Recent Experience

• Engineering, Systems Engineering and Process Engineering Support

• Modeling, Simulation, Stimulation, and Analysis Support

• Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Network Support

• Interoperability, Test and Evaluation, Trials Support

• Measurement Facilities, Range, and Instrumentation Support

• Program Support

Under contract with NAVAIR-Orlando ARI developed new software to integrate with existing simulation and operational aerial target software. The objective of this effort was Improved Low Altitude Threat Simulation (ILATS) control of aerial targets through the use of a digital terrain database and global positioning system altitude data. ARI analyzed existing software for two systems: a target tracking control system and a drone formation control system. A performance analysis was conducted and areas of the existing software most amenable to insertion of low altitude control software were identified. ARI executed existing models to determine responsiveness and performance limits and incorporated the "rabbit follower" formation control software into the target tracking control system, making all necessary modifications and performance tests. ARI also developed data interpretation algorithms and flight control commands for the tracking system and inserted them into the simulation and operation control software along with previously developed software to achieve safe, low altitude flight below 200 feet. The customer for this effort was the Targets Management Office. (Contract # N61339-05-C-0060).

ARI recently completed an effort to evaluate the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) terrain data for accuracy and usability. As part of this effort, ARI incorporated commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software to provide 3D displays of the terrain data on a flat panel monitor in the cockpit. In addition, an audio warning program was written and incorporated into the system. (Contract #W9132V-04-C-0022).

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In support of the Naval Air Warfare Center-Aircraft Division (NAWC-AD), ARI personnel assist in requirements development for instrumentation, target, and threat simulators and support the development and utilization of modeling and simulation to enhance test and evaluation and training. ARI staff are involved in monitoring the Advanced Threat System Simulator (ATSS), participating in progress reviews, Factory Acceptance Testing, and Site Acceptance Testing. ARI also helped draft the Distributed Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) Simulation Study proposal nomination for threat system funding. Recently, ARI provided briefing support for the Modular Electronic Warfare (MEWS) II Upgrades and Global Positioning System (GPS) Stimulator Follow-On Improvement and Modernization (I&M) Pax River presentations. ARI reviewed and updated the Navy Threat Simulator Development Program Roadmap briefing and assisted in the preparation of the Threat Air Defense Laboratory Simulator status and utilization report. (Prime Contract #N00421-03-D-0078; ARI is a subcontractor with sole responsibility for the effort described).

ARI provides threat test resource analysis on the availability, capabilities, and limitations of all DoD threat representations used for Test and Evaluation including threat simulators, M&S, and foreign equipment. ARI staff gather information on what threat systems already exist and what is currently being developed to understand what capabilities the threat simulators and M&S will have. This information is then analyzed with regard to the needs of the test directors for data to support their measures of effectiveness. ARI then reviews the activity of developers to determine how well their efforts will meet the testers' needs. Threat representation validation is used to help determine whether the threat resources are adequate for operational testing. In this way ARI staff support the Test and Evaluation Threat Resource Activity (TETRA), a field activity assigned to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), in its mission to ensure weapons systems are tested against threats that are both realistic and affordable. (Contract #HHM402-06-C-0002).

For the Army Test and Evaluation Management Agency (TEMA), ARI staff provide technical expertise in the planning, programming, and execution of target and threat simulator programs that support test and evaluation. ARI supports the monthly Validation Working Group meetings and reviews and analyzes Threat Simulator Investment Working Group and Target Management Initiative reports to ensure compliance with OSD reporting criteria. ARI also provides analysis and validation of the T&E requirements for modeling and simulation during the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process. (Contract # W74V8H-06-D-0005).

As part of the ILATS effort described earlier, the ground control tracking hardware was delivered to ARI for integration and simulator testing of the system alterations. Simulations on incremental builds of software were conducted to verify correct implementation. (Contract # N61339-05-C-0060).

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The ILATS project described earlier entails extensive software development and programming. Software was written by ARI to allow integration of the "rabbit follower" formation control software into the target tracking control system. ARI developed data interpretation algorithms and flight control commands for the aerial target and inserted them into the simulation and operation control software. ARI-developed low altitude software was also integrated. All software was designed and documented according to standard government Data Item Descriptions. Deliverables submitted and approved under this effort included: Software Development Plan, System/Subsystem Design Description, Software Requirements Specification, Detailed Design Description, Software Users Manual, and Source Code. In addition, a Simulation T&E Plan and Flight Test T&E Plan, along with the respective Test Reports were a requirement of the effort. (Contract # N61339-05-C-0060).

As part of ARI's evaluation of the SRTM data, software was written to capture and analyze more than 3.4 million data points from eleven different states to determine the capabilities and limitations of the digital terrain data. ARI also developed visual display and audio warning software that drew upon the SRTM data base. ARI developed multiple software programs for flight test under this effort. To collect the data, a mission data collector was written by ARI. To prepare the raw SRTM data for use with the 3D viewer, a combination of a geoid to ellipsoid conversion program and commercial off the shelf software was used. ARI converted the SRTM data to a High Point data base in order to use the collision audio warning program. (Contract #W9132V-04-C-0022).

