In the arena of modern warfare, the Next Generation Threat System (NGTS) stands out as a pivotal and dynamic training and simulation tool. Designed to accurately mimic the complexities of contemporary combat, NGTS allows warfighters to train in high-fidelity environments that replicate real-world scenarios. Essential for preparing military personnel for the challenges they will face in the field, this capability provides a cost-effective and logistically feasible alternative to live training exercises.
MAG, through its Maryland Interoperability Innovation Center, plays a crucial role in augmenting NAVAIR and NGTS capabilities. With subject matter experts (SMEs) and advanced technical and engineering support, MAG is instrumental in the development, training, and sustainment of Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), Joint Integrated Test and Training Center (JITTC), and other NGTS programs. Our support ensures that the battlespace simulators remain on the cutting edge, enabling our warfighters to be mission-ready.
Next Generation Threat System: A Closer Look
NGTS is a sophisticated simulation system that integrates with existing training platforms to provide a seamless and immersive training experience. It generates a continually evolving synthetic environment that supports platform training, testing, analysis and research and development – part of the Synthetic Environment Modeling (SEM) Branch for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Integrated Battlespace Simulation and Test (IBST) department. It also provides the battlespace environment for Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) where in FY24 over 430 F-35 pilots flew more than 4300 sorties to include 13,600 weapon engagements.
NGTS models threat and friendly aircraft, ground units, surface and subsurface entities and their corresponding weapons, subsystems and interactions to provide flexibility and a realistic training environment. In addition, instructors can assess trainees’ performances and offer instant feedback, increasing warfighting skills accurately and efficiently.
Facets of the Next Generation Threat System
- NGTS Core: The Simulation Engine for tactical environment models – developed in an unclassified environment.
- NGTS Battle Monitor: The graphical interface. It visualizes flight paths, radar beams, weapon fires, and more. It also displays all the players and interactions on the network from live, virtual, and constructive entities
- NGTS Database: Houses the parametric data that defines the behavior and performance of NGTS simulation entities.
- NGTS User-Editing Tools: The Parametric Data Editor, Player Editor, and Behavior Editor allow enormous flexibility to adapt to various warfighting scenarios.
- NGTS Live Virtual Constructive Recording (LVCR): Records NGTS supported simulation protocol data, objects and interactions, for playback locally or across the network.
- NGTS Software Development Kit: Development tools for customization, which allow the creation of NGTS plug-in models, behaviors, and applications.
MAG’s Next-Generation Engineering and Technical Expertise
MAG’s contributions to Next Generation Threat System programs are multifaceted. We offer extensive support in developing computer generated platforms with associated subsystem models such as:
- Weapons
- Radars
- Jammers
- Countermeasures
- Radar warning receivers
- Damage assessment
- Jammer effectiveness
- Datalink models
These elements are crucial for creating a realistic and multidimensional battlespace threat simulation, the cornerstone of the High-End Advanced Training, Tactics, and Testing (HEAT3) program for NAVAIR customers.
MAG’s subject matter experts are adept at developing both threat and friendly behavior tactics, ensuring comprehensive simulations that mirror real-world conditions. Our expertise has significantly enhanced platform mission effectiveness, enabling integrated warfighting capabilities and readiness for multi-platform tactics and training.
NAVAIR Customer Partnerships and Collaboration
MAG’s support extends to a variety of NAVAIR customers, including:
- Joint Simulation Environment (JSE)
- Joint Integrated Test and Training Center (JITTC)
- US Navy
- US Air Force
- US Army
- USMC
- International partners
The company’s integration with NAVAIR customers, such as PMA-205 (Training Systems) and PMA-265 (F/A-18, C/D/E/F, and EA-18G), highlights its commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable support for critical defense programs.
More About Joint Simulation Environment (JSE)
One of our NAVAIR customers, JSE is a government-owned and operated facility that offers the highest fidelity simulation of the operational battlespace, providing warfighters with the testing, training, and tactics they need to succeed in combat situations.
Located at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, JSE is a part of the Integrated Battlespace Simulation and Test (IBST) department of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). It provides the DoD with a premier simulation system with a physics-based computer environment capable of synchronous interactions between manned aircraft simulators and thousands of virtual friendly and enemy air and surface entities.
To JSE and other NAVAIR customers, MAG provides engineering support and Subject Matter Experts for the Next Generation Threat System, crucial for preparing warfighters for the real battle arenas they may face.
Explore MAG’s NAVAIR Capabilities at our Maryland Interoperability Innovation Center
MAG’s role in supporting NGTS programs underscores our dedication to “making the world smaller and safer.” We cultivate a deep bench of some of the most talented and experienced operators, technicians, and innovators in the aerospace field.
Our Maryland Interoperability Innovation Center is just one of eight throughout the United States. Along with our NAVAIR capabilities, it offers a SATCOM lab as well as Software Engineering, Modeling & Simulation, and Hardware Design for a variety of Communications, and more.
Through our engineering excellence and culture of innovation, MAG ensures NAVAIR and the Next Generation Threat System prepare military personnel for the realities and complexities of modern warfare. MAG remains committed to enhancing the capabilities and readiness of the U.S. military, paving the way for a safer and more secure future.
To learn more about our NAVAIR and NGTS capabilities, contact us. You can also view our Federal Contract Vehicles and our Certifications.
