ACETEF in JADS-EW Tests - Generating Products and Learning Lessons

摘要

Use of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) test facilities is becoming more commonplace. These facilities rely on tools, such as distributed simulation both internally to the facility and externally to link with other facilities, to increase their ability to provide a better environment to the system under test (SUT), provide the warfighter with a better end product, and the taxpayer with more testing for their dollar. Such is certainly the case with the Air Combat Test and Evaluation Facility (ACETEF) at NAWCAD Patuxent River, Maryland. Use of distributed simulation is native to ACETEF, as a tool to be employed in the test process. However, distributed simulation to JADS was not a tool to be used in a test, it was the SUT. All in all, the JADS experience for ACETEF was a positive one, and through the test needs and timeline, allowed ACETEF to broaden and, at the same time, refine its distributed simulation practices. To ACETEF personnel, it reiterated the aspect of distributed simulation that is often forgotten in today's rapid pace of distributed simulation development: distributed simulation is not something that can be learned entirely from a book. The most effective way to gain this knowledge and maintain a usable level of expertise is to participate in not only the development of the technology, but in the use of it as well. These tests provided valuable experience in all M&S areas for ACETEF, and helped ACETEF maintain its role as a recognized leader in the use of M&S for T&E.