Application of Synthetic Environments to future air systems studies

The next generation of air system will be a complex `system of systems´. For example, ST(A) 425 defines a Future Offensive Air System (FOAS) which could become a new build or derivative manned aircraft, a cruise missile, an unmanned or uninhabited aircraft or a mix of all these. Project complexity is therefore greater than ever before but the time and money available are less. Synthetic Environments (SEs) offer the tools by which trade-off studies on FOAS lethality, survivability, cost and so on can be carried out in a timely manner alongside the customer. The implications of terrain screening, ground fire threats and the difficult area of precision weapon aiming are typical of the `system of systems´ issues which need to be addressed. Should studies using these tools reveal unacceptable attrition at low altitude through threats such as short range gunfire then trade-offs at other altitudes using other weapon delivery methods can be carried out until an optimum solution is reached. FOAS will be delivered using new methods which will streamline engineering as well as procurement and manufacturing methods. This paper discusses the Synthetic Environments which will bring together the tools, people, models and simulations into a coherent whole to achieve this