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New Mexico State University
Physical Science Laboratory
About PSL

Team Experience

3.1 Research and Development

PSL and team member DTI provided research and development support to PHD NSWC WS for the development of low-cost ballistic target vehicles including the materials and services to demonstrate and launch a multistage vehicle. Additionally, a feasibility study was conducted to determine the compatibility of launching the Terrier MK-70 Orion target vehicle from an over-slung launcher and mission and safety analyses for the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (FRC) SCRAM-jet test vehicle launched from WSMR.

PSL team member DTI has also provided Advanced Technology support to the NSFS Chief Scientist. DTI prepared, reviewed, critiqued and improved proposals for advanced technology development and risk reduction demonstrations; developed focus areas and topics for Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer program; provided transition plans, road maps, and strategies for developing, demonstrating, and incorporating advanced technology into IWS3C systems; developed a desktop modeling capability for guns, projectiles, sub-munitions, missiles, and their supporting systems; and participated in the Land Attack CONOPS working group and assisted in CONOPS revision.

PSL team member ASC has provided research and development support to NAVSEA 06/NSWC HQ SURFTECH. In support of surface ship advanced technology development and transformation, the surface ship community is working to implement a sustainable technology management process. The process, more commonly known as SURFTECH, was chartered to assist the Science and Technology (S&T) and Research and Development (R&D) communities to coordinate and build a consolidated technology vision for the future Surface Navy.

3.2 Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Process Engineering

PSL and TRITEK provide extensive on-going support for PHD NSWC WS which has test sites throughout White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico. The two primary launch complexes are the USS LLS-1, also known as the "Desert Ship," at WSMR Launch Complex 35 for testing Navy surface-to-air missiles such as STANDARD Missile and Evolved Seasparrow Missile and WSMR Launch Complex 36 which is used to support launches of NASA suborbital sounding rockets.

The PSL Team plays a key role in system upgrades and software development at PHD NSWC WS testing facilities, including performing engineering studies, making recommendations, and designing, fabricating, or modifying existing equipment or software.

The PSL Team provides engineering and technical support pertaining to installation, integration, and testing of new, replacement and modified equipment in the Desert Ship, RAM LBTS, and Research Rocket launch sites. PSL works with the Desert Ship FCT in developing hardware and system requirements and then to provide the engineering required to design equipment which will perform the task. Once designed, PSL fabricates or procure the equipment, installs it, and then provides the maintenance and repair necessary to keep it on-line.
The PSL Team support includes test planning and operations conduct, operation and maintenance, readiness testing, equipment design and fabrication, computer program design and documentation, telemetry data collection and verification, and target augmentation and instrumentation.

PSL team member ASC has over 25 years experience in submarine design and construction, and in the development, installation,integration,testing and certification of systems aboard all classes of US Navy Submarines. Our Non-Propulsion Electronics System (NPES) and Command & Control System (CCS) technical support to the NAVSEA Participating Managers and Ship Acquisition Managers required detailed in-depth knowledge of the electronic and Hull Mechanical & Electrical (HME) functions of all NPES and CCS subsystems in order to achieve successful integration with the platform and compliance with the operational requirements.

ASC also has over 25 years of experience in EMC and topside design engineering support. We have provided this support aboard U.S. Navy Cruisers, Destroyers,Frigates, Carriers,USCG Cutters and Royal Norwegian Navy Icebreakers.

PSL team member DTI has provided engineering and technical support to several of the key managers in PEO IWS. Reviewed IWS open issues and worked with the program offices, field activities, and support contractors to develop and implement corrective solutions. DTI has provided technical and programmatic responses to inquiries from the IWS Program Office, field activities, and support contractors on a wide range of surface combat systems issues. DTI has participated in the establishment of engineering procedures for the Joint Fires Network (JFN) program and reviewed selected Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness (JTCG/ME) methodologies. DTI has developed detailed informational Quad Charts for targets from the Common Target List for Gun Launched Precision Guided Munitions.

