Mission Planning Systems (MPS) Modernization

Abstract

Mission planning involves the creation of a flight plan(s) 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 weapons, 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 focuses on modernizing MPS to support Combat Air Forces (CAF) and Mobility Air Forces (MAF), including the development, test and sustainment of Mission Planning Environments (MPEs) to support the A-10, B-1B, C-5, C-17, C- 27, C-130, E-3, E-8, F-15, F-16, F-22A, KC-10, KC-46, KC-135, RC-135, other platforms, and all common component (CCs)software tools currently approved as necessary for mission requirements. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. MPS Modernization efforts are as follows: a. CAF MPE Modernization: These development efforts modernize CAF MPEs that were previously developed and delivered under MPS Increments II and 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, and 12), B-1B (Sustainment Blocks 15, 16, 16a, 17 and 18), F-15 (Suites 7, 8, 9, and 10), F-16 Block 30 (System Capability Upgrade [SCU] 8, 9, and 10), F-16 Block 40/50 (M6.1, M6.5, M7.1, and M8.0) and F-22 (Increments 3.2B, 3.2C, and 4.0). CAF modernization also includes updates to mission planning capabilities supporting associated weapons, including small diameter bomb (SDB-II), 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 CCs, including Precision-Guided Munitions Planning System (PGMPS), Electronic Warfare CC (EWCC), etc. CAF MPE Modernization includes the following platform efforts: 1) F-15 Modernization Phase II: This modernization program consists of multiple software development efforts driven by OFP updates for F-15 Suites 7, 8, and 9. Suite 7 MPE capabilities include, but are not limited to, Digital Transfer Device (DTD) improvements, updates for new features in weapons such as Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), AIM-9X, AIM-120D, and Network Enable Weapon support elements (e.g. key handling, weapon data link, and Link 16). It will also include enhancements to the synthetic aperture radar planning tool (SAR-PT) and the global area reference tool as well as radar modernization updates (e.g. combat identification, radar planning tool enhancements). Development efforts for F-15 Suite 8 include, but are not limited to, integration of B61 Life Extension Program (LEP), feature updates for several weapons, and the expansion of Link-16 messages sets. F-15 Suite 9 MPE will include a variety of updates and enhancements for weapons and aircraft systems to include a new Advanced Dual Core Process II (ADCP-II) computer as well as Digital Transfer Device/Modules (DTD/DTM) modernization. 2) F-16 Block 30 Modernization Phase I: The F-16 Block 30 modernization effort will support new aircraft capabilities established in OFPs for the SCU8 and SCU9. The effort will also migrate the F-16 Block 30 Mission Planning Environment (MPE) to the Windows 7 operating system and the current version of the MPS Framework. SCU8 system capabilities include the addition of Helmet Mounted Integrated Targeting (HMIT), Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), the AIM-120D missile variant and Center Display Unit (CDU) Integration. SCU9 capabilities include finishing HMIT and CDU integrations, support of Threat Symbology/Correlation (TS/C) file import (commonality with F-16 Block 40/50) and the addition of the Laser JDAM. 3) F-16 Block 40/50 Modernization Phases I&II: The F-16 Block 40/50 modernization efforts will provide the capability within the MPE to plan/utilize a number or OFP-driven capabilities in the platform. These capabilities include, but are not limited to, integrating the universal armament interface (UAI) with the most recent version of precision guided munitions planning software (PGMPS) to give the platform the ability to plan missions for any type of network enabled weapon (NEW). It will also provide for UAI compliance with the small diameter bomb (SDB; GBU-39) and the laser joint direct attack munition (LJDAM; GBU-54). The modernization effort will also provide for the use of the advanced identification friend or foe (AIFF) Mode 5 capability in the F-16 Blk 40/50. AIFF will allow use of enhanced authentication and verification of friendly signals, through the incorporation of cryptographically secured signals. It will also introduce Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology and facilitate compliance with standards for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The development effort will also migrate the F-16 Block 40/50 MPE to the Windows 7 operating environment 4) F-22 Modernization Phase I: F-22 OFP-driven enhancements include, but are not limited to the addition of improved capabilities for the AIM-9X and AIM-120D, the incorporation of additional electronic protection tasks, the small diameter bomb target list manager, combat identification improvements, installation of the auto ground collision avoidance system, and incorporation of the synthetic aperture radar planning tool. Additionally, other new and emerging OFP-generated requirements will be addressed as identified by the operational user(s). Other common component updates will also be completed as required. 