Simulation and Modeling of Systems of Systems

Chapter 7

Distributed Simulation 1

7.1. Introduction

7.1.1. The principle

The basic idea behind distributed simulation is to construct simulation systems by reusing existing simulation systems, often developed with different objectives. The components of distributed systems can be very different in nature and may include the following:

– digital simulation applications;

– piloted simulators;

– potentially, real systems such as C3I systems or real platforms (e.g. combat aircraft or tanks on real terrain);

– various software utilities.

To construct such simulation systems requires expertise in network technology and the use of suitable engineering processes (see section 7.3.6) by designers and developers. This chapter aims to cover this concept in greater depth, to describe the technologies and methods used, and to present the norms and standards without which this particular form of simulation could not have been developed.

Figure 7.1. Distributed simulation for anti-radar combat

Figure 7.1 illustrates the principle of distributed simulation. In this example, the aim was to develop a training system for anti-radar combat techniques, combining the following elements:

– a piloted fighter aircraft simulator;

– an opposing simulation of an aerial defense network;

– an aircraft weapons simulator providing, in particular, detailed models of different missiles launched by the aircraft. ...