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-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, 9.1 and 9.2) and F-22 Increments 3.2B, update Release One, Release Two, and Release Three. 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 7,8,9,9.1, and 9.2. Suite 7-9 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-22 Modernization Phase I: The F-22 Modernization program includes OFP-driven software updates v13.1, v14.0, v14.1, and v14.2. 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, Mode 5 IFF and Combat ID updates, Link 16 updates, 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. c. B-1 Modernization Phase I: 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 updates to the aircraft mission capabilities, including adding sensor anywhere on tactical display, updating threat range rings and route re- planning capabilities, improving Air Coordination Order (ACO) file loading and the memory utilization in the onboard avionics updates. Additionally, it will migrate the B-1 MPE to a native 64-bit environment and utilize Mission Planning Data Service Layers (MPDSL) to modernize the software architecture. d. The platform efforts include work associated with updates to the framework and associated services. Beginning in FY20 the Framework will be broken out as a separate program with a separate funding line. 2) MAF MPS Modernization: These development efforts modernize MAF MPEs for the KC-46 aircraft as well as all Air Mobility Command platforms initially fielded under MPS Increment 5. 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. Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) is providing a new JMPS capability to the HH-60G and MC/HC-130 aircraft. The follow-on versions continue that development. 4) 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. CSAR Release 1.1 program began in FY17 modernizing the efforts begun with the CSAR products developed in MPS Inc 5. The CSAR effort will continue modernization via agile development for evolving CSAR requirements. 5) 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. Additional development includes streamlining the support structure for flight planning to reduce mission planning and execution time while maximizing the time available for enroute aircrew support. Also a , Web-based Global Flight Planning (Web-GFP) modernizes a second MAFPS client, the Global Flight Planning Common Component (GFPCC) which integrates into the Global Mobility Mission Planning Environment (GM MPE) aimed at Unit-level mission and flight planning operations. This client enables GM MPE users with access to the same MAFPS capabilities in order to facilitate fuel and cost efficiencies across the MAF. 6) In FY20 the MPS Framework will be established as an independent Program of Record (anticipated as an ACAT III). MPS Framework will be used as a one year pathfinder effort that represents the basic corefunctions of the JMPS software. It rides on SDC compliant Windows OS. The basic services that all programs use (Falconview, Data Load, Route construction, flight planning etc.) are included in the MPS Framework architecture. The Navy utilizes the same basic core MPS Framework software. The funding for the MPS Framework has historically been accomplished through an allocation to the platform mission planning budgets. The programs were based upon the platform OFPs and the fielded software packages (mission planning environments). The program office will segregate MPS Framework for future oversight. MPS FW Framework will be an agile development effort based on services developed in a common development environment. Beginning with the FY21 efforts, MPS Framework will become Core Mission Planning (CMP). This will be a follow-on Program of Record continuing the efforts of MPS Framework. 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. The platform efforts include work associated with updates to the Framework and associated services. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver Mission Planning weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be used to supplement the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605826F, 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605830F, 0605831F, 0605832F, and 0605898F. 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, 2021
• Source ID: 675380_0208006F_7_3600_PB_2021

Tags

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Microelectronics
• Space