaty monitoring, laser systems, high power electromagnetics, directed energy and electro-optics for space superiority, astronomy, high performance computing. The Space Vehicles Directorate develops space technologies that support evolving space related warfighter requirements. Primary areas of importance include communications, positioning, navigation, and timing, space cyber, space modeling and simulation, space evaluation and analysis assessments, defensive space control, space situational awareness, and intelligence,. The Directed Energy Directorate develops advanced directed energy technologies that support evolving tactical and strategic warfighter requirements.
Rapid Global Mobility (RGM) R&D
Platform SWAT/Fuel Analysis
MDS supports the Air Forces RGM efforts acting as a support contractor in the area of air platform and related resources M&S/statistical analysis.
Rapid Global Mobility is essential to virtually every military operation, allowing forces to reach foreign or domestic destinations quickly, thus seizing the initiative through speed and surprise. Software tools/systems such as AMP and the related JMP Statistical Analysis Software are applied in the modeling work. In addition to overarching enabling technologies, this RGM research includes development and integration of varying levels of automation and autonomy for optionally manned RGM aircraft and energy efficiency technologies for current and future RGM aircraft. The SBR&D capability must enable a rapid and flexible spiral development approach that consist of cycles of research, design, development, constructive simulation, virtual simulation, hardware-in-the-loop simulation and flight test to develop the emerging technologies to the point where transition to the warfighter is possible.RGM technologies are defined as technologies that would be aerospace vehicle specific, such as mission management algorithms, cooperative control algorithms and UAV ground station capabilities. SBR&D technologies include desktop M&S tools, constructive simulation, virtual simulation, Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) simulation, and flight test assets.The Rapid Global Mobility core function consists of airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuations operations. This effort will build on the current state of the art in RGM technologies, as well as pursuing cooperative efforts with other elements of AFRL and outside organizations such as AFLCMC, the other Services, DARPA, NASA, and industry.
Mission Planning
Joint Mission Planning Software (JMPS)
MDS supports, as a small business Team partne,r the Mission Planning Enterprise Contract (MPEC), for the 951st Electronic Systems Group, Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom AFB MA. The program is focused on the enhancement and deployment of the JMPS framework. The MPEC enterprise encompasses partnering organization in the US Air Force, Navy, Army and SOCOM. Enterprise technical and management support efforts are required for future mission planning software development, maintenance, and integration. These efforts include, but are not limited to: 1) Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) common capabilities development, evolution, and maintenance, 2) JMPS aircraft and weapon Unique Planning Components (UPCs) development, evolution, maintenance and Mission Planning Environment (MPE) integration; 3) evolution and maintenance of the JMPS framework; 4) migration of aircraft and weapon platforms from legacy mission planning systems to JMPS; 5) maintenance of legacy mission planning system software/core systems, installable software modules, and/or platform components; 6) development and evolution of future mission planning systems; and 7) performance of mission planning and related C4I trade studies and/or prototyping.
Atmospheric Remote Sensing R&D
Navel Research Laboratory
MDS, as a subcontractor to Praxis Corp, supports NRL’s Remote Sensing Division on a project covering such diverse areas as Upper Atmospheric Remote Sensor Engineering Efforts, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)/Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) Systems R&D. This work includes R&D in such areas as: spectral imaging for the remote sensing of coastal water and of land surfaces; passive polarimetric microwave sensing of the ocean surface (Windsat, APMIR); passive near ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared and passive microwave sensing of the atmosphere; bistatic reflectometry; synthetic aperture radar (SAR); radio, IR and optical astronomy; passive sensing of direct and diffuse near-surface sunlight. The environment performs modeling, field and laboratory experiments, calibrates and validates sensors, carries out feasibility studies, and performs simulations and scientific analyses.
M&S, UAV/ISR/Sensor Analysis
Aerospace Technologies
Research and M&S of Agile Mission Supportive Technologies
MDS supports the AFRL via the Research of Aerospace Systems Technologies (RAST) program. This six year contract is focused on the R&D and resultant practical application of technologies across a broad spectrum of aerospace initiatives (AFRL’s Aerospace Systems:RQ – RY/XZ/A9/NASIC/RM). The contract encompasses R&D and supportive M&S activities focused on the development, maturation, assessment, and integration of aerospace vehicle technologies (e.g. SUAS, UAV, Cyber, ISR/Sensors, Space, Directed Energy, Survivability, Rapid Global Mobility, Fuel/Energy Optimization). M&S environments applied or assesed include: AFSIM, SEAMS, EAAGLES, BRAWLER, HELIOS/FLAMES, EADSIM, TMAP/Simulink, SUPPRESSOR, STK). MDS currently performs tasks on RAST at the basic research (6.1), advanced applied research (6.2) and advanced technology demonstration (6.3) levels. Applied research projects are expected to complement, and be coupled with, the needs of the advanced technology demonstration projects. To accommodate this relationship, a M&S spiral development approach is employed consisting of design, development, simulation and flight test activities to discover and develop advanced technologies and system designs. MDS is a subcontractor on the program.
