System/Software Engineering Services
MaraTech's current work includes:
MaraTech has provided engineering services to the Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Product Area, ESC/CXC, Hanscom AFB, MA since November 1993. Since that time we have been instrumental in the planning, requirements analysis, development, testing, training, and deployment of the Air Warfare Simulation (AWSIM). There have been up to nine (9) personnel supporting the AWSIM Program since November 1993.
Services performed include System Architecture; Systems Integration; Prototyping; Requirements Analysis; Software Development; Database Design; Testing; Documentation; System operation and maintenance; database, network and LAN installation and administration; User Support; Development of Training Programs and Materials; and Configuration Management.
We have been extensively involved in the effort to reengineer AWSIM, the Air Force's premier Air Warfare Simulation. AWSIM was originally developed in the early 1980s at the Warrior Preparation Center in Germany as a tool for training NATO Commanders to conduct air warfare campaigns. The reengineering of AWSIM was undertaken to produce a single Air Force model to portray air power in computer assisted training exercises.
This simulation portrays a synthetic battlefield where forces are deployed, aircraft missions are flown, targets are destroyed, aircraft attrition occurs, and friendly aircraft interact with hostile air, ground, and sea forces. The simulation can also interact with live forces and manned simulators through a Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) interface. This development program represents the very latest technologies.
We participated in several aspects of the reengineering of AWSIM to produce AWSIM2, the Air Force simulation currently being used to portray air power in computer aided exercises at simulation centers around the world. We were instrumental in the rapid prototyping of key technical challenges early in the AWSIM Program. As a way of pathfinding and understanding requirements, we completed several rapid prototypes of software to support database building and maintenance. We conducted the formal qualification testing of AWSIM2, and continue to provide an independent testing capability for verifying upgrades to the simulation. We participated in the testing of AWSIM2 for Y2K compliance, and conduct follow-on Y2K tests as upgrades become available.
During the period of transition from AWSIM to AWSIM2, we provided an on-site liaison between ESC and the two principal users of AWSIM: first the Warrior Preparation Center in Einsiedlerhof, Germany; then the Battlestaff Training School (BTS) at Hurlburt Field, Florida (now renamed the Air Force Command and Control Training and Innovation Group).
We produced the training materials for AWSIM2, and developed a prototype of an embedded training application. We also supported the program office in the management of the AWSIM/R Program.
We developed the overall Configuration Control Management Plan, developed and maintained a set of management/software metrics, and maintained the program master schedule.
We provided temporary on-site technical support for installation and testing of AWSIM2 at various simulation centers, including:
Warrior Preparation Center, Einsiedlerhof, Germany
Air Force Command & Control Training and Innovation Group, Hurlburt Field, Florida
Joint Training and Simulation Center (JTASC), Norforlk, Virginia
Korean Air Simulation Center (KASC), Korea
MaraTech also has provided systems engineering support for the Air Force Expeditionary Forces Experiment (EFX) since 1999.
For the Joint EFX (JEFX) 99 we were involved with Year 2000 testing and in supporting wargame Modeling and Simulation activities. We supported JEFX99 by assessing Y2K vulnerabilities of critical warfighting C2 systems. The evaluation focused on hardware, software, network communications, and all areas affected by Y2K critical dates. The focal point was on Initiatives, Interfaces, Modeling & Simulation (M&S) Systems, and Sites. The Y2K evaluation was a four-phase process. Spiral 1 began by evaluating the AF Checklist and Survey completed by each initiative provider and an assessment of the stand-alone system. Spiral 2 focused on interface testing between initiatives in a Y2K environment. M&S systems and sites were also part of this process. Spiral 3 provided the opportunity to conduct a system-wide Y2K assessment of the integrated initiatives and end-to-end testing across 500 systems and 18 sites.
For JEFX99, we supported Modeling & Simulation for the integrated experimentation by providing a robust constructive, virtual, and synthetic battlespace, realistic and accurate C4I interactions, threat force representation and interactions, and mission execution for the joint forces. Simulation capabilities exercised expanded the scope of the conflict, provided a sound demonstration of emerging command and control technologies, allowed the integration of joint participation at a low technical risk. Simulations (environmental & constructive simulations and virtual simulators) fully represented the entire Theater Battlespace (air, ground, and sea) in a seamless and transparent manner, and interfaced with a variety of live systems. Our job was to address Modeling & Simulation integration issues for the JEFX99 Experiment.
