Hardware-in-the-loop Test Technologies

To develop and demonstrate new and innovative technologies for hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing of kinetic energy weapons.Hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing is used to demonstrate advanced guidance and control systems used on new missile defense systems. A significant hurdle that a HWIL facility must overcome is to provide closed-loop stimulation to weapon sensors so thatthey respond as they would during flight. Sensors that are typically tested include missile seekers, inertial measurement sensors, GPS receivers, and data links. Technologies are of interest that significantly advances the state-of-the-art of current HWILtest technologies. Areas of emphasis include infrared, visible, and ultraviolet projector systems and high frequency flight motion simulators. Projector systems that increase dynamic range, increase pixel resolution, and increase frame rate are required.Flight motion simulator concepts that meet requirements for cryogenic testing, simulation of airframe vibration, or address control complexities of hybrid large travel high frequency systems, is of interest. The development of the MS 3 DOF will lead tomore realistic HWIL simulation environment for defensive missile systems. This Phase 1 effort will determine not only the feasibility of a design, but will lead to new innovations in FMS design and applications for the MS 3 DOF.The initial commercialization of the MS 3 DOF will focus on the developers of missile G/C and sensor design. The DOD laboratories currently engaged in HWIL simulation will require this instrument to validate and certify the current and future terminallyguided missile systems.