Overview
The Intergrated Warfare Systems Laboratory (IWSL) is the principle Navy
facility supporting
computer program engineering for operational Aegis cruisers and destroyers.
Although its mission is to provide a site adequately equipped and staffed to
support the Lifetime Support Engineering Agent (LSEA) in generating,
maintaining, updating, and certifying Aegis Combat System computer programs, the
facility is broadening its business base with the addition of other programs,
customers, and labs. Primarily, the IWSL provides the Aegis fleet, warfighters,
and community with the facilities and support services to generate, test,
integrate, and deliver quality-assured Aegis tactical, simulation, support, and
training computer programs. All computer programs delivered to operational Aegis
ships come from the IWSL. The facility houses shipboard computers, displays, and
peripherals, along with simulation, program generation, data reduction, systems
analysis, configuration management, and communications equipment.
Program Generation and Analysis
The program generation and analysis functions performed in the IWSL utilize a
host of commercial computing systems ranging from mainframes to workstations,
accessed locally and remotely by more than 800 different users each day. Primary
activities conducted include the following:
- Aegis and Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) element-level code, design, and
analysis
- Generation or integration of source-level computer programs or changes
- Data compilation of source code
- Data reduction and analysis in support of computer program development and
maintenance
- Data reduction and analysis of critical test data from Aegis ship operations
events
- Computer program, ship, and site configuration management
Computer Networks and Communication Capabilities
In support of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), roles
and responsibilities within the Aegis Program, the IWSL manages and connects to
a variety of communication networks utilized by the Aegis and other military
communities.
- Aegis Sites Network
- Aegis Communications Support System
- Aegis Broadcast Network
- Aegis Performance Network
- IWSL Unclassified Support System
- Distributed Engineering Plant
- Joint Distributed Engineering Plant
- Fiber-optic links to other NSWCDD facilities via the Tactical Protected
Distribution System
- Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Classified Network
Communications capability is provided to IWSL users to integrate IWSL systems
with other combat system facilities within the NSWCDD complex and throughout the
nation, as well as in operational ships. The capability provides IWSL users the
ability to perform the following:
- Interoperability certification of Link-11, Link-16, and Link-4 tactical
digital data links
- Cooperative Engagement Capability testing
- Naval battle group interoperability testing
- Joint and coalition interoperability testing
- MDA Missile Defense System Exerciser testing
- Combat system element test and system integration
- Homeland Defense exercises
Computer Program Test
The IWSL provides a real-time, test-bed environment critical to Aegis
computer program maintenance, upgrade, and certification. shipboard systems are
paired with high-fidelity suites simulating sensor and weapon systems not
contained within the facility. This area of the facility also supports other
naval programs, such as the Open Architecture Test Facility and the
Single-Integrated Air Picture labs. Primary functions include the following:
- Duplication and resolution of fleet-reported computer program problems
- Multi-platform interoperability test and analysis
- Element-level test and debug
- Multi-element and system-level integration
- Computer program load-cycle testing prior to ship delivery
Computer Program Media Production
The IWSL provides systems for the production of master media containing Aegis
computer programs for delivery from NSWCDD to the Aegis fleet and land-based
test and training facilities. This media production lab
- Consists of tactical computers, tape drives, disk drives, operator control
devices, and printers
- Provides unique equipment suites for the CG 47 cruiser and DDG 51 destroyer
ship classes
This system is managed under strict configuation control and quality
assurance standards to remain compatible with fleet assets.
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