3.3 Modeling, Sumulation, Stimulation, and Analysis

PSL and its team members ASC and DTI have provided extensive modeling and simulation support for various Department of Defense (DoD) customers. PSL has utilized basic and applied research resulting in development of technologies that support state-of-the-art capabilities for the warfighter in the measurement, analysis, fusion, assimilation, and disseminating of real and simulated digitized battlespace weather and atmospheric information. The focus of this research has been to provide useful atmospheric effects information and tactical decision aids to the soldier and decision maker. PSL uses customer-approved configuration management (CM) process for the design, development and control of these software applications. The customer is an integral part of the CM processes.

PSL uses computer codes to analyze, design, and simulate antennas, as well as to design general RF and microwave systems. These include:

  • NEC - Numerical Electromagnetics Code
  • NEC-BSC - Basic Scattering Code
  • NEC-REF - Reflector analysis code
  • HFSS - Ansoft's 3D electromagnetic simulation software for RF, Wireless, Packaging, and Opto-electronic design
  • Ensemble - Ansoft's planar and microstrip simulation software

PSL has also developed many specialized analysis tools for the analysis of antennas and other RF systems.

PSL has supported several Navy projects including the analytical design of Flight Termination System (FTS) receiving antenna sets for the Terrier Lynx target vehicle.

PSL team member ASC has performed Topside Analyses utilizing 3D CAD models and EM Engineering Software Tools. Individual 3D engineering computer models are developed and implemented in documenting Topside Design and Electromagnetic Compatibility analysis for each ship platform. NAVSEA's electromagnetic (EM) engineering toolset is utilized to import 3D ship models into several engineering programs to determine blockage, antenna performance due to the effects of ship structure and antenna-to-antenna coupling.

PSL team member DTI performs development and improvement of mathematical models in computer languages including Fortran, C and C++ for effectiveness analysis of existing and new weapon systems. DTI uses simulations and models to determine performance of weapons using varied tactics against selected threats to support Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness or other customer requirements analysis. DTI analyzes single or multiple target scenarios using such simulations as Joint Gun Effectiveness Model, which are primarily executed on a personal computer. DTI personnel collect engagement and subsystem data for input in order to establish scenario conditions, along with gun and munitions information and provide this information and simulation results in formats for comparison with other known or predicted information.

3.4 Prototyping, Model-Making and Fabrication

PSL has provided Prototyping, Model-Making and Fabrication support for various DoD and NASA customers. Antenna development normally consists of developing models or prototypes prior to final production. Special applications of systems on flight vehicle or ground systems may require uniquely designed and built antenna systems. These applications could include antenna elements that conform to a vehicle body or that may be exposed to high temperatures or high vibration. Several projects during the performance of the current contract required special products that took advantage of PSL's electromagnetic design and development capabilities.

PSL has excellent capabilities in the development and testing of antenna solutions for a variety of uses, including ground, mobile, airborne, and space flight. We manufacture off-the-shelf antennas, as well as custom designs for rockets, missiles, projectiles, satellites, fixed and mobile communications systems, electronic warfare systems, surveillance, tracking, and location aids (global positioning system [GPS] for example).

PSL's unique in-house capability in antenna development enabled us to successfully support the U.S. Navy. We have the required infrastructure to support antenna production, including a printed circuit shop, machine shop, and quality control groups.

Once an antenna has been designed and built, characterization testing is required in order to demonstrate that the antenna will perform as designed. PSL has a far-field antenna range, as well as an anechoic chamber for antenna characterization. These unique facilities enable us to provide antenna characterization data in accordance with test plans provided by our customers.

PSL team member DTI provides test and analysis support for Navy/Marine and/or Joint weapons systems development, gun and munitions systems development and advanced technology development, including:

  • Participation in test facility and system preparation, on-site testing, assist with data collection, and perform results analysis.
  • Preparation of test documentation such as range introduction documents, test requirement development, test scheduling, Standard Operating Procedures, countdown checklists, safety requirements and presentations to safety reviews
  • Participation system and subsystem tests to evaluate performance improvements, safety, operability, effectiveness and electromagnetic vulnerability and/or compatibility.
  • Providing test support by performing or assisting in dedicated system maintenance and operation of test and associated support equipment.

