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This is the broad analysis of a system or of system variants. We will examine aircraft, missiles, radars, communication systems, avionics systems, etc. to determine which provides the most capability, for the lowest cost, and at the lowest risk (if possible) . Usually, there are many options from which to select when designing a new system. A trade study is used to examine the most critical functions or components of a system, and the results are used to narrow down the possible systems and to finally select the desired configuration. Trade studies are done at many levels. They may examine only the number of primary components or the expected cost and be completed in a few days. Or, they may take many years of effort by teams of engineers to select determine the final system design.
Here are some examples:
1. Integrated Air Defense System (IADS)
An IADS is a collection of sensors; Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) systems; and active defense systems used to protect an area from hostile air systems. The sensors may include: radars, acoustic detection, infrared detection, or visual detection and tracking systems. Typical C3I systems are used to process data from the sensor systems, assess the intent of the tracked system, and communicate desired actions to other elements and coordinate the actions of the IADS. The defense systems typically include Surface to Air Missiles (SAM) systems, Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA), and airborne interceptor aircraft (it is likely that laser systems may soon be part of these systems). Hostile air systems usually pertains to airplanes, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles but may also include satellites.
In order to analyze such a complex system, it is necessary to identify and simulate or model all the important elements, tactics, and functions of both the offensive systems and the IADS.
2. Aircraft
Trust me when I say an aircraft is a complex system. An aircraft is really a transport system for a complex array of sensors, weapons, defensive systems (jammers, countermeasures, and decoys), communciations systems, and battle management systems (both machine logic and the crew). These must all be melding into an effiecient system that can operate with other complex systems and be carried on an aircraft that is efficient, economical, and survivable. Add in the various "stealth" technologies to reduce radar, infrared, acoustics, and visual signatures and you have a truly difficult problem. In addition, we have to analyze the logistics, training, and now days the disposal issues related to the aircraft. A new twist for the latest aircraft program is to meet the needs of four services (USAF, USN, USMC, and Royal Marines)!
3. Battle Management Systems
We are at an age where data can be collected more rapidly than it can be processed and analyzed. This is also a problem for modern military commanders. We have satellites, aircraft, reports from humans, ground sensors, and naval systems that all collect data. This data is used to assess the intent of the enemy and, based on the status and disposition of your own forces, make critical decisions on how best to engage, or not engage, the enemy. Systems were developed to meet specific needs - Airborne Warning and Control (AWACS) for air surveillance, Joint Strategic Targeting and Reconaissance Systems (Joint STARS) for ground surveillance, satellites and the U-2 aircraft for long range surveillance and missile warning to name a few. The amount of data is huge.
We are examining ways to automate and streamline the process from collection through decision. This includes the development of systems that comprehend mission objectives and can translate these objectives to actions for collection, analysis, communication, and engagement systems.