Effectiveness of JSAF as an Open Architecture, Open Source Synthetic Environment in Defense Experimentation
Abstract
Today's operational environment necessitates joint or combined operations at all levels. Modeling and simulation (M&S) is a key element supporting combined or joint forces experimentation, training and decision support needs. There are few joint Simulation Environments that can support current and future requirements, and that will range from low to high level of fidelity. Few tools can support the concept of "Scalable Fidelity". We have thus tested the hypothesis that Joint Forces Command (JFCOM)'s Joint Semi Automated Forces (JSAF) has the potential for the integration of models with varying levels of fidelity, therefore making it a suitable Synthetic Environment (SE) with scalable fidelity. We believe this was achievable in part due to JSAF's open architecture,its reliance on open standards and being open source. Results indicate that JSAF's open architecture allows easy internal replacement of both low and high fidelity models. Results also show that JSAF's open architecture brings the flexibility to update the system according to CD&E specific requirements. In terms of reusing M&S developments in spiral CD&E work, JSAF seems to support the concept of Scalable Fidelity quite well since it supports designing or composing with the anticipated attributes of the planned future. However, a number of problems were encountered with JSAF. Some problems were related to both the lack of documentation and the implementation of the environment. We conclude that JSAF as an open architecture and open source SE can be used effectively to support spiral experimentation that requires not only interoperability, but also reusability, scalable fidelity, extensibility. A JSAF knowledge base portal is needed to make JSAF a more reusable and robust platform, particularly if the scalable fidelity capability allows the models to seamlessly scale up from concept development, to experimentation material acquisition and to training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA476570
Entities
People
- Altan Yavas
- Anderw L. Vallerand
- Fawzi Hassaine
- Nacer Abdellaoui
- Paul Hubbard