Development and management of high-fidelity test technology for comprehensive performance evaluation of electronic warfare systems in multi-threat environments.

Abstract

This thesis addresses the key challenge of improving multi-threat RF environment simulator capability and fidelity to the level where most, if not all electronic warfare receiver performance could be adequately proven on ground-based test facilities rather than by expensive and difficult to repeat flight trials. For over 25 years the author has investigated his claim that this could be achieved, enabled by suitably enhanced RF threat simulators. The author’s technology development and management leadership has significantly influenced high-fidelity, multi-threat RF emitter scenario simulation capabilities during this period.

The published works and this thesis demonstrate this claim to be justified via the many simulator technology developments he has managed to fruition, those many potential enhancements he has identified, and four further research directions he has proposed. Many prior limitations have been overcome by technological developments and the author considers it likely that most remaining ones will be overcome within the next decade, leaving only those receiver performance verification tests that can only be done in flight to be done via flight test.

When taken as a whole, the 12 published works represent a significant contribution to the body of aerospace knowledge across the domains of survivability, electronic warfare systems and their test and evaluation, and radio/radar frequency threat simulation. Synthesis of those works demonstrates a coherent theme that links improved multi-threat RF environment simulation capability to more affordable, shorter and less risky receiver development programmes, which thereby also offers improved air platform survivability. The key importance of defence sector affordability is also recognised via development, described in the thesis, of a technology prioritisation assessment method to aid decision making on threat simulation fidelity enhancements.

Originality is also demonstrated in the works’ and this thesis’ development of public release reference material in the sensitive topic area of electronic warfare and test and evaluation, for the education of novices of graduate level and upwards, for the advisement of technical professionals, experienced testers and academics, and for the guidance of programme managers.