3.5 System Design Documentation

3.6 Software Engineering, Development, Programming, and Networks

PSL provides extensive system design documentation and software development support to PHD NSWC/WS. As an active participant of the WSMR Computer Programming Committee (CPC), PSL takes the lead in software engineering for the design and development of the various missile type dependent real-time operational programs used to fire and control the respective missiles while in flight PSL prepares Design Specifications Documents for each Operational Program developed for the Desert Ship Fire Control System. Through contacts with PHD NSWC WS and other members of the Digital Program Committee, PSL acquires the necessary source documents that define program functional requirements. The particular source materials vary somewhat from program to program.

PSL team member DTI provides support for Navy/Marine and/or Joint weapons systems software development, gun and munitions systems software development and advanced technology software development, including

  • Participation in test facility and system preparation, on-site testing, assists with data collection, and performs results analysis.
  • Participation in system and subsystem tests to evaluate software performance improvements, safety, operability, effectiveness and electromagnetic vulnerability and/or compatibility considerations.
  • Provides test support by performing or assisting in dedicated software system maintenance and operation of test and associated support equipment and document results.

3.9 System Safety

PSL and DTI perform and/or coordinate the design, development, and integration, testing, and documentation of FTS in support of missile, munitions, rockets, aerial and ballistic/guided targets for PHD NSWC WS. PSL support includes coordination with all Test Ranges (WSMR, Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility [AFWTF], Pacific Missile Range Facility [PMRF], Pacific Missile Test Center [PMTC], Wallops), Program Offices and other contractors to ensure Flight Safety design requirements/concerns are defined and satisfied in accordance with RCC-319-99 Range Commonality Requirements Document. PSL is directly involved with all Test Ranges on the planning of complex flight test scenarios and coordination of flight safety issues/concerns related to targets, missiles and rockets between the Navy, the sponsor, and the customer.

PSL team member DTI also prepares system safety documentation to test the surface combat systems and munitions. Perform the function of lead system safety engineer during test program reviews. Reviewed standard operating procedures to ensure safety requirements were addressed. Developed presentations for and attended WSESRB meeting in support various system and munitions.

3.10 Configuration Management

PSL and TRITEK provide extensive configuration management support to PHD NSWC WS at test sites throughout White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The PSL Team is responsible for the preparation of Weapon System Documentation for PHD NSWC White Sands Detachment. In any technically complex weapon system that must be responsive to changes in mission requirements, such as the Desert Ship FCS, configuration control is critical. Modifications to the Weapon System must be organized and performed in such a manner as to minimize the potential for human error. The PSL Team has demonstrated the expertise to provide the full range of documentation required for missile test firing operations at the Desert Ship FCS.

PSL team member ASC provided engineering support to LHA 1, LHD 1, LSD 41, LSD 49, Command Class Ships ITD and TCM. ASC understands the importance of the Integrated Topside Design (ITD) and Topside Configuration Management (TCM) Process for maintaining configuration control, and monitoring and minimizing dissimilarities in topside configurations within the ship class. Topside design processes ensure maximum coverage, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), structural integrity, and maintenance accessibility for systems, while anticipating future topside installations.

PSL team member DTI provides coordination/adjudication support to field activities of the IWS program officer CM contractual deliverables (e.g., Technical Data Packages (TDPs), Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), Advance Change Study Notices (ACSNs), Request for Waivers (RFWs), and Request for Deviations (RFDs). We participate in Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), program reviews, Interface Control Working Groups (ICWGs), and other inter-discipline working groups to ensure systems engineering is captured into the CM process.

3.13 Ship Inactivation and Disposal

PSL team member TRITEK has provided Ship Inactivation and Disposal support for PHD NSWC WS. PSL has visited decommissioned ships to assess what equipment may be useful, and once the equipment was determined to be useful, and proper documentation was completed, it was removed and transported to PHD NSWC WS. The equipment was subsequently either put into service, or designated as spare parts for installed systems.

3.14 Interoperability, Test and Evaluation, and Trials

PSL and TRITEK have provided extensive test and evaluation support in for PHD NSWC WS at test sites throughout White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The PSL Team's support for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile program at White Sands Missile Range has involved participation in various stages of Development Test (DT) and Evaluation exercises overseen by Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) for various missile configurations. Included were ESSM Control Test Vehicle (CTV), Guidance Test Vehicle (GTV) and S-Band tests. The support included pre-mission integration testing with an Inert Operational Missile (IOM) to ensure proper missile initialization, post firing (simulated) RF links, and missile communications. Numerous live Test flights for DT Phase II were supported.

