HITL is an important test category because
it represents the first opportunity to test uninstalled system components
(breadboard, brassboard, preproduction prototypes, etc.) in a realistic
RF, Laser, or electro-optical environment. HITL operating environments
like the Air Force Electronic Warfare Evaluation
Simulator (AFEWES) or the Real-Time Electromagnetic
Digitally Controlled Analyzer Processor (REDCAP) can provide:
terrain effects, high signal/threat density, realistic interactive scenarios,
multi-spectral capability, background noise, modern threat representation
via closed-loop hybrid threat simulator for EC effectiveness testing, man-in-the-loop
interaction, and IADS networking. Capabilities provided by the HITL test
environment are: security (shield/screen room), high data pass rate, test
replay/repeatability, and high capacity data collection and recording.
| Hardware-In-The-Loop Facility Capabilities |
What Makes
HITL Unique |
Evaluates EW system effectiveness prior to host platform integration
in a dynamic environment |
What HITL
Can Do |
Allows closed-loop effectiveness testing against an IADS, SAM and
AA missiles |
| Allows dynamic testing across the system employment envelope |
| Simulates a comprehensive battlefield threat environment |
| Tests EW systems in an integrated configuration |
| Allows both red and blue man-in-the-loop interfaces |
| Provides high flexibility, repeatability, and insight into results
at medium cost |
| Excellent primer for OAR testing |
HITL
Limitations |
Testing compatibility and interoperability with the host platform |
| Simulation of all flight environment aspects with high confidence |
HITL facilities are indoor test facilities
that provide a secure environment to test EW techniques and hardware against
simulators of threat systems. Primary EW HITL facilities contain simulations
of hostile weapon system hardware or the actual hostile weapon system hardware.
They are used to determine threat system susceptibility and to evaluate
the performance of EW systems and techniques.
See
AFEWES
REDCAP
|