DGLR Published Conference Papers

Selection Process for Professional Computer-Aided Wargaming Software for Use in Defense Technology Research Projects

Auswahlverfahren Professioneller Computergestützter Wargaming-Software zur Anwendung in wehrtechnischen Forschungsvorhaben

As part of the defense technology project "Augmented Operator in Aircraft," the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is researching the cockpit design of future fighter jets, which will increasingly take on tasks in the context of complex, networked missions with various partners, including manned-unmanned teaming. The project involves the design and construction of a fighter jet simulator, which will enable application-oriented testing of optimized human-machine interface layouts, including new operating concepts and helmet displays. Furthermore, a comparison of single- and two-seat cockpits for use in future military missions will be conducted. Pilots and weapon systems officers of the German Armed Forces will be involved in simulator tests, within the framework of the DLR´s cooperation with the German Air Force Command, to identify requirements and validate concepts. Professional software for computer-based wargaming is suitable for simulating military missions. Training-oriented wargaming is particularly well-suited, as it places the operator in the mission environment of a military scenario for participation and command; it also serves for the preparation and follow-up of the scenarios practiced. Generally, computer-based wargaming offers the ability to quickly create, modify, and analyze missions with any desired level of detail. Dedicated software products are available from a variety of commercial vendors. The objective selection of suitable wargaming software for a given use case is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Therefore, a systematic approach was developed as part of the selection process for the research project "Augmented Operator in Aircraft," providing an objective and transparent basis for decision-making. This approach includes a preliminary market analysis of available software products, an initial narrowing down of the portfolio using key characteristics, and finally, a detailed analysis based on a standardized test catalog. The test points defined in the catalog are intended to provide insight into the range of uses and applications. For this purpose, a protocol is created for each software program to guarantee detailed documentation of all test points. These methods enable the systematic collection of numerous and diverse pieces of information, even across staggered test periods, and facilitate a final, objective software comparison. Based on the requirements of the target application, the test points are weighted to determine the most suitable software for the given use case. This requirements-oriented weighting of the test points at the end of the selection process ensures that each software application is analyzed neutrally, thus guaranteeing the highest possible objectivity. This publication defines the term "professional computer-based wargaming" and provides an overview of the scientific application potential of related software products. Furthermore, it presents a methodology that enables an objective selection process for professional computer-based wargaming software, tailored to the specific application. Finally, the results of this methodology are presented in the context of the defense technology research project "Augmented Operator in Aircraft".

Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2025, Augsburg

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn, 2026

Conference Paper

German

21,0 x 29,7 cm, 13 Pages

EN: Software comparison, analytical wargaming, training-oriented wargaming, professional computer-aided wargaming, MAK One, VBS4, MACE EW

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Söldner, K.; Bernsteiner, T. (2026): Auswahlverfahren Professioneller Computergestützter Wargaming-Software zur Anwendung in wehrtechnischen Forschungsvorhaben. DGLR Published Conference Papers. Volume 4. (2026). ISSN: 2941-3451. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V.. (Text). https://doi.org/10.25967/650200. urn:nbn:de:101:1-2601301148590.898628555120.

30.01.2026