Virtual Battle Experiment AS-4: Exploration of Networked Maritime Operations

Abstract : This report provides a summary of Virtual Battle Experiment-AS4 held at DSTO-Edinburgh in August 2003 in support of TTCP MAR TP-1 (Command, Control and Information Management). The study was designed to investigate possible picture compilation benefits provided by a maritime tactical network. Novel human-in-the-loop simulation methodology was employed in which a networked virtual submarine undertook a surveillance patrol with track information fed to three separate Track Managers. Data analyses compared resulting picture quality and human performance. The findings of the study were that networking assisted picture completeness and detection continuity at the cost of higher operator workload.