A software tool for precision munition control design

Abstract

Using and maintaining digital simulations representing detailed motion and performance prediction for missile systems are often hindered by the model's own complexity. Additionally, varying hardware platforms, operating systems, and design languages account for a large amount of diversity and non-standardization among munition models. The retrofitting of these mainframe-based models with a non-intrusive, graphical user interface named GUIDANCE proves to be both a product enhancement and a cost-saving measure. The GUIDANCE toolkit allows the transition of ownership and execution to non-expert users, while supporting all of the model's features and flexibility. Detailing the attachment of GUIDANCE to a gun launched precision munition simulation (PGMSIM) demonstrates the use of such an interface. Both the ease of inputting data and viewing results from the Ada-based guided munition simulation PGMSIM are displayed. The use of a local standard as defined by one graphical interface serving multiple models is also demonstrated as a tool for resurrecting archived simulations within a research firm's modeling library.<>