Electronic warfare (EW) simulation is a serious game of make-believe. A situation is artificially created so that equipment can be tested and operators can be trained under realistic conditions - without both the expense and danger associated with training in the real world. EW engagements are typically complex, with many threat emitters seen in constantly changing relationships as either the threat platforms or the EW-protected platform maneuver. The operation of equipment and the performance required of operators cannot be adequately tested under static conditions with only one threat emitter present. This has led to the development of simulators that can simulate many threats grouped and maneuvered in realistic ways.

There are four math concepts outlined in this chapter (all higher-level math above algebra is explained). The first is dB math-required for the presentation of propagation-theory formulas. The second is spherical trigonometry-to develop EW engagement models, you have to be able to rotate vectors in space using spherical trig. The third is the Poisson equation-in order that you will be able to determine the probabilities required for the design of emulation devices. The fourth is digitization - because almost everything is digital these days.

In order to make a model of a piece of equipment and to subsequently develop a simulation based on that model, it is necessary to first understand how the equipment actually works, then to understand the relationships between the controls, inputs, and outputs of that equipment. In this paper, we will look at antennas, transmitters, receivers, processors, and direction finding subsystems. In each case, we will first discuss the roll of that element in EW, and the different types or approaches used in EW. Then we will discuss the input requirements, operator or automatic controls, and output from that element. The object is to end with what is required to model the performance of that element.

In the modeling of an EW engagement, it is necessary to consider the following elements: The characteristics of the area in which the engagement takes place (the gaming area); The characteristics of the players in the engagement; The way players move and react to each other during the engagement; The point of view from which the engagement is to be observed; The fidelity to which the engagement must be controlled; The electronic interactions between the players in the engagement; When to start and stop the engagement.

Simulation for T&E is used to test equipment under realistic signal environmental conditions. A standard piece of test equipment can be used to generate any type of signal. However, EW systems need to operate in the presence of a full signal environment, which usually contains many signals. But even with an unaffordable room full of single signal generators, you would still need to coordinate their operation to simulate the effects of a real-world military signal environment. T&E simulators provide that environment, in some appropriate form, to test receivers, subsystems, and whole systems.