THE HELICOPTER AIR-TO-AIR VALUE-DRIVEN ENGAGEMENT MODEL (HAVDEM): PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT

HAVDEM is a non-real-time engagement level simulation of helicopter air-to-air combat. It addresses the Army’s need for an analysis tool that not only models helicopter hardware systems, but also models pilots’ decisions about how those systems are used. Terrain utilization by the pilot decision logic is one of the primary objectives of the HAVDEM program. The ongoing development of the prototype involves the combination of government-supplied computer software simulating helicopter systems, a pilot decision methodology used in a fixed wing simulation, and an original algorithm for terrain utilization. The development is divided into three phases: functional requirements, detailed design, and implementation. Testing is performed incrementally for each functional module as it is implemented. This design and development strategy has been successful in maintaining program goals and in exposing unforeseen problems with the government-supplied software. The result of the development program will be a realistic and reliable simulation of helicopter combat. A side effect will be an improved version of the government-supplied software. Future development of HAVDEM can include improved sensors and coordinated behavior among flights in an m-versus-n engagement.