The missile defense industry has traditionally used technology to pursue more physics-based advancements: radars with longer detection range and greater accuracy or technology associated with better propulsion systems for faster interceptors. But today, Intuitive Research and Technology Company (INTUITIVE®) is going in a new direction: researching and applying commercial technology to improve the missile defense industry.
Since its founding, INTUITIVE has transformed itself from a traditional paper-and-pencil engineering company to a high-tech aerospace defense contractor. By rising to meet the current digital transformation, INTUITIVE has committed itself to identifying potential uses for big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as other cutting-edge commercial technologies, to continue advancing the defense industry.
“INTUITIVE is primarily a technology services company, and we’re committed to seeking out new technologies and uses that might have applications for our clients. That’s why we operate with a healthy research and development budget of our own,” said Dr. William Marx, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President. “Much of that R&D effort is focused on the possibility of applying technology from commercial uses to Department of Defense initiatives.
“Our goal is to use our own resources to help our clients and partners mitigate the risk of applying technology through proof of principal or prototype systems. We want to be able to demonstrate how to effectively apply selected technology to missile defense applications in a relatively risk-free environment,” added Marx.
Better Intelligence To Make Decisions
In addition to R&D analysis that can serve as guidance for next steps in implementing new technology, INTUITIVE also provides detailed visual models that supplement – or sometimes replace – traditional presentations to communicate detailed information and facilitate decision-making.
“Several years ago, we worked on a high-priority government development program that required a time-sensitive decision about the type of missile and the method of loading,” said Jeff Souder, Division Manager for Global Defense Systems and Solutions. “INTUITIVE created some very detailed visual models that showed each possible reload process option, including actual dimensions for each. We were able to create the demonstration video in less than two weeks, in time for a Pentagon presentation. Because we were already developing the technology internally for potential client use, we were able to answer that unexpected need,” said Souder.
Digital Twins
Souder’s example of digital visual models was a precursor to the current digital twins – virtual representation of a physical system. Much like CAD models, digital twins allow for a video simulation of what a system does and how it works.
Chanler Cantor, Area Manager of Advanced Visualization and Managed Cybersecurity, notes that digital twins can be used both before and after systems are built.
“Before a system is built, the digital twin can help influence the design,” said Cantor. “It can also be used to be sure everything is working before the money is spent to build it.”
After creation, Cantor says the digital twin can be used to launch pretraining, help users become more comfortable with the system before moving into a simulator, and supplement simulator training in case of equipment shortages.
Make Critical Analysis, Improvements or Corrections in the Field
In addition to developing military applications for new technology, INTUITIVE team members also work onsite with government endeavors to develop, field, and support those weapons.
“As each system is fielded and sustained, there are almost always ‘unknown unknowns’ that reveal themselves. Because prime developers may not have Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) onsite, INTUITIVE helps identify and mitigate risks, risks that weren’t realized or contemplated at start of prime contract,” said Souder.
INTUITIVE’s onsite support – along with its entire engineering division – can provide a solution to safety or other concerns that may be out of scope almost immediately. “In the past, we might have seen a weapons system bearing wear out in the field without understanding why,” said Souder. “Now we have a SETA team on customer site with reach-back to our engineering division that can use advanced commercial finite state modeling to investigate why and help solve the reliability issue.”
Keep Everything Connected Through the MBSE Ecosystems
With technology changing constantly – as well as new information being generated through big data and machine learning – it’s critical to maintain a “single source of truth” among documents and records.
“Creating a single source of truth streamlines processes, eliminates potential duplication of effort, and reduces errors because all the project information – every update, every change order, every new decision – ties back through the model-based systems engineering (MBSE) ecosystems,” says Cantor. “It takes a systems view of all engineering disciplines.”
Their team prioritizes the digital thread while solving customers’ problems because then they know that across all applications and platforms, they are looking at the most current iteration of the project.
Learn More at the 27th Annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium
INTUITIVE is looking forward to being onsite for the 27th Annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium, August 6-8 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “We’re excited to be part of the leading educational, professional development, and networking event in the space and missile defense community,” said Souder. “We are presenting a concept for how artificial intelligence can be used to allow commanders and operators to more effectively employ and protect sensor systems.”
Join the Transformation
INTUITIVE is an award-winning employer specializing in systems engineering, programmatic support, product development, rapid prototyping and technology management. It’s been recognized by its peers, industry organizations and major publications for consistently demonstrating excellence, and it’s even been recognized as the first inductee into the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s Best Places to Work Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed on companies who have been named a Best Place to Work for 10 or more years.
From the smallest task to the largest implementation, INTUITIVE takes great pride in its reputation for service excellence and for retaining its commitments. It is also committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and doing business with diverse suppliers.
The company’s success requires the full and active participation of all its talented and committed employees. Embracing individual uniqueness brings creativity and vitality to INTUITIVE, and by fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and support, the company is able to fully value and appreciate the strengths afforded by the differences, styles, ideas, and organizational contributions of each person.
If INTUITIVE sounds like the kind of cutting-edge organization you’d like to join – and become one of the innovative, empathetic problem solvers committed to giving back to the community – explore INTUITIVE’s available positions by clicking here.
About Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation:
INTUITIVE® is an aerospace engineering and analysis firm headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama that provides production support, software and systems engineering, programmatic support, product development, rapid prototyping, and technology management to the Department of Defense, other State and Federal Government agencies, and commercial companies. Our approach couples the latest technology with engineering expertise, analytical proficiency, and keen managerial oversight. From design through production to sustainment, we proudly provide management and technical solutions throughout all phases of the system’s life cycle.