C4I & Software Intensive Systems Test
Abstract
The Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence (C4I) and Software Intensive Systems (SIS) (C4T) project addresses test technology for next generation resilient, survivable, federated networks and information ecosystems (information superiority) from the tactical level up to strategic planning. The technology development efforts within the C4T project have been prioritized to align with DoD guidance of S&T Communities of Interest (CoIs) and the National Defense Strategy. Gaps are driven by more complex warfare environments and distributed systems; large quantities of data and intelligence (e.g., Big Data, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Machine Learning Algorithms (MLA)); and more software intensive systems (e.g. F-35, CVN, IBCS)). C4T addresses gaps in Big Data Analytics technologies to gain knowledge from massive amounts of structured and unstructured data collected over a single test, but also expanded to look at the systems’ performance over the acquisition lifecycle. The technologies are required when testing sensor platforms, command and control systems and weapon platforms that support the kill chain in a Joint multi-domain operation. These systems must be evaluated for their ability to provide the accurate, timely transfer of data (e.g., target tracks, weapons allocation, mission tasking, and situational awareness) as the data passes among the Services, Warfighting Domains, and Coalition Partners. C4T also addresses gaps in Live and Simulated Environments, these technologies are required to increase the use of a distributed test environment for new warfare concepts leveraging simulated entities (e.g. modeling and simulation) for more thorough joint mission context platform T&E (e.g., Anti-Access Arial Denial (A2AD)and Manned and Unmanned Systems (MUM-T)). The technologies within C4T will remove undesired distributed testing biases while improving test agility and the tester’s ability to effectively support knowledge management, rapid analysis of “Big Data," and automated test reporting. The C4T project advances these test technologies as well as Big Data collection, analysis, and visualization that enable the virtual integration of Department of Defense (DoD) weapon laboratories and open air ranges. Using Modeling and Simulation (M&S) along with hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) laboratories, the effectiveness of Joint missions can be assessed in terms of system-of-systems interoperability and effectiveness in executing Joint mission operations, including testing of weapons and C4I and SIS systems accessing and providing information. Lastly C4T addresses technologies to support C2 Analysis in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), specifically at scale and density to fully assessed the mission kill web with new test design, planning and assessment technologies utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to not only plan assessments within a domain, but also to enable assessments of “what-if” testing cascading across the other domains of warfare. This will enable full assessment of multi-domain operations to ensure information superiority to accomplish mission objectives. New intelligent testing technologies are required for assessment of MDO missions for our future warfighter AI/ML-enabled C2 Warfighter Systems to ensure the battlefield will not be the testing field. These new MDO focused technologies are vital to creation of a robust operationally relevant Joint Service All Domain Test Range.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 096_0603941D8Z_3_0400_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Test and Evaluation Science and Technology
- Child Accomplishment: C4I and Software Intensive Systems Test