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	Director, Operational Test & Evaluation
FY97 Annual Report

AIR FORCE MISSION SUPPORT SYSTEM (AFMSS)

	Air Force ACAT II Program Total program cost (TY$) $576M Full-rate production: Blocks C2.0, C2.1 (incremental by block and aircraft starting in 1997) Prime Contractor Sanders, A Lockheed Martin Company

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010

The Air Force Mission Support System (AFMSS) provides automated mission-planning support for Air Force aircraft (fixed and rotary wing) and guided munitions. AFMSS will operate either as a stand-alone system, or linked with other command information systems, to aid the mission planner in selecting an optimal route through hostile territory. AFMSS is expected to significantly benefit command and control performance by enhancing information superiority for the warfighter and by providing unique capabilities in support of both precision engagement and dominant maneuver .

AFMSS consists of computer and software tools that support aircraft and weapon mission planning. AFMSS uses several different hardware versions, all comprising commercially available off-the-shelf components. For aircraft with electronic data transfer capability, aircraft-unique hardware peripherals are used to prepare data transfer devices for uploading mission information into aircraft computers. AFMSS core software is combined with tailored Aircraft/Weapon/Electronics modules to provide a Mission Planning System (MPS) for each aircraft type. Low observable aircraft also require a software module called Common Low Observable Autorouter (CLOAR) to plan routes that minimize exposure to threat systems. The outputs of AFMSS-based MPSs are combat mission folders (comprising maps, images, and flight information) and data transfer devices.

The AFMSS program began in 1990. An interim version, Block C1.5, is fielded for six USAF aircraft types. Block C2.0 software completed development in 2QFY97 and is currently undergoing operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for the following aircraft types: B-2, F-117, KC-135R, F-15E with AGM-130, B-52H, A-10, F-15 MSIP, C-27, EF-111, F-16C/D Block 40/50, C-130E/H, and C-130P/N. Block C2.1 software merges requirements of Air Force aircraft and those of the U.S. Special Operations Command into a common software version. Block C2.1 software is completing development and will undergo OT&E during FY98 on the following aircraft types: MC-130E, HH/MH-60G, C-17, B-1B, RC-135V/U, E-8, MC-130H, MH-53J, AC-130H, MC-130P, EC-130H, and AC-130U.

In February 1997, DOT&E approved the baseline TEMP for Blocks C2.0 and C2.1 of AFMSS and the TEMP annex covering B-2 MPS testing. A test plan template for all aircraft types was also approved in February 1997. Individual test plans for MPSs will also be approved by DOT&E prior to testing for the following aircraft types: F-15E with AGM-130, C-17, C-130E/H, E-3B/C, AC-130H/U, and HH/MH-60G.

The AFMSS OT&E for F-117 aircraft was planned for 3QFY97 in conjunction with a new operational flight software version. Because of problems with the CLOAR module, which is needed for both the F-117 and the B-2, full OT&E for the F-117 version of AFMSS has been deferred until FY98. However, an interim capability of the F-117 version without the CLOAR was tested in September-October 1997.

The AFMSS OT&E for the B-2 aircraft was also planned for 3QFY97 in conjunction with IOT&E for the overall B-2 program. A preliminary evaluation of the B-2 AFMSS-based MPS was conducted in June 1997, but because of the unavailability of CLOAR and the immaturity of aircraft-unique software modules, many workarounds were required and full functional capability was not available for demonstration. B-2 MPS operational testing will take place in FY98 as part of B-2 FOT&E at Whiteman AFB.

OT&Es for AFMSS-based MPSs were conducted by AFOTEC for KC-135R aircraft not requiring a data transfer device and for F-15E aircraft armed with the AGM-130 weapon. Additionally, the Air Force Air Warfare Center completed OT&E for EF-111A and F-16 aircraft types. OT&E for additional aircraft types will continue into FY98.

Development and certification of AFMSS-based MPS for testing is running four to six months behind the schedule approved in early FY97. Testing of several aircraft types (B-2, F-117, F-15) was suspended due to problems encountered during late developmental testing and initial OT&E.

To date, AFMSS-based MPSs for only four aircraft types have successfully completed OT&E with an overall satisfactory rating: KC-135R, F-15E, EF-111A and F-16 Block 40/50. Air Combat Command has certified AFMSS MPSs for planning operational flights on these aircraft types. After critical software fixes were made to AFMSS software, the F-15 Multi-Stage Improvement Program version of AFMSS and an interim capability of the F-117 version of AFMSS without CLOAR resumed and completed operational testing. DOT&E is in the process of completing our evaluation of the test results.

OT&E of the AFMSS-based MPS for B-2 has been reported as part of the B-2 IOT&E. The system was used with partial success to plan missions for a final-configuration Block 30 B-2; however, it required planning times that greatly exceeded user requirements. The system was found to be inflexible and not user friendly; and it required contractor support during testing. CLOAR was not tested.

For the aircraft types successfully completing OT&E, AFMSS-based MPSs were rated as satisfactory for effectiveness on critical operational issues. Nevertheless, several characteristics are marginal to unacceptable. The system has a very poor user interface, and the lack of operator feedback and warnings contributed to delays and an increased workload. Printed charts were cited as unacceptable because of poor resolution, particularly for low-altitude tactical flight use. System suitability has not been resolved because of insufficient system operating hours.

A complete assessment of AFMSS Block C2.0 effectiveness and suitability will be reported once aircraft testing is complete at the end of FY98. The report will include ratings by aircraft as well as an overall rating for AFMSS Block C2.0.