Determining the utility of Advanced Distributed Simulation to test and evaluation

This paper summarizes efforts taken to date by the Joint Advanced Distributed Simulation (JADS) Joint Feasibility Study (JFS) team in determining the utility of Advanced Distributed Simulation (ADS) to test and evaluation (T&E). The top-rated of the many T&E requirements that may be satisfied are reviewed, as well as eight applications ADS identified by the team. The study team has concluded that ADS is a viable tool, but knows that the T&E community needs quantitative data on ADS performance. Thus, specific tests are planned by the team, two of which are discussed here. The Systems Integration Test involves linking traditional hardware-in-the-loop simulation with live open-air aircraft. The End-to-End Test replicates a thread of the battlefield process, from target detection to target destruction, using a combination of actual hardware, simulations and models. Finally, some of the proposed JADS joint test and evaluation (JT&E) legacy products are discussed, in light of their importance to members of the T&E community accepting ADS as a creditable tool.