IFFN (Identification Friend, Foe, or Neutral) report. Phase 1: Design activities

The Identification Friend, Foe, or Neutral Joint Test and Evaluation (IFFN JT&E) is directed by the Director, Defense Test and Evaluation, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSDRE/DDT&E). The purpose is to assess baseline US capabilities within the NATO Air Defense Command and Control System to perform the IFFN function; identify deficiencies in the performance of that function; and define near-term procedural and equipment modifications for future testing. The concept for testing is to replicate, through a computerized testbed, operational weapon and command and control system configurations in the 1985 - 1990 timeframe. The concept is centered on live operators using actual tactical hardware or simulators with realtime computer models to stimulate the equipment as well as provide stress, background loading, and added sources of identification inputs. To implement this concept, a geographically distributed testbed is to be established with a central facility that will control/direct the equipment. Actual testing is conducted in a series approach progressing through a vertical slice of an air defense system. Within each series, the test node or nodes will be examined under a matrix of conditions designed to stress different aspects of the identification problem.