A Runtime Analysis and Monitoring Tool Suite

The increasing number and complexity of HLA-based distributed simulation exercises has created an urgent need for a suite of commercially-supported HLA Runtime Analysis and Monitoring (RAM) tools. These tools must provide a clear, accurate and timely view into the dynamic virtual battlefield and its supporting infrastructure while also providing supervisory control of all federates. Mak Technologies has an extensive background in commercially successful distributed simulation products and a growing body of HLA runtime monitoring tools, so a low-risk development foundation is assured. Our extensive experience in worldwide marketing of simulation tools will significantly further the transitioning of the software developed under this contract to the global HLA community. During the Phase I work effort, MaK will design an open, collaborative suite of RAM tools. MaK will also develop a tool FOM to support the interaction among the RAM components and other federates. MaK is able to produce an initial prototype of a RAM tool suite by leveraging thier existing HLA-compliant commercial products, such as VR-Link, Stalth, and Data Logger. Each of these tools will be modified to adhere to the RAM API and the RAM Tool FOM. The developed prototype will not only provide a set of tools currently unavailable in the M&S community, but will also provide a strong starting point for Phase II testing, design, and further development. MaK's proposed work effort results in an open specification for the RAM Tool Suite, a RAM Tool FOM, and a working prototype which includes the incorporation of two existing commercial HLA tools. This not only provides a strong foundation for future development, but also provides a jump start on the incorporation of commercail tools into the RAM Tool Suite.