Methodology for the standardization of user data files (UDF) in electronic warfare systems

User Data Files (UDF) have become an essential component for the successful use of new Electronic Warfare (EW) weapon systems (e.g. Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), Defensive Electronic Countermeasure (DECM) systems and Anti-Radiation Missiles (ARM)). The UDF is a software listing of threat weapon system characteristic parameters used hy the EW systems to identify the threat and elicit the appropriate response. As more UDF-dependent EW equipment becomes available, a new problem arises: interoperability. In order for this interoperability to exist, the UDFs in each piece of equipment must also be compatible. Currently there is no means to control UDF development, to standardize its construction, or to update the UDF listings as new intelligence data are collected. Various groups such as Electronic Warfare Operational Detachment (EWOPDET), Electronic Warfare Software Support Activity (EWSSA), and operational forces must work together to develop interoperable UDFs required with current EW weapon systems. The methodology proposed in this thesis provides (a) a means to standardize the construction of UDFs, (b) a means of controlling the intelligence data base and (c) the update mechanism essential to maintaining current UDFs in the constantly changing world of electronic warfare.