As an example of network support, ARI staff are responsible for maintaining the TEMA public and AKO web site. ARI staff ensure that information is updated on a monthly basis and that it is relevant to the T&E and acquisition communities. (Contract # W74V8H-06-D-0005).

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As a part of the ILATS effort, both simulation test and flight test were conducted. Multiple simulation tests were conducted with each iteration of the software applications. System testing was conducted at Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and flight tests were conducted at Orogrande, NM. Detailed simulation and flight test plans were written by ARI prior to actual testing. (Contract # N61339-05-C-0060).

ARI supports the Navy's test and evaluation efforts by assisting with the development of T&E resource investment strategies and with the implementation of T&E resources, policy and procedural actions. ARI reviews testing and other documentation to determine test resource requirements and to identify requirements not being met as well as recommended solutions. ARI also assists in the review of T&E proposals competing for Service, Joint or OSD funding. (Prime Contract #N00421-03-D-0078; ARI is a subcontractor).

ARI's support of the Test and Evaluation Threat Resource Activity (TETRA) requires extensive knowledge and experience with T&E and the intelligence community. ARI reviews Systems Threat Analysis Reports (STARs), which are produced for each weapon or class of weapons, to identify the threats needed for testing. This information is compared with information in Part V of the Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) to determine the threat resources that will be needed. ARI researches those threat resources in the Automated Joint Threat Systems Handbook, validation reports that compare threat test assets with intelligence information on the actual threat, range handbooks that contain infrastructure and resource information, and other sources such as the Foreign Materiel Program to evaluate how well existing threat representations actually represent the threat. (Contract #HHM402-06-C-0002).

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ARI supports the Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) on matters pertaining to T&E policy and oversight, including interpretation of requirements; advice on optimal use of range land, sea, and airspace; and participation in steering groups related to ranges and facilities. ARI assists in the development and coordination of revised DoD Directives on the Major Range and Test Facilities Base (MRTFB) to ensure the MRTFB is properly sized, operated, and maintained to support force readiness. (Contract #W91CRB-06-D-0009).

For TEMA, ARI provides expertise in MRTFBs to include infrastructure, investments, policies, and funding issues. ARI prepares reports, analyses, and documentation, as required, and provides analysis of Army MRTFB Exhibits twice a year. TEMA is responsible for planning, programming, and coordinating Army T&E resources, including the MRTFBs, and the instrumentation, targets, and threat simulators program. (Contract # W74V8H-06-D-0005).

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ARI has provided program support for the Naval Air Warfare Center-Aircraft Division for 14 years. ARI staff help develop T&E strategic plans; review and implement T&E policy and procedures; and prepare documentation in support of planning, programming, and budgeting systems. ARI assists in reviewing proposals for competing Service, Joint or OSD funding and in updating the Program Summary documentation to reflect the needs and solutions identified in the requirements process. (Prime Contract #N00421-03-D-0078; ARI is a subcontractor).

For TETRA, ARI staff have provided program support for more than 15 years. ARI manages the proposal process for TETRA project funding by helping develop guidelines for projects that will solve test limitations or shortfalls, preparing the "Call Letter", facilitating proposal review and prioritization, and conducting project manager training for all new project managers. ARI also assists with project tracking and execution review meetings. ARI maintains a data base that holds all the programmatic and financial information for each project. The programs and projects under TETRA oversight encompass all warfare areas. TETRA's annual report summarizes, by warfare area, TETRA's contribution and dedication to ensuring the U.S. armed forces receive the most thoroughly tested and evaluated weapons systems. ARI assists TETRA in compiling this annual report. ARI also tracks the disbursement and expenditure of funds for the Activity. (Contract #HHM402-06-C-0002).

In its support of TEMA, ARI has provided programmatic support for more than 14 years. ARI staff assist in development of T&E resource investment strategies; review T&E policies; prepare planning, programming, and budgeting system documentation; and monitor the TEMP development and approval process. ARI assists in reviewing Army proposals prior to submission for Service, Joint, or OSD funding and monitoring execution of funds. ARI staff also plan and monitor the Chemical/Biological test and investment strategy.

ARI supports TRMC program management by assisting with strategic planning; supporting budget certification and financial management by reviewing proposed budgets, reporting on findings, and making recommendations concerning adequacy of the proposed budget. ARI also provides support for implementation and maintenance of a financial management and accounting process fully compliant with TRMC policy and procedures. ARI assists in T&E policy and oversight, including interpretation of requirements, advice on optimal use of range, land, sea, and airspace; and participation in steering groups related to test ranges and facilities. (Contract #W91CRB-06-D-0009).

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