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 Joint Mission Planning Environments (JMPEs) to support the B-1B, C-5, C-17, C-130, HC-130, EC-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 MPE that were previously developed and delivered under MPS Increments II and III 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 2014 through 2020 include but are not limited to those for A-10, 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 M7.2) 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 JMPS MPE CCs, including Weapon Planning System (WPS), Electronic Warfare CC (EWCC), Weather CC, 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, Data 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, but are not limited to, 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, but are not limited to, 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, but are not limited to, 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. The modernization efforts will support new aircraft capabilities established in OFPs for M6.5 (joint USAF/European Participation Air Force effort, 6.5 will be fielded by EPAF, USAF will roll 6.5 capabilities in 7.1), M7.1 and M7.2. These capabilities include, but are not limited to, integrating the universal armament interface (UAI) with the most recent version of weapons planning software 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: The F-22 Modernization program includes OFP-driven software updates v13. 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, combat identification improvements, addition of an Inter-flight Data Link Gateway, 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. b). MAF MPE Modernization: This effort modernizes the E-8 MPE developed and deployed during MPS Increment IV for use on MAF programs following the approach briefed and endorsed by the OIPT and documented in the OIPT report of 09 November 2011. 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 1. Special Missions ACC (SMACC). SMACC Modernization Phase I and Phase II: This includes two programs; the Special Missions ACC (SMACC) Phase I Modernization Program and the SMACC Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) MPE. 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 and upgrade to the latest Framework 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. The SMACC CSAR MPE program will transition to PFPS-based HH-60 and HC/MC-130P/N/J CSAR mission planning functionality, tools, and plugins to Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS) environment. 2. MAF MPS Modernization (AMC Transition): This effort builds upon the fielded E-8 MPE to 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 National Geospatial Agency. c. Mobility Air Forces 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. FY16 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2016
• Source ID: 675380_0208006F_7_3600_PB_2016

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Directed Energy
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Microelectronics