Modeling and Simulation Technologies to Support Physics Based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar Models in Training Systems

ABSTRACT: Live, virtual, constructive (LVC) threat simulation in electronic warfare (EW) training systems has allowed pilots to train against dense realistic threat arrays. For example, training simulations provide radar warning receiver (RWR) in-flight training against passive threats such as air surveillance and tracking radars. Recent advances in DRFM technology has increased interest in training pilots against active threats such as repeater jamming. These threats require models of a radar and antenna system. Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA) are replacing the mechanically-steered antennas and are becoming the primary radar antenna architecture and thus are the desired antenna technology for use in the LVC simulations. AESA antennas offer a significant advantage over mechanically-steered antennas including fast beam steering angle changes (beam agility), and formation of multiple beams. AESA antennas are subject to advanced electronic attack (EA) threats like digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jammers, and can participate in performing EA operations. These capabilities make them more challenging to simulate than traditional mechanically scanned antennas. Under this effort ISL will develop a high-fidelity AESA antenna model for use in LVC simulation environments. BENEFIT: The primary commercialization path for the technology developed under the proposed effort is with Department of Defense program offices that work with or require models of advanced AESA radar systems. Other service branches that have aircraft (both fixed-wing and rotary-wing) training systems that include radars would benefit from the high-fidelity airborne AESA radar modeling and simulation system developed under the proposed effort. The high-fidelity AESA modeling and radar simulation tools developed under the effort are applicable to systems in addition to the airborne AESA radar systems including both ship and ground-based radars.