EXERCISE RF. Interactive Signals Stimulator for SIGINT Applications

Transcription

1 EXERCISE RF Interactive Signals Stimulator for SIGINT Applications

2 Introduction EXERCISE is the family of simulation products developed by the Aerospace Business Unit of LOG.IN. EXERCISE CGF (Computer Generated Forces) generates synthetic highly realistic scenarios combining together platforms, sensors, 3D terrain, environmental effects, propagation models. This presentation describes the architecture and the design solutions of EXERCISE RF, the LOG.IN s product dedicated to the radio monitoring sector.

3 EXERCISE RF Overview EXERCISE RF has a plug-in based architecture with the following modules: Entities Database containing all the simulated entities characteristics (i.e. dimensions, max speed, Radar Cross Section); Simulation Algorithms (including platform dynamics, sensors, environmental effects); Mission Tasks Database to reproduce the operative doctrines behavior; Simulation Engine to run the scenario; Tactical Map to create and control the scenario; Interfaces to exchange data in a distributed simulation environment. The user can create and execute a scenario in which several entities move, emit signals, generate Infra Red (IR) and electromagnetic footprints, communicate using radio devices. Each entity has a mission task which is executed through the usage of artificial intelligence. The user can override the mission task and take manual control of the entity s systems (i.e. to force the emission of a radio signal).

4 EXERCISE RF Overview EXERCISE RF is the result of a joint development effort between the Aerospace and the Communications Business Units of LOG.IN. EXERCISE RF combines simulation and stimulation techniques to generate a real Radio Frequency spectrum. EXERCISE RF has the following capabilities: Testing of SIGINT/COMINT pod; Operative radio monitoring doctrines analysis; ISTAR (Identification Surveillance Target Acquisition Reconnaissance) Live mission training.

5 RF Spectrum Overview

6 RF Spectrum Generation Features The RF Spectrum generation is performed by the IZT S1000 signal generator: Frequency Range: 9 KHz 3 GHz, extendable up to 40 GHz. Instantaneous Bandwidth: 120 MHz, expandable up to 40 GHz. Number of Signals: 31 different per each 120 MHz slot, on 40 GHz. Phase-synchronous replay of diversity signals. Analogical and digital waveforms, including frequency hopping. Multi-channels 3D direction finders testing (azimuth and elevation). TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) geo-localiser testing. Capability to playback previously recorded signals.

7 RF Spectrum Generation Features cont d The RF spectrum is generated in real-time and it is coherent with: The position of the Device Under Test (multiple DUT can be present at the same time in the same scenario); The tactical situation; The terrain orography; The environmental conditions. Device Under Test

8 EXERCISE RF Architecture The architecture is a mix of real time simulation and stimulation. The simulation component is managed by EXERCISE RF while the stimulation is managed by one or more wideband signal generators. The communications between all the software modules are based on the HLA (High Level Architecture). The usage of HLA (IEEE 1516) allows the system to be easily integrated in a wider distributed simulation environment. Software Components: EXERCISE RF; RF plug-in; HLA RTI (Real Time Interface). Hardware Components: Signal generators; Operator console; COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) computer.

9 Frequencies and Modulations RF Plug-In Architecture Entities 3D Positions RF Intervisibility Entities Distances TX and RX antenna patterns Signal Generator 1 Entities Transmitters Status (Off, On Air) Environmental Effects Attenuation level for each signal Phase difference for each signal Signal Generator 2 Signal Generator N 0 dbm RF Spectrum Terrain Orography EXERCISE RF Software - Simulation Hardware - Stimulation

10 Why is it interactive... The RF scenario generated changes in real time following the evolution of the tactical scenario. At any time the operator can modify: The attitude (i.e. position, altitude, elevation, speed, pitch, roll, yaw) of any scenario entity including that on which the pod is installed; The RF propagation conditions; The transmission parameters (frequency, modulation, power). The operator console provides the following tools: Map with tactical symbology (MIL-STD-2525B/C) to monitor and control the scenario; OTW (Out of the Window) to have a 3D view of the operative area; Joystick and throttle for an easy manual control of the entities attitude and systems. It is possible to pause and resume the RF spectrum generation. The whole session is recorded, it can be played back for debriefing purposes.

11 EXERCISE RF Configuration examples

12 Testing of SIGINT/COMINT Systems This configuration of EXERCISE RF allows testing of the performances of a SIGINT/COMINT device. Benefiting from a real time generated RF scenario makes it possible to stimulate any pod as if it were boarded on a mobile platform (i.e. a UAV). Effects like terrain masking, multi path, dynamic range saturation, environmental effects can be used to stress the device under test. It is possible to load the calibration matrixes of different antennas allowing the stimulation of the system in different configurations. Exercise-RF has been used to test the RMS-DF-X family of radio monitoring systems developed by LOG.IN.

13 Operative Doctrines Analysis Modern intelligence platforms are equipped with several sensors (i.e. Navigation, IR, NVG, RADAR, SIGINT/COMINT). Each sensor, including the platform itself, has performances which are affected by a wide number of parameters (i.e. attitude, terrain masking, propagation, outside temperature). EXERCISE-RF provides an interactive tool for " What If " live analysis to plan and analise the operative doctrines. To support this type of analisys the operator console is equipped with another EXERCISE plug-in, SENSOR, which provides a multi-mode camera simulator (Daylight, Infrared, NVG). A typical example could be the identification of the minimum risk flight path in a hostile area maximises both the ESM (Electronic Support Measure) performances and minimises the fuel consumption.

14 ISTAR Training Exercise with the RF and SENSOR plug-ins represents an efficient and effective support for ISTAR training. The ISTAR training requires the student to simultaneously operate an ESM, a RWR (Radar Warning Receiver), a camera, a tactical communication systems integrated in a C4I infrastructure. The capability of simulating these systems immersed in a live operative tactical scenario represents the main added value of Exercise. Multiple operator consoles can be linked together for a large scale joint exercise, in which Navy, Airforce and Army operators are trained together. The HLA full compatibility allows the training system to be connected to other simulators, like Command and Control or flight simulators, which are already available. Intranet / Internet

15 ISTAR Trainer with EXERCISE RF

16 Summary The presentation should have pointed out how it is possible to create a complex RF scenario using a mix of simulation and stimulation. This "hardware in the loop" allows the rapid integration of other sensor simulators and third-party radio monitoring systems. The reconfigurable console represents an affordable solution to build an interactive test bed with embedded training capabilities.

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