Project: Spear III
Enhancing the sub-engagement capabilities for the Spear III missile to further improve its performance and usability..
Select Precision Effects At Range Capability 3 (Spear III)
SPEAR III is a British air-to-surface missile designed by MBDA Missile Systems. It is scheduled to become fully operational in 2025, specifically for use with the United Kingdom's F-35 Lightning II aircraft. SPEAR 3 is powered by a turbojet engine, providing it with propulsion capabilities. It features a multi-mode sensor seeker, enabling it to adapt to various scenarios and targets. Key components of SPEAR 3 include a precision effects warhead, a high-resolution Millimeter Wave radar, and a Semi-Active Laser.
As a multi-role team member, my work involves a combination of research, design, and software development. Collaborating with experts from Boeing, MBDA, and other stakeholders is crucial to achieving the project's objectives.
UX/UI Researcher and Designer
Conduct user research to understand the needs and expectations of the end-users (e.g., military personnel, mission planners).
Create user personas and user stories to inform design decisions.
Design user interfaces that are intuitive and user-friendly for interacting with subengagement parameters. Develop wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes to visualize the user experience
Human Factors Engineer:
Ensure that subengagement capabilities are in line with human factors principles, taking into account human cognition and performance.
Conduct usability testing and gather user feedback to optimize the system's human-computer interaction.
Address ergonomic and cognitive factors to enhance user efficiency and reduce errors in mission planning.
Research methods that I use in this project…
Subject Matter Expert Interviews: Engage with experts to gain insights into specific requirements and constraints of subengagement capabilities.
Data Analysis: Analyze existing data related to the Spear III missile system and JMPS to make informed design decisions.
System Analysis: Understanding the current system's architecture to identify areas that require improvement.
The project was broken into phases in the UX design process to conceptualize and visualize solutions.
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Collaborate with SMEs and stakeholders to gather detailed requirements for the subengagement capabilities.
Identify the essential parameters necessary for subengagement such as target coordinates, missile trajectory, guidance settings, and other relevant data points.
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Based on user research and personas, design interfaces that align with the needs and workflows of the end-users. Ensuring that the subengagement capabilities are intuitive and user-friendly.
Creating visual representations, such as flowcharts and wireframes to provide a clear view of how data flows within the system and how users will interact with it.
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Determine Parameter Structure and Nesting Capabilities: Design a structured framework for organizing and nesting parameters, creating a well-structured system to make data entry and retrieval more efficient.
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Create the functions that allow users to interact with the subengagement parameters effectively. Including, Data Input, Data Editing, Data Presentation, and Data Removal.
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Work closely with system engineers to integrate the design into the existing JMPS system. Ensure compatibility and adherence to system requirements.
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Conduct usability testing with representative users to identify issues and gather feedback for improvements.
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Iterate designs based on feedback and testing results to continuously improve the user experience and system performance.
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Prepare documentation for end-users and training materials to ensure a smooth transition to the new subengagement capabilities.
Spear III subengagement software design solutions and features includes...
Low Collateral Damage Precision Effect: Ensure that the system allows for precise targeting to minimize collateral damage.
Enhanced Platform/Weapon Survivability: Design features that contribute to the safety and survivability of the aircraft and the missile.
Upgradable/Flexible Growth: Consider scalability and the ability to adapt to future technological advancements.
High Loadout for Increased Persistence: Optimize the system to handle a high volume of data and parameters.
Engagement Capability Across a Broad Target Set: Ensure that the system can engage a wide range of targets effectively.