Mission Planning Systems (MPS) Development
Abstract
Mission planning involves the creation of a flight plan based on threats, targets, terrain, weather, aircraft performance capability and configuration. It is an essential task that must be completed prior to any fixed or rotary wing aircraft sortie. The planner must have the ability to plan weapon, cargo, passenger, and/or fuel delivery, calculate fuel requirement and assess the route based on known enemy threat location and type. Mission planners must be able to optimize and de-conflict flight routes with other aircraft; review, print and brief the plan; and download pertinent flight information to on-board aircraft avionics. This project provides for the continuous improvement of mission planning software capabilities that cut across all platforms and systems. It includes all FY10 and prior development activities for migrating selected Combat Air Forces (CAF) and Mobility Air Forces (MAF) platforms to MPS. It also allows for the investigation of new technologies and products that have the potential for improving mission planning systems. This includes the continuous upgrading of the MPS framework. The framework is the underlying baseline for all mission planning systems. It will require continuous upgrades to: 1) reduce timelines for route planning; 2) transmit near real-time intelligence data to the platforms; 3) increase the accuracy of the mapping products; 4) provide a Windows-based, commercial off the shelf-based, user friendly product; and 5) retain compatibility with platform changes to avionics and operational flight programs. This project also continues the development of a Joint Precision Airdrop System-Mission Planner (JPADS-MP) in conjunction with the Army. The JPADS System of Systems (SoS) capability provides a planning and execution capability for DoD airdrop requirements. It is the primary airdrop mission planning and execution system when the mission profile or surface-to-air threat assessment warrants a high-altitude and/or standoff precision delivery. JPADS enables high-altitude, precise airdrop delivery to forward ground forces, mitigating surface-to-air threats, reducing risk of Improvised Explosive Device (IED), and insurgent attack on ground convoys. JPADS allows the warfighter to consider weather, terrain, aircraft capabilities, threat, etc. to accurately deliver payload. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. Development and modernization activities within this project are as follows: a. MPS Increment IV - continues all FY10 and prior year development activities to migrate selected CAF and MAF platforms to the MPS Increment IV planning systems capability. This includes the initial migration of all designated Increment IV platforms. FY2011 and outyear development activities for Increment IV will be completed as part of respective projects for CAF and MAF planning systems. b. MPS Modernization - continues the modernization of overarching technologies (including the framework) to support development of Mission Planning Environments (MPEs) for various CAF and MAF platforms. c. CAF MPE Modernization: Beginning in FY13, these efforts will modernize CAF MPEs that were developed and delivered under MPS Increments II – IV. The modernization effort will provide new and improved mission planning capability for individual Operational Flight Program (OFP) requirements, such as new weapons, avionics upgrades, communications systems, etc. The OFPs requiring MPE updates under the CAF Modernization effort in Fiscal Years 2011 through 2017 include but are not limited to those for A-10 (Suites 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), B-1B (Sustainment Blocks (SB) 15, 16, 16a, 17 and 18), and F-15 (Suites 7, 8, 9, and 10). CAF modernization also includes updates to mission planning capabilities supporting associated weapons, including Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). Finally, CAF modernization will address required improvements to CAF related MPE Common Components (CCs), including Precision-Guided Munitions Planning System (PGMPS), Electronic Warfare CC (EWCC), etc. d. MAF MPE Modernization: This effort modifies the common MAF MPE developed and deployed during previous mission planning increments. The modernization activities will provide new and improved mission planning capabilities for the MAF fleet as required to meet evolving OFP, fuel efficiency and Global Planning netcentric requirements such as avionics upgrades, communication systems, interfaces with command and control systems, new chutes, etc. for various MAF platforms. The MPE updates under the MAF Modernization effort in Fiscal Years 2011 through 2017 include but are not limited to those for C-5, C-17, C-27, C-130s (multiple variants), E-3, E-8, E-4, HH-60, KC-10, KC-46, KC-135, and RC-135. MAF modernization will address required improvements to MAF related MPE CCs, including the Communications, Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) CC, Consolidated Airdrop Tool (CAT), Aeronautical Advisory and Notices to Airmen Tool (AANT), and Air Refueling Tool (ART) CC. e. Joint Precision Airdrop System –Mission Planner (JPADS-MP) - continues development of software and hardware required to provide a precision airdrop capability for AF and other services (e.g the Army, etc). f. Test, Training and Certification - continues all MPS-related integration, test, and certification activities for all CAF and MAF platforms. g. Operational and Technical Support - continues all program office management operations and support activities to ensure the timely delivery of mission planning systems to the warfighter. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- 673858_0208006F_7_3600_PB_2013
Related Documents
- Root: Mission Planning Systems
- Child Accomplishment: Increment IV Development
- Child Accomplishment: MPS Modernization
- Child Accomplishment: Test, Training and Certification
- Child Accomplishment: Operations/Technical Support
- Child Accomplishment: JPADS Development