Today an increasing number of programmes are too large and expensive to build in the traditional manner. To ensure competitiveness and to reduce risk, they require system-level modelling during the proposal, assessment, design and verification phases.
Modelling
We use modelling on our projects to assist with the development of algorithms and software.
Simulation
As systems grow more and more complex, the need to thoroughly test and evaluate these systems becomes increasingly important. Unfortunately, it is not always possible or costs-effective to do so in the real world. We also use simulations extensively to develop our navigation algorithms.
Simulations also allow isolation of particular model components and full control over specific scenarios involving those components. By way of example, Communications Intelligence (COMINT) plays a vital role in modern warfare; we address the training needs using the (COMINT) simulator which is designed teach the basic concepts using simulated battlefield signals and sensors.
Synthetic Environments
The counterpart to simulated models of sensors, platforms and other active objects is the simulation of other factors that effect them. Synthetic environments extend the capabilities and complexity of existing simulations or may be used independently, e.g. for training situations or testbeds. Synthetic Environment standards such as High Level Architecture (HLA) allow interoperation with third party software or real-world objects.
We have developed synthetic environments which model how communications and radar signals propogate through the environment. A prime example is the succesful Communications Intelligence Mission Planning modelling tool.