Mission Planning Systems (MPS) Modernization

Abstract

Mission planning 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 fuel delivery; calculate fuel requirements; and assess the route based on known enemy threat location and type. This includes the ability to: 1) optimize and de-conflict flight routes with other aircraft; 2) review, print, and brief the plan; 3) download pertinent flight information to on-board aircraft avionics; and 4) conduct dynamic/in-flight replanning as applicable. The MPS Modernization project, follows a multi-year strategic roadmap to migrate mission planning capabilities into a services-based open architecture, and focuses on delivering JOMS environment for mission planning. This includes the development, test and support of MPEs for CAF-GS and MAF-SMACC aircraft, (including the B-1, C-5, C-17, C-130, HC-130, EA-37, EC-130, E-3, E-7, E-8, F-15, F-22, U-2, KC-10, KC-46, KC-135, RC-135, HH-60, 6th generation aircraft), Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs), and training aircraft. Mission planning development will align with Advance Battle Management Systems as an enabler in order to close the kill chain. Activities also include studies and analysis to support both current program planning and execution and future program planning. MPS Modernization efforts include: 1) CAF-GS MPS Modernization: Provide new and improved mission planning capability to: support Agile Combat Employment (ACE) software applications for pre-flight, dynamic/in-flight replanning, and post-flight analysis; provide software applications to support operational engagement to optimize the tactical kill chain; and support platform OFP requirements, such as new weapons, avionics upgrades, communications systems, etc. The OFPs requiring MPE updates under the CAF-GS modernization effort include, but are not limited to: B-1, F-15, and F-22. Within the framework of Agile Software Cadence, development teams will deliver improved capabilities to support each aircraft platform OFP, including early deliveries for risk reduction testing. Modernization efforts for weapons planning capabilities include, but are not limited to, Small Diameter Bomb (SDB-II), Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), and associated interface tools between the CAF-GS platforms and the weapons such as Universal Armament Interface (UAI) and Mission Planning Certification Tool (MPCT). Additionally modernization efforts will address requirements to JMPS Common Components (CCs), such as Weapon Planning Software (WPS), Electronic Warfare (EW), Global Positioning System (GPS) crypto (including GPS M-code), and weather. Furthermore, efforts include development of JOMS CAF-GS mission planning capabilities in collaboration with USN's Mission Planning Program Office and the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). Finally, platform specific modernization efforts include, but are not limited to, the following: a. F-15 Modernization: Includes key initiatives on improving/adapting software architecture to improve lethality, survivability, readiness, affordability, and performance. The F-15 OFP will update on an annual release to the field to provide new capabilities to the warfighter. The F-15 Unique Planning Component (UPC), segmented into code modules, will transition from a JMPS process to use microservices. These changes position the MPE to migrate to the loosely coupled web-based services and open standard interfaces of JOMS. Multiple software development efforts for the F-15, previously called Suites, are now called Continuous Development and Integration (CD&I). F-15 MPE agile software initiatives will include, but not be limited to, updates for new features in weapons such as JDAM, SDB I and II, AIM-9X, AIM-120D, and Network Enabled Weapon support elements (e.g., key handling, weapon data link, and Link 16), software enhancements to Synthetic Aperture Radar Planning Tools (SAR-PT), global area reference tools, radar modernization updates (e.g., combat identification, radar planning tool enhancements), active warning survivability system(s), Advanced Dual Core Process II (ADCP- II) computer as well as Digital Transfer Device/Modules (DTD/DTM) modernized in support of operational capabilities to the F-15 OFP. The overall end state is a common OFP and one MPE baseline that supports all F-15 models (C, D, E, & EX). F-15 Modernization also includes pathfinder/exploratory efforts to provide pre-flight and dynamic mission planning and reduction of the logistics footprint. b. F-22 Modernization: Includes multiple software development efforts driven by OFP updates for Releases 4 through 6 as identified by ACC and the operational user as well as future OFP releases. These new capabilities improve the F-22's lethality, survivability, and tactical communications with sensor enhancements and updates to Link-16 Transmit, Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Transmit and Interrogate, Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Pod, and various classified projects. Additionally, efforts will increase readiness and affordability through incremental incorporation of JOMS microservices to create a common baseline MPE/UPC that any platform can use, integrates initial JOMS capabilities into JMPS, and generates mission data files in appropriate test jets. Furthermore, efforts are collaborative with USN's and F-35 JPO's mission planning teams to deliver JOMS capabilities. Finally, efforts also include pathfinder/exploratory efforts to provide pre-flight and dynamic mission planning and reduction of the logistics footprint. c. B-1 Modernization: Includes multiple software development efforts driven by OFP updates for Blocks 17b, 17c, 18, and 19. Efforts will incrementally deliver the B-1 MPE to improve survivability, lethality, and readiness; increase mission capabilities with weapon updates for JASSM and Long Range Anti-Ship (LRASM); and incorporation of crypto modernization for Link-16 Network Enabled Weapons. Additionally, efforts will improve processing capability 64/128-bit environment, replace the mass storage unit where pre-recorded map and mission data is stored, and develop microservices to integrate JOMS into the B-1 MPE. 2) Global Mobility and Special Mission (GM-SM) MPS Modernization: Provide new and improved MAF-SMACC mission planning capability to support ACE software applications for pre-flight, dynamic/in-flight replanning, and post-flight analysis; provide software applications to support operational engagement to optimize the tactical kill chain; and support individual OFP requirements, such as avionics upgrades, communications systems, etc. Common operational GM-SM baselines 1) enable agile software deliverables; 2) minimize platform schedule constraints; and 3) reduce platform dependencies within the OFP. a. Global Mobility Modernization: Includes new and improved mission planning capability to support C-17, C-130H, C-130J, C-5, KC-135, KC-10, and KC-46, global command and control (C2), and AMC fuel efficiency requirements incorporating MAF Automated Flight Planning Service into the deployed squadron mission planning suite. Efforts include, but are not limited to, enhancing capabilities to accommodate avionics upgrades, precision airdrop for increased accuracy, interfaces with C2 systems, and improved weather data ingestion/utilization. Additionally, efforts include, but are not limited to, integrating improvements to MAF-related CCs, such as assault zone, Air Refueling Tool, CAT, and weather. b. Special Mission Modernization: Includes new and improved mission planning capability to support SMACC platforms (E-3, E-7, E-8, RC-135, EA-37, and EC-130) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) platforms (HC-130J and HH-60G/W). Efforts will replace JMPS with JOMS for initial SMACC platforms. Additionally, efforts includes, but are not limited to, improving performance stability by more efficient transfer of mission data from the MPE to the OFP and integration onto the smart multifunction color display for the HH-60G/W. 3) MPS Core Mission Planning (CMP) encompasses the core functions of JMPS developed as microservices in a Common Development Environment (CDE) and the core modernization effort for JOMS architecture to continuously develop and deploy mission planning capabilities. MPS CMP: 1) develops mission planning software services, user interfaces, and underlying software architecture that are common to all aircraft (e.g., rapid computing of flight routes based on specific aircraft flying characteristics, weather, flight safety, airport destination, etc.); 2) develops software and data updating services to automatically synchronize connected assets; 3) develops, operates, and sustains the continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) infrastructure and software integration processes; and 4) supports worldwide USAF aircraft operations in connected and disconnected environments. The program office is preparing for Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) follow-on program(s) that will start in FY25. 4) Test, Training, and Certification: Continues all MPS-related integration, test, and certification activities for all 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.

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Document Type: Project
Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
Source ID: 675380_0208006F_7_3600_PB_2025

Mission Planning Systems (MPS) Modernization

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