Ballistic Missile Defense Test

Abstract

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) utilizes a disciplined system engineering process to develop and integrate the BMDS into an effective, layered defense against ballistic missiles of all ranges during all phases of flight. This process consists of the following steps: Plan, Define, Design, Build, Test and Verify, Assess, and Deliver BMDS Capability, followed by transfer of selected capabilities. The BMDS Test Program Element (PE) is responsible for testing that provides critical data to:(1) determine validity of models and simulations used to verify and assess BMDS capabilities, (2) determine whether Elements and Components are properly designed, built, and integrated, (3) provide confidence that the BMDS will perform as designed, and (4) support system performance assessment for incremental capability delivery decisions. Results from the Test and Verify step provide feedback into the Plan, Define, and Design steps to identify areas for system improvements. Key to the systems engineering process is Modeling and Simulation (M&S), which reflects the integrated operational system's performance. Confidence in M&S is based on a comprehensive Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) process. The BMDS Test Program, as documented in the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP), has a primary emphasis of increasing confidence in M&S, as well as providing the Operational Test Agency (OTA) with data to verify and assess BMDS capabilities and Critical Operational Issues. Lastly, as models are validated and accredited, MDA and the OTA will utilize these models to assess BMDS capabilities through a campaign of ground testing and digital performance assessments. BMDS Test Program Functions: -Develop and implement MDA test policy, standards, tools, products, and processes to enable effective tests while balancing MDA and element programmatic needs -Develop an IMTP that compiles all MDA test objectives, test schedules, and funding requirements from the year of execution through the Future Years Defense Program time period -Provide, maintain, and develop common test resources and infrastructure required to execute tests in the MDA Test Program by leveraging element laboratories, ranges, executing agents, and functional expertise, as applicable. -Act as the single point of contact in MDA for all external ranges and common test resources -Collect, archive, and distribute all MDA test data/information -Certify that test personnel are trained and equipped to conduct safe and effective tests -Provide test personnel and support services to plan and execute tests -Represent MDA as the single test authority to the test and evaluation community, international cooperative program representatives, and other organization representatives on test matters MD40 Program-Wide Support (PWS) consists of essential non-headquarters management efforts providing integrated and efficient support to 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, 2016
Source ID
0603914C_4_0400_PB_2016
Change Summary Explanation
FY 2015 changes reflect Public Law 113-235, FY2015 Omnibus; Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act. The FY 2016 reduction of $66.488 million reflects modified requirements of the Integrated Master Test Plan based on fact-of-life adjustments to Missile Defense Agency's test program, including test event schedule changes, transfer of Target Launch Operations to PE 0603915C and test personnel reductions.
Service Agency Name
Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

  • Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Configuration Management
  • Cost Analysis
  • Cybersecurity
  • Defense Systems
  • Deployment
  • Engineering
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles
  • Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Medium Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Radar
  • Systems Engineering
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States Northern Command

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

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

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