REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - When different organizations on Redstone Arsenal come together, it is usually a learning experience.
Members from the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command Simulation Center; Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center; and Redstone Test Center came together during a High Performance Computing site visit July 12-14 to see how they can learn from one another as well as other organizations on Redstone Arsenal.
“One of the purposes of the site visit is for each organization to establish what they need for resources during the upcoming year and a chance to merge thoughts and ideas,” said Charles Wilcox, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Future Warfare Center contractor program manager. “The Simulation Center is in its 29th year supporting missile defense projects and the high performance computing has been a big part of our continued success.
“We have been supporting the Warfighter with systems like the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, the Navy’s Standard missile, munitions, vehicles and rotor craft, among others,” he added.
Hosting the event, the SimCenter was established in 1982 to provide support in supercomputer computation, data storage, workstations and networking for research and development of defensive missile systems.
During the site visit, organizations gave an overview of what they do and how they are working to advance different technologies. There were also center overviews, lab visits, simulations and open panel discussions for those attending to discuss future projects.
“From each of the commands represented, we had high-performance computers program managers who came to brief those present on what the centers are doing with their resources,” said Lisa Vann, high performance computing service agency approval authority. “Those present during the week will use computers to model rocket boosters, sensors, structures, impact assessments and a variety of things they model using computer systems.
“From the briefings, it is determined if we are utilizing allocations and resources that are provided correctly or if we are underutilizing, over utilizing or right on target with our allocations,” she added. “From that it is determined if we can be allocated more hardware or software and whatever else may be needed.”
One of the main objectives is to promote research by integrating state-of-the-art computer technology, facilitating research and aid in providing information on high-performance computing issues.
“We are doing great things supporting our community in the high-performance computing area,” Vann said. “Everyone came together and worked to learn where we go in the future and how we can grow as a team and help lead America into the future.”
Those participating in the site visit are working together to help provide computer expertise that will enable those working in America’s defense to conduct a wide range of research, development and testing. They are working to put advanced capabilities in the hands of Warfighters more quickly.
“Our number one goal is to provide better materials, better decision making and better defensive tactics so our forces remain the best in the world.” Wilcox said.
As the site visit came to a close, there was a final panel discussion where those participating got a chance give their thoughts on what issues can be improved upon until the next meeting.
“Ultimately we are here to help the Warfighters in the field,” Vann said. “The resources provided actually model and simulate things that actually happen in the field, and they eventually come to fruition and are fielded in time.
“What happens here helps the Soldiers be better prepared in the field to do their job and to fight for our freedom,” she added.
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