Threat Warning and Integrated Survivability Technology (TWIST)
MDS, as a team member, supports the AFRL Threat Warning & Integrated Survivability Technology (TWIST) effort which seeks to develop and demonstrate prototype advanced integrated threat warning systems while also advancing electro-optic test and developmental risk reduction methodologies to supplement procurement agency milestone achievements. These objectives will include laboratory testing methodologies and simulations for AF and DoD procurement activities critically supported by the Integrated Threat Warning Laboratory’s (ITWL’s) world-class electro-optical (EO) threat warning core competencies. The work may include the development and testing of protocols and instrumentation augmentation in the areas of laser sensor technology, missile warning, hostile fire, combat identification, and wide area surveillance sensors. Of high interest is research integrating EO threat warning system prototypes with a federated electronic warfare (EW) bus technology.
. The program will support research and development in the following areas:
- Missile Warning Technology,
- Multi-Spectral Threat Simulation,
- Modeling and Simulation,
- Test Equipment Improvements,
- Sensor Development, and
- Risk Reduction Experiments and Characterization,
ICBM Ground Base Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) TMRR
MDS, as a subcontractor to Boeing Corp, supports the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase of the ICBM next generation modernization program. The TMRR phase of GBSD will develop a complete WS preliminary design and create plans necessary for a Milestone B decision to enter the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) acquisition phase for the Minuteman III (MMIII) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Weapon System (WS) replacement.
MDS support on the M&S and systems engineering of advanced GNC capabilities for extra-terrestrial missile applications. The work includes R&D and M&S of advanced GNC nuclear survivable capabilities from conceptional development, through M&S and HWIL prototyping/test. Engineering encompasses simulation of gyros, accelerometers and IMU and related integration algorithm design.
Areas of engineering support may also include:
- Comms/NC3: Modeling, Design, Engineering (e.g. RF Comms,
OPNET)
- Compliance: Nuclear Surety/Safety; Launch Analysis,Cyber Controls
- EM: Nuclear Hardness and Survivability; Electromag Env. Effects;
HEMP
- Software: OSA based Software Design, Programming, Test, V&V
- Mechanical: Launch, Flight/Vibration and Propulsion (I&T)
- M&S: Modeling and Simulation/MBSE
The $340M program seeks to deliver a low risk, resilient, preliminary design that establishes a new capability baseline while meeting affordability, schedule, and performance requirements.Overall, the Air Force plans to build as many as 400 new GBSD weapons to modernize the arsenal and replace the 1970s-era Boeing-built Minuteman IIIs. The new weapons will be engineered with improved guidance technology, boosters, flight systems and command and control systems, compared to the existing Minuteman III missiles. The system must be capable of adapting in the future to meet the challenges of a dynamic threat environment, technology advancements, and affordability.
High Altitude/Near Space (HA/NS) Reconnaissance
MDS has been awarded a contract in supoprt of ACC High-Alt./Near Space ISR Directorate to provide analytical, advisory, technical expertise and analysis for near space ISR programs. Variants integrated are both manned (U-2) and unmanned (UAV - RQ-4/EQ-4). Work included analysis involving systems, subsystems, data links, communications, training systems, and intelligence systems as these relate to current and future programs. The team analyzed and coordinated requests for CONUS imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT). Additional tasking includes sustainment and logistical operations involving weapons system management, reliability, maintainability, sustainability and system integration of aircraft, sub-systems, sensors, data links, and associated ground support equipment.
