Live–virtual–constructive simulation for testing and evaluation of air combat tactics, techniques, and procedures: Part 1: assessment framework

This paper advances live (L), virtual (V), and constructive (C) simulation methodologies by introducing a new LVC simulation framework for the development of air combat tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP). In the framework, TTP is developed iteratively in separate C-, V-, and L-simulation stages. This allows the utilization of the strengths of each simulation class while avoiding the challenges of pure LVC simulations. The C-stage provides the optimal TTP with respect to the probabilities of survival (P_s) and kill (P_k) of aircraft without considering the human–machine interaction (HMI). In the V-stage, the optimal TTP is modified by assessing its applicability with P_k and P_s, as well as HMI measures regarding pilots’ situation awareness, mental workload, and TTP adherence. In the L-stage, real aircraft are used to evaluate whether the developed TTP leads to acceptable P_k, P_s, and HMI measures in a real-life environment. The iterative nature of the framework enables that V- or L-stages can reveal flaws of the TTP and an inadequate TTP can be returned to the C- or V-stage for revision. This paper is Part 1 of a two-part study. Part 2 demonstrates the use of the framework with operationally used C- and V-simulators as well as real F/A-18C aircraft and pilots.