Simulation architecture for network centric sensors and electronic warfare engagements

Abstract

Network Centric Operations describe the modern form of military action in the information age. Networked Sensors allow for information superiority acting as a force multiplier, greater lethality and increased survivability. The modern network centric battlefield requires advanced modelling and simulation (M&S) to predict performance of sensors and the effect of their performance on platform protection and weapon lethality in many-on-many scenarios. This paper presents a novel M&S architecture for engagement scenarios in modern network centric operations involving sensors such as radar, communication and electronic receivers, effectors such as missiles, jammers, chaff and systems that combine inputs and outputs of sensors and effectors such as combat management suites (CMS), threat evaluation weapon assignment (TEWA), aircraft mission computers (AMC) and command and control (C2) systems. The key differentiators between system centric, platform centric and network centric scenarios are described. Emergent properties of networked platforms and systems are analyzed to arrive at the emergent functions of sensor management, threat evaluation and effector assignment. General requirements for each of these functions are expanded upon by inferring from typical examples in the air, naval and ground domains and the conceptual modelling approach for each described. The architecture presents a shift from traditional time line or scripted based simulation and requires a certain degree of autonomy where the simulated platforms and systems decide on an action depending on the scenario and predefined rules of operation. This fundamentally requires systems triggering actions or commands of other systems via the functions of sensor management, threat evaluation and effector assignment. The increased autonomy of the simulated platforms lends to modelling engagements with cognitive systems using artificial intelligence and machine learning. This novel M&S architecture allows for a closer representation of Network Centric Operations for Sensors and Electronic Warfare Engagement Simulation (SEWES) and enables advanced tactics and doctrine development.