PSL and team member DTI supported the Interoperability Task Force (ITF) in the successful OPEVAL for the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC). Support was provided during test events conducted at Wallops Island and Puerto Rico.

3.15 Measurement Facilities, Range, and Instrumentation

PSL and its team member TRITEK provide extensive ongoing measurement facility, range, and instrumentation support for various DoD and NASA customers. PSL provides extensive support to PHD NSWC WS which has test sites throughout White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, including the two primary launch complexes: the USS LLS-1, also known as the "Desert Ship," at WSMR Launch Complex 35 for testing Navy surface-to-air missiles such as STANDARD Missile and Evolved Seasparrow Missile, and WSMR Launch Complex 36 which is used to support launches of NASA suborbital sounding rockets. The PSL Team operates, maintains, and repairs equipment at the Desert Ship, Research Rocket Facilities, and supports field activities for target emitter/ECM, and target augmentation and instrumentation. Each area has different task requirements and the PSL team is configured to respond fully and successfully to each. The supported equipment includes, but is not limited to computers (MILSPEC and COTS), radars, signal data converters, system displays, reveivers, processors, and recorders.

The PSL Team uses the PHD NSWC WS provided FCS to collect the necessary data to fully evaluate the performance of the FCS. In this process, the data will be collected from the systems identified above, processed in either the Computer Program and Reduction Center or the Navy Telemetry Station, evaluated and analyzed by the qualified team staff members, and reported as required in the Statement of Work.

Much of the testing at PHD NSWC/WS involves testing missiles against targets carrying a variety of countermeasures, both active and passive. The PSL Team provides support by measuring and verifying waveform parameters, of equipment into the target, ground testing, and real-time monitoring during the actual firings. Often, PSL has the responsibility of aborting the mission if countermeasure parameters are not proper. For this purpose, PSL developed, fabricated, maintains the Desert Ship Target Monitoring Station. PSL continues to support enhancements of the station's capabilities to meet evolving needs.

PSL has been providing missile and artillery projectile firing support for the U.S. Army's Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC) and its predecessor agencies continuously since 1964. PSL's primary support includes the critical areas of analysis of telemetry data acquired in missile and projectile flight tests and evaluation of flight systems. This support includes analysis from preflight, integration, quick look, and post-flight data sets. Work on this contract is organized as a series of tasks, each associated with a different ARDEC customer organization. These tasks require various mixes of engineering and operational support to assure the successful capture and presentation of test data from a wide variety of flight and/or ground-based sensors. The accuracy and timely delivery of this data ultimately determines the ability to perform analysis of the tactical weapons and/or other flight hardware under test.

PSL team member DTI provides test and analysis support for Navy/Marine and/or Joint weapons systems development, gun and munitions systems development and advanced technology development. Participate in test facility and system preparation, on-site testing, assist with data collection, and perform results analysis. Provide test support by performing or assisting in dedicated system maintenance and operation of test and associated range support equipment.

PSL team member ASC has provided support to the NSWC South Florida Testing Facility and the South Florida Ocean Measurement Center. This included coordination of the installation of several millions of dollars worth of ocean instrumentation. Also provided project management support for a NAVSEA funded program to build two new DDG radar cross-section measurement ranges and responsible for all aspects of conducting the demonstration trials, including logistic support, agenda preparation, and reporting.

3.16 Acquisition Logistics

PSL team member ASC has provided Logistics support to NAVSEA ASC has reviewed Ship Alteration Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) certification statements to validate logistics products are planned and/or delivered in sufficient time to support installation on various ship classes. The work also included participation in Command, Control, Computers, Communications, and Intelligence (C4I) ILS Management Teams (ILSMTs). In an extension of this effort, we participated in the working groups, which designed, developed installation procedures, and life cycle supported the submarine training facility tactical trainers and simulation/ stimulation training unique equipment equivalents. This included all aspects of the process including front-end analysis of requirements, determination of tactical versus training unique emulations, identification of life cycle support requirements, and test and evaluation of training systems.

