Autonomous littoral warfare systems evaluator-engineering simulation (ALWSE-ES)

Performing surveillance, reconnaissance, mapping, reacquisition, identification, and neutralization of mines in the littoral environment presents a very complex and difficult problem to solve. The natural environment of this area is extremely dynamic and energetic, creating a formidable challenge for any appointed system. Evaluating system performance and interoperability are also very difficult in this environment. The complex nature of the littoral area's environmental interactions requires the use of systems that rely increasingly on complicated tactics, high-resolution peripheral components, and sophisticated processing algorithms. In addition, the availability and flexibility of autonomous platforms have resulted in thousands of concept permutations which can be used to address missions in the littorals. Evaluating the effectiveness of these concepts in an orderly, structured, and consistent way requires the use of an effective engineering-simulation based analysis approach. The Coastal Systems Station (CSS) is utilizing such an approach by developing a high fidelity, engineering level simulation tool named the Autonomous Littoral Warfare Systems Evaluator-Engineering Simulation (ALWSE-ES). ALWSE-ES is closely related to the higher level stochastic tool, ALWSE-MC, and will serve as a foundational tool supporting an overall systems engineering toolset. ALWSE-ES allows the detailed characterization of environmental effects on systems under test, providing a synthetic environment in which to evaluate an engineering concept or design. This paper describes the approach and implementation of ALWSE-ES. ALWSE-ES is being developed in support of the Very Shallow Water/Surf Zone Mine Countermeasures Reconnaissance Program.