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	SwRI simulated an integrated air defense system (IADS) communication and engagement model for the Air Force Information Operations Command (AFIOC).

Engineers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) have broad experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis of complex systems. Our expertise spans:

• Communications systems modeling

• Electronic warfare

• Distributed interactive simulation architectures

• Model-integrated computing

• Hardware-in-the-loop simulation

• Network modeling and analysis

Electronic Warfare Modeling and Simulation

SwRI engineers have evaluated, developed, deployed, and verified computer-based threat analysis systems for more than a decade. Our staff has extensive experience in the design, development, deployment, testing, and maintenance of systems used by military organizations to evaluate data collected by a number of sources, analyze planned courses of action, and reduce the development time and cost for complex systems.

	Phase array radar coverage modeling and orbital object simulation was conducted by SwRI.

Radar Modeling and Analysis

Successful modeling, simulation, and analysis requires the ability to integrate best-of-class tools leveraging the combined core strengths of the tools to meet the objectives of the modeling and analysis effort. SwRI engineers have experience integrating tools such as Satellite Toolkit (STK) and MATLAB^® to combine advanced algorithm development, orbit simulations, and data visualization.

Design Trade Space Analysis

In the design of complex systems, architectural decisions are often made without the benefit of a thorough analysis of the costs and benefits of the alternatives. SwRI engineers have developed model-based design and analysis tools for software radio and other communications systems to help evaluate size, weight, and power (SWaP) against other considerations such as system development and per-unit costs. In a project completed for a major aerospace company, SwRI developed a set of models that describe:

• Communications requirements

• Processing requirements

• Available hardware

• Relevant properties of the alternative software architectures

Trade space analysis tools allow the design space to be both quickly searched and incrementally refined in regions of higher payoff. The design space is explored and analyzed using objective cost and capability metrics, including:

• Channel characteristics

• Application domain (such as fixed, mobile, space)

• Reprogrammability requirements

• Legacy compatibility

Transceiver Trade Space Analysis

Distributed Interactive Simulation Architectures

SwRI is experienced in the design and development of distributed, interactive, and constructive simulation architectures and systems. Using internal research and development funds, SwRI developed the Joint Ground Game (JGG) information warfare engine, which is now one of the core modeling systems in the U.S. Air Force Air and Space Constructive Environment - Information Operations Suite (ACE-IOS). Under funding from the USAF, SwRI expanded the JGG to include models of airborne assets. The JGG implements multiple DOD interface standards including the Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) and the Army Constructive Training Federation (ACTF).

SwRI developed the Joint Ground Game (JGG) modeling environment.

Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

In addition to large-scale simulation systems, SwRI engineers utilize hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) techniques to enable high-fidelity bench-top testing of systems slated for field or flight. SwRI developed complex electrical, software, and electromechanical systems for the Tomahawk Anti-Ship Missile (TASM) HIL simulation system.

SwRI developed the Tomahawk Missile HIL simulation system.

Antenna Performance Modeling

SwRI has conducted research in the design of novel antenna topologies and simulation of single and multi-antenna systems. In addition to having optimized design parameters for given antenna topologies for specific applications, entire platform simulations have been conducted to determine the optimal placement of a set of antennas with regard to co-site interference and calibration challenges. Simulations can also include Monte-Carlo and worst-case simulations to extrapolate the effects of changes in element performance to entire phased array systems.

Simulated current distributions in the SwRI TASH antenna		Model of single plus four quarter elements with periodic boundary conditions for large array simulation

For more information about modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Mike Pilcher at mpilcher@swri.org or (210) 522-2083.
 

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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

September 30, 2008