PSL team member DTI has provided has provided acquisition support to PEO IWS program offices. This included review and comment on acquisition and program documents and meeting support such as Program Management Reviews, IPTs, and a variety of acquisition staff meetings. DTI has assisted in the development of Production and Engineering support contract including the preparation of Statements of Work, Technical Instructions, and other acquisition packages that enable the Government to effectively obtain needed products and services.

3.18 Training

The PSL Team provides ongoing Training support to various DoD customers . PSL has an extensive range of capabilities for and experience related to developing materials and providing training support in various military- and intelligence-related disciplines. Adjunct faculty at PSL are providing training and development in many areas, including the following:

  • Professional seminars in RADAR, signal and imagery intelligence, cryptology and physical sciences
  • Graduate and undergraduate academic program support, cooperative education program development and student mentoring, and course development

PSL team member ASC supported conduct and evaluation of training analyses and documentation to assess impacts of Non-Propulsion Electronics Systems tactical changes to training systems. Documentation included Training System Requirements Analyses, Training Device Decision Coordination Papers, trainer Military Characteristics, and Navy Training System Plans.

3.19 In-Service Engineering

PSL team member ASC has over 25 years experience in in-service engineering, fleet introduction installation and checkout support. ASC has been involved in developing and documenting the Non-Propulsion Electronics System (NPES) and Command and Control System (CCS) submarine baselines for all classes of submarines. This effort required strict discipline to configuration management procedures and extensive effort to negotiating interfaces for the various subsystems that comprise the NPES and CCS. For individual NPES and CCS subsystems, support not only required detailed functional knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance, but also the capability to assess and evaluate performance, initiate change implementation, exercise configuration management, and provide full logistic support. ASC also assisted in the development and approval of change packages to systems/subsystems in response to Fleet operational requirements and problems, obsolescence, performance upgrades, and baseline modernization.

PSL team member DTI supports the Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) (PEO IWS3C) program office with a degreed engineer who applies engineering, analytical, and technical skill to support existing US Navy gunfire systems. This includes active participation in the NSFS Systems Engineering IPT where in-service and modernization issues are adjudicated in a technical forum. We are also a member of each individual element IPT that includes the MK 45 MOD 4 5"/62 caliber gun mount, the EXTENDS 167 Propelling Charge, the Extended Range Guided Munition, the MK 160 Gun Computer System, and the MK 46 Optical Sight System.

3.20 Program Support

PSL manages the National Scientific Balloon Facility (NSBF) supporting scientific balloon flight operations, maintains two government-owned facilities at Palestine, Texas; and Ft. Sumner, NM; provides engineering support to maintain and upgrade NASA Balloon Program capabilities at Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) at Wallops Island; and provides up to 20 FTE per year to support NASA-designated and approved development, analysis, or special engineering projects. PSL's responsibilities as NSBF manager include complete planning and operational support for launching approximately 25 high-altitude scientific balloons annually, with maximum payloads weighing as much as 8,000 pounds each. While Palestine and Fort Sumner are the primary launch sites, other launch sites include locations in Canada, Australia, Brazil, Greenland, Sweden, Alaska, and Antarctica.

