Experimental Design of TF/TA Testing for SOF Aircraft

Abstract

This paper discusses an application of experimental design for special operations aircraft . These highly -specialized aircraft have missions that require the ability to penetrate hostile airspace at low altitudes, using terrain following and terrain avoidance operations. Designing a flight test to evaluate TF capability was complex because of the large number of factors included. However, the proce ss of manually picking combinations until there was an adequate, balanced design led to a reduction in test points from 1008 to 192. This design reduced the testing by 176 flight hours, 30 flights, and over 3 months. operations forces to combatant commands. † The Air Force Special Operation s Command (AFSOC) is responsible to USSOCOM for the readiness of Air Force special operations forces for worldwide deployment and assignment to regional unified commands. AFSOC's core tasks have been grouped into four mission areas: forward presence and en gagement, information operations, precision employment and strike, and special operations forces mobility. The command's special operations forces ( SOF ) are composed of highly trained, rapidly deployable airmen who are equipped with highly specialized airc raft, including AC -130 Gunships and MC -130 Combat Talons. These forces provide global ability to conduct special operations missions ranging from precision application of firepower, to infiltration, exfiltration, resupply and refueling of SOF operational e lements. ‡ Test and evaluation of AFSOC weapon systems is related to these missions. In Air Force Special Operations, much of flight testing involves system performance testing rather than aircraft performance testing. Corresponding to Air Force Special Ope rations missions, typical functions tested include navigation (infil/exfil), gunfire accuracy (firepower), electronic combat, and general regression to ensure current system performance is not degraded. Regarding AFSOC aircraft, the MC -130E Combat Talon I and MC -130H Combat Talon II provide infiltration, exfiltration and resupply of special operations forces and equipment in hostile or denied territory. Secondary missions include psychological operations and helicopter air refueling. The aircraft are able to penetrate hostile airspace at low altitudes and crews are specially trained in night and adverse weather operations. Both aircraft feature terrain -following (TF) and terrain -avoidance (TA) radars capable of operations as low as 250 feet in adverse weath er conditions. Structural changes to a basic C -130 include the addition of an in -flight refueling receptacle, and strengthening of the tail to allow high speed/low -signature airdrop. Their navigation suites include dual ring -laser gyros, mission computers and integrated global positioning system. They can locate, and either land or airdrop on small, unmarked zones with pinpoint accuracy day or night. §