Evaluation of Potential Test Environments for Assessing the Impact of Multi-Sensor Data Fusion on Command and Control Operations in the HALIFAX Class Frigate.

摘要

This report reviews five training simulator facilities in the Canadian Navy for their suitability in conducting test and evaluation (T&E) in support of the CO:MDAT multi-sensor data fusion (MSDF) initiative. The facilities are the Operations Room Team Trainer (ORTT), the Naval Combat Operator Trainer (NCOT), the Combat Systems Training Centre (CSTC) and HALIFAX Class Ops Room at harbourside or at sea. A set of detailed capabilities for conducting T&E was developed under the four major categories of : Logistics, Experimental Control, Data Collection and Data Storage and Analysis. Each of the potential facilities was reviewed against these categories and the capabilities of each facility were then assessed for their suitability for conducting the expected range of T&E activities. It was concluded that the NCOT would be the most suitable facility for conducting T&E using single operators and small teams performing simple operational functions such as detecting and tracking radar contacts. For more complex functions in the Ops Room, including tasks involving interactions between complete warfare teams, interactions between warfare directors and the ORO, and between the ORO, CO and the entire Ops Room team, the ORTT represents the appropriate environment for conducting T&E activities. A range of scenarios exists for the ORTT and for NCOT, which may be adaptable for T&E purposes. Severe constraints on the availability of the ORTT (and possibly the NCOT) and the associated personnel infrastructure were noted, due to existing training demand for the Navy. It is recommended that a simple proof of concept trial for assessing the suitability NCOT for T&E be conducted as soon as possible.