The Role Of Simulation In Operational Test And Evaluation

The objective of this study is to formulate a set of guidelines for the application of computer simulations and models to the problem of assessing weapon system performance. Specifically, the study addresses the question: how the OT & E community can use models and simulations more effectively in evaluating weapon systems. The methodology for conducting operational testing is multidimensional; the number of variables precludes a hard set of rules for what, when, and how best to simulations. The primary audience is the decisionmaker in the Air Force and in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) who must support the development of more capable methods by which to formulate his program support decisions. This study focuses on the application of simulation techniques to the problem of assessing a weapon system's performance in its operational environment. Because of the exhaustive work that has been done in the area of simulation and modeling, the study avoids detailed discussions of simulations. Testing is a key element in the defense system acquisition process because it provides data for evaluating system development progress.