A real-time distributed computer network experiment for BMD terminal defense

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A real-time distributed computer network experiment for BMD terminal defense

Liu, S.F. / Parker, R.W. / Okikawa, K.K.

A series of real-time experiments were conducted on a distributed computer network in a simulated ballistic missile defense (BMD) environment to engage ICBMs. This experimentation was utilized as a research vehicle to assess the impact of distributed data processing technology on the design and development of a data processing subsystem for BMD application. The objective, technical approach, resource requirements and a special network hardware monitor are described. The programmatic experience gained during the development of this experiment are discussed. The observed empirical performance data are used for the calibration of simulation models to support network evaluation. Network performance based on the technology trends extrapolated from the experiment results indicates it can meet the stressing real-time BMD data processing requirements. Analysis of hands-on experience obtained suggests that a distributed computer network is a low cost alternative,within acceptable schedule risk, for BMD data processing implementation. This experiment has thus demonstrated the viability of the use of a DDP approach in a terminal defense application.