COMPASS—the verification and validation of an operational analysis model for use in the prediction of Nimrod MRA4 operational effectiveness

Comprehensive Maritime Patrol Aircraft Systems Simulation (COMPASS) is a mathematical model of the Nimrod MRA4 weapon system that is being developed to enable the prediction of operational effectiveness. COMPASS will be used throughout the Nimrod MRA4's development life cycle to conduct tactics development and weapon system performance evaluation. Following Nimrod MRA4's entry into service, the COMPASS model may be used by the customer, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Defence Procurement Agency (DPA), to assess operational effectiveness of potential system upgrades and to evaluate the effect of changes to the threat or operating environment. BAE SYSTEMS is developing tactical scenarios to test operational performance. The operational requirement is decomposed, at the highest practicable system level, into metrics that can be measured easily under test or trials conditions. Having quantified a system's capabilities in these lower level metrics, COMPASS can be modified to reflect them accurately. COMPASS uses these tactical scenarios to simulate the Nimrod MRA4 undertaking a number of Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti Surface Unit Warfare (ASuW) activities. This paper describes the philosophy and process being applied to the development of a fully verified and validated COMPASS mathematical model. It also details the approach to using COMPASS to determine Nimrod MRA4 operational effectiveness through the construction of tactical scenarios.