AEDC Sensor T&E Methodology
Abstract
For space surveillance systems it is extremely costly, and, in some cases, impractical to provide effective field testing to evaluate operational issues. Even with sufficient systems on orbit, there are significant problems in providing the threat targets. Not only is the launch of a target missile very expensive, but it is also impractical to launch eight or ten missiles simultaneously. System performance is measured at only one set of parameters, and the possibility of acquiring zero data is real. Operational testing of space assets in ground test facilities has been limited as well by the lack of adequate target and threat simulations. AEDC's new direct write scene generation (DWSG) capabilities have overcome this limitation. These capabilities, along with recently upgraded state-of-the-art sensor test facilities and closed4oop DWSG developments, can provide ground-based testing at all levels of system acquisition. This report describes the proposed new approach to surveillance and seeker testing for the next century, which includes the marriage of the traditional DT&E with a new capability to perform early operational assessments and operational T&E prior to deployment. This T&E methodology takes fall advantage of existing DoD facility investments, provides testing at lower costs, enables better investigation of the sensor design envelope with actual hardware, allows concurrent DT&E and OT&E, and reduces flight risk for a program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA297582
Entities
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex