| Customer: |
|
| Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) Camp Pendleton
California
|
| Project Type: |
|
| Systems Architecture Definition; Interface Standardization;
Real-time Software Design, Development, Test and Documentation; System Integration
for Downsizing of U.S. Army Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) |
| Platform/Tools: |
|
| Ada, C, C++; Verdix, UNIX, X-Windows, CMS-2M/Y; DCT-2 Workstation,
AN/UYK-44, VME Based Processors: DOD-STD-2167A Software Design & Documentation
Standard, MIL-STD-1472D (Human Factors Design Guidelines) |
Summary of Work Performed:
The EPLRS System is a real-time position location, navigation and command and control system, with
integrated data transfer/communications capabilities, for use with the U.S. Army. The system was
designed with early 1970 technology, including a user unfriendly, radar like Display Control Console
resident in the central node of the system.
This display is critical to the functionality of the system, because
it provides the display of unit position and system status. Sierra developed an X-Windows based user
interface, hosted on a Unix workstation which provides significant improvements in system performance,
operator efficiency, and savings in size, weight, and power requirements from the original system.
The contract required the performance of six primary functional tasks including System Analysis, System
Computer Based C3 Architecture, Human Factors Engineering Analysis, System Testing, and System
Interface and Integration.
The Systems Analysis task required Sierra to validate candidate equipment architectures to ascertain if
system performance requirements could be maintained without impacting the design and implementation
approaches of the legacy EPLRS software. A second Systems Analysis task required the identification and
implementation of a design approach which did not impact any of the EPLRS operational applications
software. Extensive analysis of technical requirements documents and investigation of system throughput,
human factors, maintenance, and life cycle supportability were required. Processor alternatives evaluated
included ACCS/CHS, DCT-2, VME-based processors, and the AN/UYK-44. Software alternatives
included Ada, C, C++ under Verdix and UNIX. Cost and trade-off analyses were performed and decision-
matricies developed for customer evaluation. Factors evaluated included memory capability, throughput,
peripheral compatibility, external storage devices, support for language and development environments, life
cycle supportability and cost.
The C3 Equipment Architecture task required the examination of candidate equipment to ascertain if
candidate platforms could meet the network management processing load handled by the current EPLRS
system; determining if the NTDS interface supporting the original system could support a DTC-2
replacement for the original DCC; determining if the resident DTC-2 software could accommodate the
NTDS protocols; evaluating the amount, type and speed of DTC-2 memory to support the design which
required translation of the original DCC "draw" commands to depict map data; replacement of the original
EPLRS log tape device with Winchester hard drives; assessment of the survivability of VME-based card
cage and DTC-2 display station under environmental stress; and design of new DTC-2 display operational
software to meet U.S. Army human factors requirements.
System Testing included the development of Test Plan, Test Procedures, and Test Reports, in compliance
with DOD-STD-2167A. IEEE Std 802.3 and NTDS standards were used for interfacing with VME-boards.
Development of the User-Computer Interface complied with the Army's Human Factors Design
Guidelines.
Government Contracts
