Synthetic Force (SF) simulation systems for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force are being developed by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) to support the Synthetic Theater of War (STOW) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). These four SF projects are based on the Modular Semi-Automated Forces (ModSAF) Computer Generated Force (CGF) system. Intelligent Force (IFOR) and Command Force (CFOR) simulations are also being developed to increase the level of automation and enhance the quality of behavior exhibited by SF entities and command entities. In addition, ModSAF-based Air SF simulations are being developed to provide the air entities for each service SF project. The goal of the Air SF effort is to develop air entity simulations which are compliant with Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) networking protocols, provide entity level resolution of battlespace interactions, and can be validated for use during Joint Task Force training exercises.

This paper will introduce the ARPA SF development program, then describe the Air SF development effort which supports the program including system design and functionality, and in summary, describe the use of Air SF during the STOW-E and Kernel Blitz training exercises.