Live–virtual–constructive simulation for testing and evaluation of air combat tactics, techniques, and procedures, Part 1: assessment framework

Abstract

This paper advances live (L), virtual (V), and constructive (C) simulation methodologies by introducing a new LVC simulation framework for the development of air combat tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). In the framework, TTP is developed iteratively in separate C-, V-, and L-simulation stages. This allows the utilization of the strengths of each simulation class while avoiding the challenges of pure LVC simulations. The C-stage provides the optimal TTP with respect to the probabilities of survival ( Ps) and kill ( Pk) of aircraft without considering the human–machine interaction (HMI). In the V-stage, the optimal TTP is modified by assessing its applicability with Pk and Ps, as well as HMI measures regarding pilots’ situation awareness, mental workload, and TTP adherence. In the L-stage, real aircraft are used to evaluate whether the developed TTP leads to acceptable Pk, Ps, and HMI measures in a real-life environment. The iterative nature of the framework enables that V- or L-stages can reveal flaws of the TTP and an inadequate TTP can be returned to the C- or V-stage for revision. This paper is Part 1 of a two-part study. Part 2 demonstrates the use of the framework with operationally used C- and V-simulators as well as real F/A-18C aircraft and pilots.

Situation assessment in air combat considering incomplete frame of discernment in the generalized evidence theory

“…Artificial intelligence technology has brought new weapons to intelligent air combat such as the ALPHA software system 6 . Situation assessment in air combat environment is a key issue for successful defence and attack 7 . However, there are challenges in situation assessment of air combat such as the uncertainty 8 , and the coupled factors 9 .…”

Live–virtual–constructive simulation for testing and evaluation of air combat tactics, techniques, and procedures, Part 2: demonstration of the framework

“…This paper is Part 2 of a two-part study in which a new way to utilize live (L), virtual (V), and constructive (C) simulations in the testing and evaluation (T&E) of air combat tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) is introduced. In Part 1, 1 the LVC simulation framework is developed for the T&E of TTP. Part 2 demonstrates the real-life use of the framework with operationally used C- and V-simulators as well as real fighter aircraft and qualified fighter pilots in the T&E of a single TTP.…”

“…The basic principles of the LVC simulation framework in the refinement of TTP are briefly summarized. For a detailed description, see Mansikka et al 1 (Part 1). Each TTP consists of rules that describe how pilots of a flight coordinate their actions to achieve their goals in air combat.…”

“…Structure and operating principle of the live–virtual–constructive (LVC) simulation framework. 1 TTP: tactics, techniques, and procedures; T&E: testing and evaluation; HMP: human–machine process.…”

“…For a full description of SA, MWL, NP, HMP, and their measurement, see Part 1. 1 The first V-stage (V1) considers the qualitative rules of the initial TTP and the quantitative rules originating from the C-stage. If the V-stage is repeated, the qualitative rules originate from the preceding V- or L-stage (see the dashed line from the L-stage to the V-stage, and the dotted line from the V-stage to the V-stage in Figure 1).…”