Mission scenario evaluation with the Hybrid Operational Protocol Evaluation tool

This paper shows an approach to the evaluation of mission scenarios that involves motion and mobile network communications for groups of vehicles, using the Hybrid Operational Protocol Evaluation (HOPE) tool. HOPE is a framework that combines simulation models of communication protocols, terrain maps, link budget reporting services, scenario network visualizations, statistics gathering and displays, and other mission resource expenses (fuel, ammunition, battery power, etc.). Users can create scenarios and execute scenario simulation models with external simulation environments, such as OPNET, QualNet, MATLAB, etc. HOPE refines simulation results with terrain obstructions and atmospherics. HOPE also animates scenarios, visualizing vehicle motion and communication over 3D geographical maps, and provides the scenario statistical reports. HOPE estimates resources necessary to accomplish the mission in different terrain and climatic circumstances. 3D animation of mission execution, together with statistical charts, helps detect logistical flaws in the mission plan. Varying scenario parameters allows users to find an optimal plan for the mission. HOPE executes and visualizes more than one simulation model using one scenario.