Mission Planning Systems (MPS) Modernization

Abstract

Mission planning involves the creation of a flight plan based on multiple inputs including 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 requirements, 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; download pertinent flight information to on-board aircraft avionics; and, conduct dynamic/in-flight re-planning as applicable. 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 B-1, 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, HH-60 other platforms, Framework (FW) and all Common Component (CCs) software tools 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: 1) CAF MPS Modernization: These development efforts modernize CAF Mission Planning Environments (MPEs). 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 include, but are not limited to, B-1 (Sustainment Blocks 15, 16, 16a, 17, 17a and 18), F-15 (Suites 7, 8, 9 and 10), F-16 Block 30 (System Capability Upgrade [SCU] 9, F-16 Block 40/50 (M6.1, M6.5, M7.1, and M7.2) and F-22 (Increments 3.2B, 3.2M, and 4.0). CAF modernization also includes updates to mission planning capabilities supporting associated weapons including, but not limited to, 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 Software (WPS), Electronic Warfare CC (EWCC), GPS Crypto (including GPS M-code), Weather CC, etc. CAF MPE Modernization includes, but is not limited to, the following platform efforts: a. F-15 Modernization Phase II & III: This modernization program consists of multiple software development efforts driven by OFP updates for F-15 Suites 7, 8, and 9.X. 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 I and II (SDB I and II), 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, Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a new Advanced Dual Core Process II (ADCP-II) computer as well as Digital Transfer Device/Modules (DTD/DTM) modernization. b. F-16 Block 30 Modernization Phase I: The F-16 Block 30 Mod Phase 1 completed fielding and transitioned to full sustainment the 4QFY16. c. F-16 Block 40/50 Modernization Phases I&II: The F-16 Block 40/50 modernization efforts will provide the capability to plan/utilize a number or OFP-driven capabilities in the platform. The modernization efforts will support new aircraft capabilities established in OFPs for 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 (WPS) to give the platform the ability to plan missions for any type of Network Enabled Weapon. 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 Out (ADS-B Out) technology and facilitate compliance with standards for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), JASSM-Extended Range (JASSM-ER), and Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) upgrades. M7.2 will also migrate the F-16 Block 40/50 MPE to the Windows 10 operating environment. A follow on effort to F-16 Mod Phase III will be planned in FY19. d. F-22 Modernization Phase I: The F-22 Modernization program includes OFP-driven software updates v13 and v14. These 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 (CC) updates will also be completed as required. e. B-1 Modernization Phase I&II: The B-1 Modernization program includes OFP-driven software updates for Releases 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 and 11.0. 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 (IBS) elements (including Fully Integrated Data Link(FIDL)/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 10 operating system and convert the B-1 Unit Planning Component (UPC) Visual Basic (VB) code to C# .NET. 2) MAF MPS Modernization: These development efforts modernize MAF MPEs. The modernization effort will provide new and improved mission planning capability for individual Operational Flight Program (OFP), Global C2, and AMC fuel efficiency requirements. 3) The SMACC Modernization Program includes development, testing, and fielding of MP software for the E-3 DRAGON, E-3/E-8, RC-135 and EC-130. The MAF Modernization 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, but is not limited to, 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, but are not limited to, integrating improvements to MAF related Common Components (CCs). Examples of these CCs include, but are not limited to, MAF tools, such as Assault Zone CC and the Air Refueling Tool (ART) CC. Mobility Air Forces Automated Flight Planning Service (MAFPS) Phase Two began in FY17. This effort modernizes the MAFPS products developed in Increment 5. This effort completes the 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. Test, Training, and Certification: Continues all MPS-related integration, test, and certification activities for all CAF and MAF platforms. 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. FY18 funding continues the development and modernization of 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, 2018
• Source ID: 675380_0208006F_7_3600_PB_2018

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
• Space