Ballistic Missile Defense Test

Abstract

As part of the total Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), the Test Program Element (PE) brings the BMDS element capabilities together for an integrated system-level test approach. Based on the Systems Engineering assessments of realistic threat scenarios, test events demonstrate capability of the evolving integrated and layered missile defense system in a simultaneous test and operations environment. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in collaboration with its Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP) stakeholders: Combatant Commands; Service Operational Test Agency (OTA); Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E); and Director, Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E), employs a systematic review of BMDS testing that establishes a convention for setting test objectives that go beyond simply exercising newly delivered elements of the system. The BMDS Test Program establishes and documents in the IMTP the test requirements for the BMDS developed by Systems Engineering with specific focus on collecting the data needed for the verification, validation and accreditation (VV&A) of the BMDS models and simulations (M&S). The BMDS performance evaluation strategy is to develop models and simulations (M&S) of the BMDS and compare predictions to empirical data collected through comprehensive flight and ground testing to validate accuracy. Systems Engineering develops Critical Engagement Conditions (CECs) and Empirical Measurement Events (EMEs), which are the conditions and events which define or describe the data to be obtained from flight and ground tests in order to anchor M&S. CECs and EMEs are utilized to design a test to further advance the understanding and confidence of the M&S tool set that will be used to evaluate all possible engagements. MDA testing is based on an integrated developmental and operational test program. The MDA Test Program is based on a commitment to deploy technology that is proven, cost-effective, and adaptable to an evolving security environment. This PE also provides funding to the OTA, which is active in all phases of test planning, execution and post-test analysis, to include the development of the IMTP. BMDS Test Program Functions: -Direct the testing required to verify, validate, and accredit (VV&A) MDA`s models and simulation (M&S). -Plan tests according to BMDS and Element objectives. -Develop MDA test policy. -Execute BMDS ground and flight tests. -Ensure appropriate data is collected at the necessary fidelity. -Collect data for BMDS analysis and manage MDA data centers. -Provide BMDS and Element performance results for IMTP stakeholders. -Provide final target system integration, target mission logistics and launch execution for BMDS test target systems. -Provide test infrastructure and resources for flight and ground tests. Major Test Program Goals: -Direct planning, execution, analyses, and reporting of BMDS test events to support system verification. -Improve test execution and discipline for on-time, successful testing. -Integrate Element test processes into BMDS processes. -Develop Element lessons learned and best practices to support BMDS test design. -Provide required infrastructure and environmental compliance for robust BMDS testing. -Ensure test readiness, realism, and accuracy and improve test execution quality. MD40 Program-Wide Support (PWS) consists of essential non-headquarters management costs in support of the MDA functions and activities across the entire Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Source ID
0603914C_4_0400_PB_2014
Change Summary Explanation
FY 2014 funding was adjusted to fund modified requirements of the Integrated Master Test Program based on fact-of-life adjustments to Missile Defense Agency`s test program.
Service Agency Name
Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

  • Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Acquisition
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Best Practices
  • Configuration Management
  • Cost Analysis
  • Costs
  • Defense Systems
  • Engineering
  • Executives
  • Lessons Learned
  • Reliability
  • Risk Analysis
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Training
  • Unified Combatant Commands

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
  • Missile Defense Systems.

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