The Integrated Electronic Combat Simulation System (IECSS) has been developed for the MH-53J and MH-60G Weapon System Trainers (WSTs) and is under development for the HC-130P Aircrew Training Device (ATD). This system provides dynamic simulation of the closed loop Electronic Combat (EC) environment to support multiship operations for eight networked training systems. The IECSS simulates: (1) The electromagnetic and infrared environment; (2) Threat weapons dynamics and engagement including basic C3 characteristics; (3) Electronic warfare (EW) defensive system processing and environment interaction; (4) Countermeasures effectiveness calculations; and (5) EW systems audio and video interface to the aircrew. The level of fidelity for this simulation is sufficient to accommodate mission rehearsal for qualified aircrews in addition to programmed, repeatable training to qualify or upgrade new aircrew members.
The IECSS real-time software for one WST is hosted on a single VME chassis with multiple 68030 CPUs, and these general purpose processors communicate with the simulation host computer through shared memory. The IECSS has been developed using a building-block approach which separates threat modeling. In this way, enhancements can be made to any model without significant impact to other existing modes. The software suite also includes off-line editors and diagnostic tools in addition to the real-time functions. Off-line threat setup involves populating a file structure which contains threat laydown and characterization data. New threats are easily added to the database through menu-driven editors.
An Inter-Simulation Network (ISN) connects up to eight IECSS-equipped trainers through a fiber-optic based reflective memory technique. All eight players share a common electromagnetic simulation but individually process the environment based upon position, occulting, and defensive models assigned. This enables the WSTs/ATDs to mission rehearse or fly in formation through a consistent environmental laydown.