Operational assessment of Target Acquisitions Weapons Software (TAWS) prediction performance at Nellis AFB, NV

Abstract

Target Acquisition Weapons Software (TAWS) Version 3.4 is a joint Tactical Decision Aid (TDA) used to predict performance of electro-optic and electro-magnetic (EM/EO) munitions and navigation systems. TAWS is the USAF and USN mission-planning standard for laser-guided, infrared, and TV munitions and navigation systems TDAs. As TAWS continues to deploy through the mission planning community there is a need to establish a systematic approach to assessing TAWS accuracy. This study was an operational assessment of TAWS Infrared (IR) model performance and consisted of two parts: a comparison of model predictions to pilot observations of IR detection range of a static tank target and an assessment of physical temperature predictions. Limiting factors of this project are similar to those encountered in real world utilization of TAWS mission planning TDAs. This evaluation found TAWS predicted detection ranges and target scene model output were representative forecasts of observed values. The TDA provided a good description of background thermal behavior and highlighted the necessity of careful evaluation of the target scene because of component facet complexity and the geometry of facets exposed to the sensor view. The resulting component analysis illuminated the benefit of focusing new TAWS development on improving the target physical model.