A Suite of HLA Multi-Federation Tools

HLA provides the opportunity to maximize the reuse, interoperability, and utility of modeling and simulation components. However, it is up to simulation developers and tool manufacturers to create components that take advantage of these powerful HLA features. MaK, the leading supplier of HLA tools, proposes to address this need with a suite of flexible tools that can be used by the Air Force in different simulation domains and in multi-level exercises. MaK proposes the development of a set of HLA multi-federation tools that support multiple simulation domains, as well as multiple levels of simulation. The tool suite will be built on a flexible VR-Link-based interface that provides network functionality, access to the RTI's services, and federation-specific utilities. By leveraging existing COTS tools, applying their knowledge of HLA, and capitalizing on the commonality among the tools, MaK can provide a low-cost, low-risk solution that meets the functional and technical requirements. MaK's flexible HLA interface will support multiple FOMs and provide access to federate-specific functionality. MaK will work closely with both the MASC and the CUBE to ensure that the resulting interface meets federation-specific requirements, specifically those dealing with C2. As a test case, the resulting design will be used to re-architect MaK's current HLA Stealth into an HLA multi-federation Stealth. MaK is the ideal candidate to provide the Air Force with the next generation HLA tool suite because of their extensive knowledge of HLA, their ability to leverage existing commercial HLA Tools, and their direct experience developing multi-level simulation tools, such as a Stealth that can be used for both entity-level and aggregate-level visualization.