AFSPC Space and Cyber M&S (AFSIM, SEAS, STK, EADSIM, STORM, BRAWLER)
MDS is a team member on a newly awarded 5 year, $95.9M program focused on advancing the Modeling and Simulation capabilities in the areas of space and cyber for the Air Force. The Colorado Springs, Colorado based effort is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide for objective and responsive modeling, simulation, and analysis and decision support for space and cyberspace analyses. The work will include development and analysis via the AFSIM Framework, and the use of such additional M&S environments as:
- Extended Air Defense Simulation (EADSIM)
- GPS Interface and Navigation Tool (GIANT)
- Observation System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) Tool (OSSET)
- Satellite Trajectory and Attitude Kinematic (SATRAK)
- Space and Cyberspace Analysis Resource Portal (SARP)
- Space Brawler
- Standardized Astrodynamic Algorithm (SAA) Library
- Synthetic Theatre Operations Research Model (STORM)
- System Effectiveness Analysis Simulation (SEAS)
- Threat, Vulnerability, Timeline (TVT)
- Systems Tool Kit (STK)
- Modeling, Simulation and Analysis Framework (MSAF)
- Simulation in Python for Space Entities (SPySE)
The goal of the MS&A for Space and Cyberspace Capabilities effort is to support space/ cyberspace trade-space analysis as well as warfighter integration analysis efforts within the Space MS&A framework and analysis process. The Team provides MS&A research, development, and analytic support to HQ AFSPC/A9XY and HQ ASPC/A3Z through modification and development of space /cyberspace analysis and decision support tools as well as data to provide innovative space/cyberspace MS&A information research, management, and integration.
Research of Aerospace System Technologies (RAST) Program: Future Air Dominance (FAD) Technologies
The effort focuses on the development, to include systems analysis and design, of SBR&D capability to conduct trade space analysis to define functional capabilities and attributes of the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. MediaDyne provides ISR supportive software systems design and engineering expertise in the identification of ISR capability, representing those capabilities in simulation, and the analysis of those capabilities. The work requires understanding of various IT/Software systems environments and the performance of System Design, Engineering and Integration focused work under the effort includes development of ISR models for operation in the MS&A toolset(s) that analyze various ISR technology capabilities, related mission survivability, susceptibility, lethality and overall mission effectiveness. MediaDyne assists with information/security assurance and systems documentation requirements associated with the development environment and resultant products. Application use and development includes new modeling systems/software and/or solutions based on an integration of legacy M&S tools. The Team assists in the verification and validation of various components associated with the complete MS&A toolset developed for any given project. In addition to overarching future mission analysis enabling technologies, this Future Air Dominance (FAD) systems development includes software systems to analysis and model a host of IRS capabilities on various UAV and manned air systems.
V&V: Nuclear Safety Cross Check Analysis/Performance Analysis and Technical Evaluation/Independent Verification and Validation
MDS was a Team member on the Hill AFB based NSCCA/IV&V/PATE programeffort focused on IV&V of ICBM (MMIII) systems code verification and validation, and related Nuclear Surety (Safety) validation. The Nuclear Safety Cross Check Analysis/Performance Analysis and Technical Evaluation/Independent Verification and Validation (NSCCA/PATE/IV&V) program provides all supervision, personnel, transportation, tools, supplies, equipment, and materials necessary to perform required services. NSCCA/PATE/IV&V services maintain the nuclear safety and security of United States Air Force ICBM Weapon Systems.
Cost Estimating Relationships for Evaluation of Rapidly Evolving
Technologies: Air Force SBIR
MDS is a team member on this Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) sponsored effort. MDS is supporting the M&S aspect of quantifying and measuring future technologies capabilities via the application of the AFSIM M&S environment. The objective of the work is to develop methodologies, tools and associate procedures to enable the assessment of the life cycle costs and enhanced capabilities associated with the incorporation of emerging technologies. Description: "Rapidly evolving technologies combined with the dynamic world environment present unique challenges to the Air Force. The ability to correctly cost technology transitions in support of evolving warfighter needs must be conducted in a timely manner. An emerging technologies Cost Capability Analysis (CCA) will assist in the evaluation of the cost imposing impact of various aircraft systems and CONOPS, in the development of revolutionary, low cost aircraft to augment existing warfighting capability. For example, there are new acquisition strategies for low cost aircraft to take advantage of, such as a product line approach, as opposed to current means to develop exquisite aircraft like F-35 and F-22. This product line approach can bring emerging technology transition to the fight in a timelier manner. The understanding of the developmental cost impacts of this acquisition approach need to be understood and modeled for analysis. It is envisioned a cost validation can be realized using mission effectiveness and campaign analysis (i.e. Brawler, Suppressor, or STORM) in conjunction with new costing models employing new CERs that more adequately estimate costs throughout the life cycle with correlations between safety, reliability, maintainability, operations and support as cost drivers for the emerging technology.