Background: Technology Service Corporation (TSC) began developing its Testable Component Environment (TCE) software as a tool to support simulation, testing, and development of the AEGIS AN/SPY-1 radar system over 15 years ago. Since then, the SPY radar community has recognized TCE as the premier modeling and test tool available, and it has become integral to the program’s success.
How is TCE unique? Unlike most combat system simulation tools, TCE integrates the actual tactical code from a fielded system on a PC. This unique aspect completely eliminates a significant source of uncertainty normally present when modeling these systems. Users do not have to be concerned that a model of a tactical component does not accurately represent the behavior of the system, so they can turn their full attention to manipulating external environmental conditions.
High fidelity models of all significant environmental factors, including targets, weather, wind, sea clutter, debris, chaff, jamming, and land features are integrated into TCE. The combination of these detailed models with the actual tactical code from the fielded system produces scenarios which reliably imitate behaviors that occur in the real world.
TCE contains advanced analysis tools that allow users to effectively interpret data. Many flexible visualization options and displays let users customize the application to meet their specific analytical needs.
TCE can be run on a standard desktop. There is no need for powerful servers or expensive complementary software. Using just a contemporary PC, users can run scenarios in faster than real-time, generating large volumes of reliable data at a minimal cost while taking advantage of sophisticated debugging methods available with a PC.
What is the status of TCE? TCE is installed at Lockheed Martin and MSE’s Moorestown, NJ facilities, the Naval Surface Warfare Centers in Dahlgren, VA; Corona, CA; and Port Hueneme, CA, as well as TSC. It is the primary analytical tool being used for development of AEGIS SPY-1 radar computer program code. This effort is integral to the AEGIS Modernization (AMOD) program being implemented by Navy to upgrade AEGIS Combat Systems to an “Open Architecture.”
How can TCE help you solve IWS challenges?
- Interoperability: TCE’s ability to “get into” the software of multiple programs running simultaneously and perform “deep repair” of code, can save both time and money while correcting long standing root cause conflicts. TCE should be considered part of the solution for any long term Interoperability plan of action.
- High fidelity training: No other program available can provide a Desktop based solution to high fidelity training at considerably lower costs than current trainers. For the first time, Sailors can achieve realistic training in the schoolhouse and learn how to maximize the AEGIS Radar and Combat System through accurate representation of the following presentations:
- Environmental conditions (weather) sea/land/chaff/birds and clutter.
- Demonstrate all primary jamming modes to the radar operator and AAW team
- Aspect dependent threats, low elevation and non-standard propagation effects; RHI and PPI, which provide important training opportunities to Student warfighters.
- NIFC-CA integration and training. TCE can be used to save time and scarce resources for testing well before going to the Fleet. A NIFC-CA “Strike Group” can be loaded into a laptop to include all disparate AEGIS and SSDS baselines, and run scenarios to determine where faults or conflicts are, and then fix them.
- With appropriate tactical codes, accurate testing and high fidelity training can be developed for combined surface and air missile defense teams without the added expense of Labs.
5 TCE pillars to support PEO IWS priorities
- Element development and testing
- Find and fix top Interoperability root causes
- Improve AAW capability with NIFC-CA integration and training
- Provide High Fidelity IAMD training afloat and ashore
- Support future developments and testing
For additional information about TCE, contact: Joe Alder. Ph: 301-576-2352, Email: