KEYWORDS: Process modeling, Lawrencium, Process control, Data modeling, Computer simulations, C4ISR, Control systems, Modeling and simulation, Computer architecture, Systems modeling
The Virtual Testbed for Advanced Command and Control Concepts (VTAC) program is performing research and development efforts leading to the creation of a testbed for new Command and Control (C2) processes, subprocesses and embedded automated systems and subsystems. This testbed will initially support the capture and modeling of existing C2 processes/subprocesses. Having modeled these at proper levels of abstraction, proposed revisions or replacements to processes, systems and subsystems can be evaluated within a virtual workspace that integrates human operators and automated systems in the context of a larger C2 process. By utilizing such a testbed early in the development cycle, expected improvements resulting from specific revisions or replacements can be quantitatively established. Crossover effects resulting from changes to one or more interrelated processes can also be measured. Quantified measures of improvement can then be provided to decision makers for use in cost-to-performance benefits analysis prior to implementing proposed revisions, replacements, or a sequence of planned enhancements.
This paper first presents a high-level view of the VTAC project, followed by a discussion of an example C2 process that was captured, abstracted, and modeled. The abstraction approach, model implementation, and simulations results are covered in detail.
KEYWORDS: Aerospace engineering, Data modeling, Databases, Process modeling, Control systems, Computer simulations, Visualization, Sensors, Computing systems, Monte Carlo methods
The Air Force is conducting research in new technologies for next-generation Aerospace Operations Centers (AOCs). The Virtual Testbed Aerospace Operations Center (VT-AOC) will support advanced research in information technologies that operate in or are closely tied to AOCs. The VT-AOC will provide a context for developing, demonstrating, and testing new processes and tools in a realistic environment. To generate the environment, the VT-AOC will incorporate multiple mixed-resolution simulations that are capable of driving existing and future AOC command and control (C2) systems. The VT-AOC will provide the capability to capture existing or proposed C2 processes and then evaluate them operating in conjunction with new technologies. The VT-AOC will also be capable of connecting with other facilities to support increasingly more complex experiments and demonstrations. Together, these capabilities support key initiatives such as Agile Research and Development/Science and Technology (R&D/S&T), Predictive Battlespace Awareness, and Effects-Based Operations.
KEYWORDS: Process modeling, Data modeling, Computer simulations, Databases, Systems modeling, Process control, Logic, Weapons, Sensors, Visual process modeling
The Simulation for Predictive Battlespace Awareness (SiPBA) will enhance Decision Support within the Air Force. Through the use of existing simulations and collaboration enabling tools such as workflows, resource agents and process sharing, the Air Force can augment multi-level simulation with repeatable processes and configuration control. SiPBA uses a forms-based approach that allows the simulation details to be removed from the individual posing the operational questions. Subsequently, the level of detail of the simulation required and the combination of simulations required to answer the question also becomes abstract. This paper will review the process of exploiting a forms-based approach within the framework of collaboration tools to support multi-level simulation.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.