For JEFX 2000, we participated in the Level 3 & 4 Initiative Reviews. This exercise studied the proposed Initiatives in detail and evaluated them against a set of criteria as to their fit into JEFX 2000. This review continued for Late and New Initiatives until a baseline was defined by system engineers and set by the Configuration Control Board (CCB). In addition, we advised the CCB in defining the JEFX 2000 baseline and evaluated/incorporated changes to the baseline Initiatives. We were also responsible for writing four versions (Spiral 1, 2, 3 and the Experiment) of the Engineering Design Document (EDD) for Modeling & Simulation (M&S). This document described the M&S Infrastructure and defines the specifications (communication networks, databases, hardware, power, data type, receiving systems, manning, floor-space, etc.) that fulfill M&S requirements in support of the Initiatives. For JEFX 2000, 35 simulations, an unprecedented number, were seamlessly and successfully integrated into the M&S infrastructure to support the conduct of the experiment.
We were responsible for capturing and depicting the M&S
Systems Architecture via the NetViz tool. For JEFX 2000, the M&S Systems
Architecture was integrated into the overall Systems Architecture. We also were
responsible for developing an Initiative Spreadsheet for Intel, Agile Combat
Support, Global Grid, Time Critical Target, Sensors and Platforms, Global
Engagement and Special Operations Initiatives that participated in each JEFX.
This spreadsheet provided a summary of each Initiative, its objective(s), Inputs
to, its Functions (process), Outputs (products), Specific M&S support,
Databases, and Interfaces.
Additionally, we monitored simulations during the spirals and experiment to
assure that timely/appropriate M&S feeds were being provided to the Initiatives;
and to respond to action items on the spot wherever possible.
For JEFX 2002, we continued to be the led for Modeling & Simulation systems. Additionally, we provided network and system administration support.
We provided system and software engineering support to the Joint Expeditionary Forces Experiment (JEFX)/ Millennium Challenge 2002 in support of Joint wargame modeling and simulation (M&S) activities. M&S supports the integrated experimentation by providing a robust constructive, virtual, and live synthetic battlespace, realistic and accurate C4I interactions, threat force representation and interactions, and mission execution for the joint forces. The simulations execute the wargame and feed the participating Initiatives with stimuli necessary to prove that their new technology capabilities benefit the Warfighter. Detail knowledge of the 37 Air Force M&S and interfacing C4I systems, familiarization with 42 M&S of Other Services, identification of Initiatives’ requirements, and wargame process flow are but a few of the tools needed to satisfy this position. Tasks in this role included: Initiative Selection Committee, Database Working Group, Member of Configuration Control Board, Spiral/Experiment Support, Author of: Engineering Design Document for Modeling & Simulation, Initiatives Summary Spreadsheet, and Spiral(s) Activity Plan.
For JEFX 2002 through 2006, we provided network and system administration support for all PC servers, clients, and initiatives; Windows 2000 Network design/ implementation in secure environment; and Extensive experience with TBMCS 1.1 Windows 2000 integration and documentation. Leader of build and maintenance teams (15+ personnel).
MaraTech also provides Advisory and Assistance services for management and professional support services; studies, analyses and evaluations; and engineering and technical services in support of the Battle Management Systems Wing at Hanscom AFB, MA.
The Battle Management Systems Wing is responsible for the total life cycle management of weapon system programs amounting to $27.8B in integrated advanced surveillance, weapons control, and battle management capabilities integration and net-centric battle-space efforts.
MaraTech supports the Mission Planning Systems Group (MPSG). MPSG develops, acquires, fields and sustains mission planning capabilities worldwide for Combatant Commanders, theater and unit levels of DOD, coalition, Special Operations Air Forces, peacetime strategic airlift, humanitarian relief flights, presidential airlift support and others. Mission Planning requirements have grown as the complexity of the individual weapon systems has increased.
Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) will be used to plan missions such as air mobility, air refueling, aerial delivery, surface attack, air interdiction, electronic warfare, command and control, expeditionary warfare, mining, anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, maritime warfare, special operations and training, and combat search and rescue. Crewmembers will use JMPS to mission plan, enhance situational awareness, and allow for increased synthesis of all available intelligence information. JMPS will be used to support operational missions and improve their effectiveness by enabling the exchange of information between networked warfighters and databases. As such, users will be able to integrate the results of other planning efforts from sources such as intelligence, other force elements within a Service, and other Services.
JMPS capabilities will include computerized mission planning aids/support for to all military aircraft and the associated aircraft avionics systems through data transfer/loading devices. JMPS will provide mission planning related data interface capabilities to other C4I systems.
JMPS will support the entire mission/combat planning process, including receipt of tasking, mission concept development, departure, ingress, attack/cargo delivery, egress, recovery, and deconfliction and coordination of assets. JMPS will support collaborative planning of air assets, including attack, bomber, cruise missiles, fighter, assault, airborne early warning, command, control and communications, electronic combat, reconnaissance, air refueling, search and rescue, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and other Joint Task Force (JTF) assets. Planners will use JMPS tools to assess the threat situation, disposition of friendly and neutral forces, rules of engagement, terrain, weather, development of ingress and egress routes, target area tactics, and other factors in the selection of weapons.
