Home » Technology » Scientific Computing » Necessary Tools for Successful SBA

Necessary Tools for Successful SBA

© Adam Hughes

In the world of scientific computing, Simulation-Based Acquisition, or SBA, has always been something of a Holy Grail. While many people involved in simulation studies paid lip-service to the goal of eventually basing important real-world decisions on the work done via number-crunching, there was little confidence that any of us would ever be directly involved in such endeavors. So, computational scientists kept fighting the small battles and dutifully planned for their retirements. A funny thing happened on the way to the bank, though. The recent explosion in computational power has allowed researchers from many fields to couple their efforts and begin to model systems previously reserved for lab or field tests.

In order to conduct meaningful research which can contribute to SBA, it is absolutely essential to have available the state-of-the-art in computing power and analysis techniques. The new Simulation and Analysis Facility (SIMAF) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) aims to meet these needs for DoD scientists in the unending quest for better and cheaper military apparatus.

The facilities at SIMAF might look like the ultimate toy store to those of us who love computers and technical bells and whistles. The highlight of the facility is undoubtedly the main display room, which houses a 30- by eight-foot video screen with balcony seating for 30 spectators. In addition, there are two combat-team chambers, sort of the virtual foxholes of the operation, where teams can map out and execute their plans. Also present is a main simulation control console.

Away from the main theatre, SIMAF provides eight warfighter stations which allow for a variety of simulation situations. It is possible to group the stations as desired to simulate either friendly or hostile missions. In keeping with the time-honored and necessary traditions of the U.S. military, these stations are associated with two conference rooms where the combatants are briefed/de-briefed concerning their virtual missions.

Of course, no military operation could be successful without sound interaction with headquarters and other platoons, so SIMAF houses a communications room which allows the researchers to link up with other simulation facilities. This equipment is also used to carry out distributed exercises among various groups of participants.

In addition to the impressive list of facilities discussed above, SIMAF also provides an analysis room with multiple workstations and two auxilliary rooms which allow for additional simulation and analysis work. All of this points to a very fertile virtual development and testing ground which will undoubtedly continue to grow to meet the demanding needs of the modern warfighter.

The copyright of the article Necessary Tools for Successful SBA in Scientific Computing is owned by . Permission to republish Necessary Tools for Successful SBA in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.