PSL team member ASC has been tasked to provide planning, and programmatic support services including requirements generation to the AT/FP Program which is a compilation of Program Offices, Field Activities, Laboratories, Operational Commands, etc that are joining together to work to mitigate the ongoing asymmetric threat to our naval forces ashore and afloat, especially with respect to the threat posed by terrorist insurgents. ASC is acting as a central coordinator for and interfacing with SEA 061T (Warfare Systems Engineering and Architecture Division); PMS AT-A (Anti-Terrorism Afloat), the NAVSEA AT/FP Program Office and numerous field activities and commands (NSWC Crane, NSWC Dahlgren, OPNAV, PEOs, PMs, other Field Activities, etc.) ASC is providing technical, planning and programmatic support services including assisting in the development and implementation of AT/FP initiatives for afloat units; preparing draft AT/FP Acquisition Requirements Documentation; acting as the liaison and primary coordinator with and among AT/FP Program Participants; providing programmatic - level organizational and administrative support and participating in budget development, and in establishing program priorities.PSL team member ASC has been tasked to provide planning, and programmatic support services including requirements generation to the AT/FP Program which is a compilation of Program Offices, Field Activities, Laboratories, Operational Commands, etc that are joining together to work to mitigate the ongoing asymmetric threat to our naval forces ashore and afloat, especially with respect to the threat posed by terrorist insurgents. ASC is acting as a central coordinator for and interfacing with SEA 061T (Warfare Systems Engineering and Architecture Division); PMS AT-A (Anti-Terrorism Afloat), the NAVSEA AT/FP Program Office and numerous field activities and commands (NSWC Crane, NSWC Dahlgren, OPNAV, PEOs, PMs, other Field Activities, etc.) ASC is providing technical, planning and programmatic support services including assisting in the development and implementation of AT/FP initiatives for afloat units; preparing draft AT/FP Acquisition Requirements Documentation; acting as the liaison and primary coordinator with and among AT/FP Program Participants; providing programmatic - level organizational and administrative support and participating in budget development, and in establishing program priorities.

PSL team member ASC, under contract to NAVAIR, provided system engineering/technical support to the PHD NSWC Detachment White Sands as part of the detachment's modernization efforts. The ASC team consisted of system engineers, qualified technicians and program management experts. The engineering task provided systems engineering efforts to the NSWC PHD Det White Sands towards the evaluation of the current architecture and determination of modernization requirements, specifically for DESERT SHIP but encompassing the entire Navy infrastructure at White Sands. It provided the systems engineering and technical details towards modernizing technical capabilities and greater usage of available Detachment capabilities that would be needed to support the implementation of the NSWC PHD Det White Sands Business Development. ASC provided a consolidated course of action for improving the overall capabilities of the Desert Ship, including an architectural definition process, obsolete equipment replacement requirements, Desert Ship LAN development and remote launcher communications capabilities.

PSL team member DTI is intimately involved with Government customers. DTI participates in top-level management meetings with program managers and provide strategic planning recommendations. DTI also provides cost, schedule, technical inputs and graphics support for formal and informal briefings given to senior Navy leadership. Many of these briefs outline the status of the program based on metrics to clearly assess progress in achieving goals and objectives. DTI program analysts work with their Government counterparts to assess technical, cost and schedule risks and to develop risk mitigation strategies. These analysts also coordinate and participate in various meetings, program reviews, conferences, and planning sessions and apply new initiatives and best practices. For the PEO IWS1A2 Program Office, DTI led the development and implementation of a standardized process to support quarterly award fee determinations for the prime hardware contractor. DTI provides meeting support including VTCs and conference rooms.

3.21 Administrative Support

PSL team member ASC has provided business management tools and expertise and administrative support to the PHD NSWC Detachment White Sands as part of the detachment's business base expansion and modernization efforts. The ASC team consisted of system engineers, qualified technicians and program management experts. ASC's efforts focused in two primary areas. ASC spent a year working closely with the PHD NSWC Det White Sands staff, learning the needs of their organization from the inside. The first part of ASC's task was to provide strategic planning and ongoing integration of existing business methods and models as part of the implementation of the PHD NSWC Det White Sands Business Development Processes and to foster business growth. ASC developed a series of promotional packages, briefs, and literature aimed at developing existing and new business partners for PHD NSWC Det White Sands. Leveraging ASC's strength in acting as liaison with the Program Offices that have a vested interest in the Navy facilities at White Sands, ASC initiated directed communications for business development. ASC developed a draft Business Plan for WSMR implementation focusing on WSMR strengths along with recommendations for technical changes within the activity. The second part of this task provided recommendations for the reorganization of the staff structure at WSMR along both a revised business development model and a recommended technical upgrade. ASC is currently a subcontractor on the PHD NSWC WS Det Engineering and Technical Services contract awarded to PSL.

PSL team member DTI has provided executive level, administrative support to two Naval Sea System Command program managers under this contract. DTI personnel gather all inputs for staff meetings and collate them into cohesive and concise briefings for the program managers.