Test & Evaluation Block 2.0

Abstract

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) T&E program has six primary purposes: 1) demonstrate and assess Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS); 2) demonstrate and assess Block capability; 3) identify areas where technology can increase overall system performance; 4) identify BMDS issues; 5) provide anchoring and validation data for modeling and simulation (M&S) tools; and 6) support early, partial, and full capability readiness decisions. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) recently initiated a systematic review of BMDS testing that will establish a new convention for setting test objectives that go beyond simply exercising newly delivered elements of the system. The BMDS test Program is MDA is transitioning from ``architecture-based`` test objectives to ``technical parameter-based`` objectives to anchor models and simulations (M&S). The BMDS performance evaluation strategy is to develop models and simulations of the BMDS and compare their predictions to empirical data collected through comprehensive flight and ground testing to validate their accuracy, rather than physically testing all combinations of BMDS configurations, engagement. The BMDS test program: (1) encompasses activities associated with technology developments, demonstrations, experiments, research, deployment, and maintenance activities, (2) describes test methods and approaches the Directorate for Test (DT) uses to test element capabilities to meet the system capabilities delineated in the System Specification Documents and Interface Design Documents, and (3) provides test data to support assessments to document and determine BMDS effectiveness. BMDS testing addresses system wide test objectives, Critical Engagement Conditions (CECs) and Empirical Measurement Events (EMEs) to anchor M&S, test environments, testing methodologies (i.e., M&S, FT, GT), and identifies test resources (e.g., Test Bed, M&S tools, targets, ranges) required to provide test data that when combined with analysis of data from multiple sources, contribute to verification of the BMDS capability. Engineering Test Analysis (formerly part of the CTF) conducts system level analysis for all BMD system flight and ground test events and reports the results to MDA Leadership and the BMDS Community. Analysis is performed and reported using the Joint Analysis Team (JAT) process where system analysts and analysts from each participating element work together to plan analysis requirements and analyze test results. Comprehensive joint analysis produces cohesive system-level analysis, reduces flight test risk, and identifies operational capabilities and limitations through the use of standardized processes, tools, and products across all test venues. This analysis enables MDA Leadership to make capability delivery declarations to support Warfighter requirements. Block 2.0 defends allies and deployed forces from short- to medium-range threats in one region/theater. Initial Block 2.0 events test maturing BMDS Elements, including PATRIOT, Aegis BMD (SM-3), and THAAD. Events are identified to address the demonstration of PATRIOT Upper Tier Debris Mitigation capability and Aegis Weapon System SM-2 Block IV Sea-Based Terminal capability. Once baselined, Block 2.0 testing increases the number of concurrent participants across Elements, demonstrating operationally realistic multi-national communications networks, performing directed engagements and engagement coordination among all participants, and assessing increased capability with respect to BMDS measure of effectiveness (MOE). International partners include but are not limited to Japan, Israel, and other potential future BMD International Partners. Block 2.0 lays the ground work upon which Block 5.0 will continue to evolve additional capability for allies and deployed forces.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: BX04_0603888C_4_0400_PB_2011

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Test and Evaluation
• Missile Defense Systems.