Simulation – The Key to Effective Testing of C2 Applications

Ad-hoc testing of software products is no substitute for controlled testing using a set of precise and repeatable data sources that allow systematic verification. This is true for initial system development and also for ongoing regression testing, where it is desired to ensure that new additions do not change existing capabilities. This paper explains how radar and camera video generated by a simulator supports automatic testing of C2 systems in a controlled and repeatable way. Quality Software Requires Quality Testing Testing is a key stage in the development of any non-trivial software product, especially where reliable, defect-free software is paramount. The testing process involves verifying the operation against an expected behaviour, initially to confirm that the product does what is intended and then subsequently to verify that changes or additions have not broken anything (regression testing). For a C2 (Command and Control) product that receives and processes sensor data, such as radar or camera video, testing can be a challenge. In many situations, the development team may simply not have access to the equipment that forms part of the final deployment. How can a...