5) B-1 Modernization Phase I: The B-1 Modernization program includes OFP-driven software updates for Releases 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0. It will incrementally update the platform MPE and provide for integration with the Reliability and Maintainability Improvement Program (RMIP)/Inertial Navigation System Replacement (INSR), Laptop Computer Targeting Pod Phase 2 (LCTP), Integrated Battle Station elements (including Fully Integrated Data Link/Visual Situation Display Upgrade (VSDU)), Central Integrated Test System Upgrade (CITS), and related follow on enhancements. Additionally it will migrate the B-1 MPE to the Windows 7 operating system and convert the B-1 Unit Planning Component (UPC) Visual Basic (VB) code to C# .NET. 6) A-10 Modernization Phase I: The A-10 effort will continue to support aircraft OFP-driven capability enhancement for Suite 7B and Suite 8. Suite 7B capabilities include, but are not limited to, JPEG 2000 Maps, Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL) Crypto Upgrade, Electronic Warfare Threat Table Correlation, pre-planning combat search and rescue parameters and helmet mounted cueing system updates. Suite 8 capabilities include, but are not limited to, the addition of Mode 5 IFF, Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL), Laser JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition), AGM-65L (Laser Code Entry), advanced targeting pod mission planning settings, and combat search and rescue post mission enhancements. The modernization effort will also migrate the A-10 Mission Planning Environment (MPE) to the Windows 7 operating system and the current version of the MPS framework. b. 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 parachute types, etc. for various MAF platforms. The MPE updates under the MAF Modernization effort include but are not limited to those for Air Mobility Command--C-5, C-17, C-130s (multiple variants), KC-10, KC-46, and KC-135 and Special Mission Air Combat Command--E-3, E-8, E-4, EC-130H, and RC-135. MAF modernization will also address required improvements to and integration of MAF related MPE CCs, including the Communications, Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) CC, Aeronautical Advisory and Notices to Airmen Tool (AANT), and Air Refueling Tool (ART) CC, etc. This effort also provides the capability to use the new Digital Aeronautical Information File (DAFIF) web services-based data structure being produced by NGA in this timeframe. 1) Special Missions ACC (SMACC) Modernization Phase I and Phase II: The SMACC Modernization Program includes development, testing, and fielding of MP software for the E-3/E-8, RC-135 and EC-130. The E-3/E-8 v3.0 development effort will provide a Windows 7 capability while maintaining SDC compliance. It will also deliver software that is compatible with the E-3 DRAGON avionics upgrade including CNS ATM Certification. The RC-135 and EC-130H efforts will update their respective mission planning environments to include the latest Framework and SDC version. 2) Special Missions ACC (SMACC) Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR): The SMACC CSAR program is a continuation of the SMACC Modernization program. SMACC CSAR will transition the PFPS-based HH-60 and HC-130 CSAR mission planning functionality, tools, and plugins to Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) environment. 3) MAF MPS Modernization (AMC Transition): This effort modifies the common MAF MPE developed and deployed during previous mission planning increments. It will provide new and improved mission planning capabilities for the MAF fleet (e.g. C-5, C-130, KC-10, etc.) as required to meet OFP, fuel efficiency, and global planning net-centric requirements. It includes enhanced capabilities to accommodate avionics upgrades, improved communications systems, interfaces with command and control systems, new parachutes, etc. for various MAF platforms. Development efforts also include integrating improvements to MAF related Common Components (CCs). Examples of these CCs include the Communication, 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). This effort also provides the capability to use the new Digital Aeronautical Information File (DAFIF) services-based data structure being produced by NGA. c. Mobility Air Force Automated Flight Planning Service (MAFPS): This effort includes development of a centralized/net-centric global mobility flight planning capability, which will provide significant fuel savings through automated flight route, airspeed, and altitude optimization utilizing aircraft performance, air traffic management, weather, and other data. d. Test, Training and Certification: Continues all MPS-related integration, test, and certification activities for all CAF and MAF platforms. e. Program Support: Continues all program office management operations and support activities to ensure the timely development, testing, and delivery of mission planning systems to the warfighter. FY15 funding will continue the development and modernization of the Mission Planning Environments (MPEs) and related planning capabilities for a variety of Air Force aircraft and weapons platforms for the CAF, MAF, and other operational users. The modernization programs will be closely aligned and compatible with the capabilities being developed for the platforms within their respective and regularly scheduled Operational Flight Programs (OFPs). 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.

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Document Type: Project
Publication Date: Oct 01, 2015
Source ID: 675380_0208006F_7_3600_PB_2015

Mission Planning Systems (MPS) Modernization

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