With today’s multi-domain and multi-platform missions, sophisticated modeling and simulation is increasingly a critical element to successful combat operations.
Late last year, U.S. Naval Air Systems Command and BAE Systems signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) titled, “Shaping Electronic Warfare Development with Modeling & Simulation Capability.” This CRADA enables BAE Systems to accelerate digital testing and assess future capabilities in the Department of Defense’s digital Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) test and training range.
Building on an extensible modular architecture, the JSE consolidates multiple, limited-scope simulation software components into a complete, high-fidelity digital environment for multi-domain operations.
“BAE Systems is uniquely qualified to work with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division to deliver electronic warfare modeling capability designed to provide an edge to our warfighters,” said Mark Darrah, deputy product line director for F-35 Solutions. “In close collaboration with the JSE team, we will leverage our expertise in the challenging radio frequency environments our customers face to generate the most realistic threat-density modeling available.”
Improving the fidelity or accuracy of electronic warfare (EW) modeling allows users to gain a real-world sense of how certain actions affect battlespace outcomes in challenging and rapidly evolving threat environments. This allows the trial-and-error phase of new capabilities to take place in a more cost-effective and safer virtual domain, and also provides for detailed cost analyses of new capabilities to drive priorities and roadmaps.
The effort is led by BAE Systems’ F-35 Solutions team, which develops and manufactures the F-35’s AN/ASQ-239 EW system. While the JSE was initially designed for F-35 testing, it has evolved to now include training. Future uses may also include capability research design and multi-platform assessment.
Better training leads to better outcomes. As part of a growing list of platforms to be modeled, multiple efforts are underway within BAE Systems to mature EW modeling in the JSE. Along with the CRADA, the F-35 Solutions team is developing company connections, exploring facility options to enable JSE hardware to better support modeling and eventually transition to other programs.