Main Subcommittee Category
TrainingHow would you label your submission?
IndustryAbstract
The global security environment is rapidly degrading, and recent conflicts have reaffirmed the need for the rapid acquisition of cutting-edge weapons systems. The fielding of these systems requires training and simulation technologies that are aligned with the tactical employment of the equipment. Despite this need, current military training remains disconnected from modern strategies, such as the multi-domain battle doctrine. Training delivered to support weapons systems tend to focus on user-operation rather than integrated employment. This results in a preparedness gap that means personnel are unable to use their leading-edge equipment effectively in contemporary conflicts. This paper examines the use of conceptual modelling to parametrise current weapons systems and associated mission requirements as objects represented by attributes of performance and function. By applying the digital engineering techniques of model-based systems engineering and mission engineering, we analyse the attributes in the weapons system that could impact the mission design, and build a set of relationships between these objects. These relationships are quantified using probabilities to articulate the likelihood of the weapons system’s ability to fulfil the mission objectives. A training model (conceptualised trainers and procedures) is then integrated in order to positively influence the attributes of the weapons system, and therefore increase effectiveness of the weapon and mission relationship. A case study was used to assess the defence of commercial shipping against an attacking USV swarm using conventional missiles. A training model was designed and injected into the missile/USV mission relationship to find areas where the likelihood of effectiveness could be increased. The results found that improved employment of the missiles came through training that improved decision speed, collaborative combat, accurate and rapid interpretation of information, and the application of networked sensors. The techniques developed in this research will allow training to be more agile and responsive to new mission requirements.