Tutorials

Tutorial Information and Descriptions

1. Fundamentals of Aircraft Survivability 

• This tutorial is an introduction to the aircraft combat survivability discipline. It will present history, terminology, concepts, measures, threats and threat effects, and methodology for assessing non-nuclear combat survivability analysis and design of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.  The methodologies discussed will also be applicable to unmanned air systems (UAS), missiles, ships, and ground vehicles.  It is based on the AIAA textbook "The Fundamentals of Aircraft Combat Survivability Analysis and Design”, 2nd edition, by Dr. Robert Ball.  Specific topics include:  Overview of the Fundamentals, Historical Perspective, Survivability Assessment, Designing for Survivability, Survivability Modeling and Simulation, and Testing for Survivability.   This tutorial is intended for the newcomer to the survivability discipline as an engineer, tester, maintainer or manager or first-time attendee at the Aircraft Survivability Symposium.

2. Weapon Systems and Platform Cybersecurity Fundamentals

• Instructors: Dr. Bill 'Data' Bryant, PhD, Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. & Dr. William '$' Young, PhD, SCASD Consulting

•  Modern and legacy weapon systems are completely reliant upon cyberspace enabled capabilities to be effective in accomplishing their missions but, cyber-attacks are increasingly calling into question the ability of our principal weapon systems to function effectively in a cyber-contested environment.  Traditional attacks against command and control and logistics systems are expected and that fight will take place in the traditional portions of cyberspace, but weapon systems such as aircraft are also full of computing systems that can be attacked.  These systems utilize different technology, operating concepts, and timelines that make traditional IT defenses not effective in this space.

• This tutorial is aimed at non-cyber focused engineers and engineering managers and will start by demystifying the cyberspace domain, the way that computing devices actually work, common cyberspace defenses, and some common attacks.  The tutorial will describe the advantages of doing cybersecurity analysis earlier in the lifecycle by an overview of a powerful analysis technique.  The tutorial will next extend traditional Aircraft Survivability concepts and tools into cyberspace by introducing Aircraft Cyber Combat Survivability that is currently in development.  The tutorial will conclude with weapon systems cybersecurity within current acquisition rules.

• Dr. Bill “Data” Bryant is a cyberspace defense and risk leader with a diverse background in operations, planning, and strategy.  He is a thought leader in the cyber defense of weapon systems and other non-traditional cyber-physical systems with multiple published works coupled with numerous operational and strategic assignments building these capabilities in complex organizations.  Bill has an unusually diverse background including more than 25 years in the Air Force where he was a fighter pilot, planner, and strategist.  He helped create Task Force Cyber Secure and served as its deputy director; he also served as the Air Force deputy Chief Information Security Officer and developed and successfully implemented numerous proposals and policies to improve the cyber defense of weapon systems.

• Col. William “Dollar” Young, Jr is an accomplished strategist and leader with 28 years in the United States Air Force. He currently serves as the Special Advisor to the US Air Force Warfare Center Commander for Spectrum Warfare. He recently commanded the 53^rd Electronic Warfare Group (EWG) at Eglin Air Force Base.  The 53 EWG is responsible for the secure development, testing, and distribution for nearly all mission data software supporting USAF combat aircraft.    Colonel Young possesses a PhD in Engineering Systems from MIT.  Col. Young is also a Military Fellow and consultant for MIT Lincoln Laboratory for the lab’s Cyber System Assessments Group.