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Missile performance simulation a big step forward

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has developed a capability to test the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) by using virtual simulations, which reduce the number of costly live firing exercises required to ready the missile for service.

ESSM was developed from the earlier NATO Sea Sparrow Missile by a consortium of ten nations, in which Australia was a major participant. Australian companies BAe Systems and ADI, together with DSTO, played significant roles in its development.

The ESSM is deployed on Navy ships to defend against threat missiles and aircraft.

"Since testing by live firings is costly and limits the range of scenarios which can be explored, a smarter way of testing missile performance is to use a form of simulation called dynamic hardware in the loop (HWIL)," said DSTO scientist Dr Colin Coleman.

DSTO's Systems Simulation Centre (SSC) has been developed specifically for hardware-in-the-loop testing of ADF weapons such as the ESSM.

"The laboratory allows us to simulate a large number of test flights in a wide range of scenarios very economically," Dr Coleman said. "The fidelity of this testing is very high because it makes use of actual missile hardware."

The first closed loop tests of ESSM in the SSC were conducted in March 2005. ESSM is expected to be a major user of this facility throughout its operational deployment with the RAN.

ESSM will be used as the primary self-defence weapon for all ANZAC frigates and for the FFG 7 class following the current upgrade program.

Media Enquiries:

Steve Butler (08) 8259 6923 or 0418 800 323

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

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