Simulation

Hardware in the Loop MBDA machine illustration
HARDWARE-IN-THE-LOOP © MBDA Deutschland

MBDA has been working for more than 20 years in the area of HardWare-In-the-Loop (HWIL) simulation and provides the simulation and test software Extensible Multi-spectral Image Generation Toolset (EMIT) as well as complete HWIL turnkey solutions.

HARDWARE-IN-THE-LOOP SIMULATION

The HWIL simulation system of MBDA is accredited by the German MoD and is used for customer support. A close collaboration with ACUTRONIC provides a comprehensive service portfolio for the complete hardware-in-the-loop system.

Characteristics

  • Real-time image generation
  • Real-time sensor effects
  • Real-time special effects
  • Visible and infrared mode
  • Support of ACUTRONIC motion tables
  • Support of Santa Barbara projectors
  • Linux and Windows
  • Graphical scene editor

Turnkey solution

MBDA has the know-how for integrating all elements of a HWIL environment for testing missile systems with infrared (IR) seekers. MBDA provides the EMIT IR Scene Generation system together with an ACUTRONIC motion table and an IR Scene Projector as turnkey solution – including the support of the integration and the deployment of the HWIL system.

The generic architecture of the system allows testing of different IR seekers and the application of missile subsystems in real hardware or as software models. Customized mathematical models can be offered on request. The closed-loop capability is provided via Ethernet, ScramNet or VMIC interfaces according to customer requirements.

Generic mathematical models for the following missile components are provided on request :

  • Seeker
  • Signal & Image Processing
  • Navigation/Guidance/Flight Control
  • Sensors (e.g. IMU, GPS)
  • Power Supply
  • Fin Actuation

EMIT – INFRARED SCENE GENERATION

EMIT
EMIT © MBDA Deutschland

EMIT is a sophisticated simulation and test software for modelling scenarios in the visible and IR spectral band. The toolset can be used for real-time testing in hardware-in- the-loop facilities and for non-real-time simulations ( e.g. for the verification of image processing algorithms).

Uses

  • Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
  • Software-in-the-loop simulation
  • Man-in-the-loop simulation
  • System development
  • Preparation of flight trials
  • Proof of system performance
  • Validation of HW-Models for MDS
  • Statistical system performance verification

High Performance

EMIT creates infrared images from synthetic, multi-spectral 3D data sources. The EMIT software achieves frame rates up to 200 hertz, using state-of-the-art rendering technologies. The Unit-Under-Test can be stimulated with a Scene Projector or via direct injection mode.

Beyond pure image generation, EMIT is also capable of running further models of a simulation (e.g. sensor model), thus enhancing real-time performance even for complex scenarios. The software requires standard commercial computer hardware with an appropriate performance.

Modelling Toolset

For scenario creation, EMIT provides an open interface to integrate external sources (e.g. 3D models, geographical data or aerial and satellite images) and allows the manipulation of source data, in order to achieve a consistent scenario.

EMIT provides easy and rapid creation of 3D terrain models with Trian 3D Builder©. The transformation from the visible range to IR is supported by a semi-automatic material classification tool, which reduces the manual workload to a minimum. Thermal calculations are performed with Thermos© for terrain and RadTherm© for objects. For the calculation of atmospheric conditions, the EMIT environment relies on MODTRAN© software. All specialised Commercial Of The Shelf (COTS) software is integrated in Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) and the modelling capabilities can be extended by specialized plugins (e.g. for high fidelity plume and flare modelling, thermal shadows or for animated sea surfaces).

Architecture

EMIT feature a platform independent C++ software library (EMIT-Core) which is based on standard 3D libraries OpenSceneGraph and OpenGL/GLSL. EMIT offers a simple-to-use API in C, C++ and is capable of generating IR images from simulation tools like Simulink and LabView.

EMIT has been designed to support ACUTRONIC motion tables and features Ethernet, Scramnet and VMIC interfaces for integration in a HWIL environment. EMIT provides a DVI interface and is capable of driving Mirage Scene Projectors from Santa Barbara.