Master 1 - Semester 2

DS425: Intelligent decision support methods
WA421: Guided weapons
SE422: Digital technology for sensors and weapons
TN423: Networks and security awareness
TP424: Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals
SE426: Military satellite based positioning

DS425: Intelligent decision support methods

Course holder:
Major Dr. Ir Filip VAN UTTERBEECK (6 ECTS)
Assistants:
Captain Ir Bart DE CLERCK
ECTS: 6
Contact hours:
Class: 30 Hr; practice: 30 Hr
Evaluation:
Daily work: number of written evaluations: 2
Daily work: number of oral evaluations: 0
Daily work: weight of the different evaluations: uniform repartition
Weight factor for the daily work: 20.0
Weight factor for the exam: 40.0
Exam type: oral

Content (DS425 - Intelligent decision support methods)

• Foundations of Artificial Intelligence
• Problem solving by searching
• Constraint satisfaction problems
• Games and adversarial search
• Knowledge representation
• Probabilistic reasoning
• Making decisions
• Learning

Learning outcomes (DS425 - Intelligent decision support methods)

• Understanding of extensive subject matter in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying relevant and valid information to devise arguments, solve complex problems, formulate recommendations, and/or make decisions in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: elaborating a research question with a critical and evidence-based approach
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: formulating a judgement on the grounds of critical thinking and an evidence-based approach

Goals (DS425 - Intelligent decision support methods)
The students obtain a general overview of the field of artificial intelligence and are able to explain and illustrate the different methods and algorithms. They are able to apply "classical" AI algorithms and design intelligent agents for a broad range of problems. They are able to identify the corrects methods for a given problem and can formulate conclusions or recommendations based on their analysis of the results of the (computer-based) calculations and experiments they have both designed and implemented.

Prerequisites (DS425 - Intelligent decision support methods)
This course uses topics that are treated in the following courses:

• Ba 1 POL (Sem 2) ES121 Linear algebra and differential equations
• Ba 1 POL (Sem 2) ES123 Computer algorithms and programming project
• Ba 2 POL (Sem 1) ES211 Probability and statistics

The course DS425 is identified as a prerequisite for the following courses:

• Ma 2 POL (Module C2) (Sem 1) SM527 Autonomous systems

Course material (DS425 - Intelligent decision support methods)

• Manual (made available)
• Software
• Hardware (laptop)
• Slides (electronic or printed)

The course is based on the book "Artificial Intelligence. A modern approach. 3rd Edition" by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig. This book is used all over the world as the standard reference for teaching artificial intelligence.

References (DS425 - Intelligent decision support methods)

Didactic means (DS425 - Intelligent decision support methods)

• Teach
• Demonstrate
• Closed task

WA421: Guided weapons

Course holder:
Colonel Dr. Ir Johan GALLANT (4 ECTS)
Other teachers:
Professor Dr. Ir Michel LEFEBVRE (2 ECTS)
Assistants:
Lieutenant Ir Tom VANCAEYZEELE
Captain Ir Romuald VAN RIET
ECTS: 6
Contact hours:
Class: 36 Hr; practice: 27 Hr
Evaluation:
Daily work: number of written evaluations: 2
Daily work: number of oral evaluations: 0
Daily work: weight of the different evaluations: uniform repartition
Weight factor for the daily work: 20.0
Weight factor for the exam: 40.0
Exam type: written and oral

Content (WA421 - Guided weapons)
In the first part of the course (2 ECTS, 9 Hr theory, 12 Hr practical work) different aspects of rocket propulsion are discussed: basic performance, thermodynamic calculations of rocket performances, chemistry of rocket propellants, design of a rocket propulsion system and experimental testing of rocket propellants. Chemical hybrid propulsion will also be discussed.

In the second part of the course (4 ECTS, 26 Hr theory, 15 Hr practical work), the four main components of a guided weapon are discussed : guidance, control, propulsion and warhead. The emphasis is on guidance and control, where mathematical models are developed. The trajectory models (2DOF to 6DOF models), combined with the guidance models, lead to launch and intercept envelopes and the definition of avoidance techniques. The chapter on guidance methods presents technical solutions for guidance problems, based on available sensors and guidance laws. In the chapter on control methods, the technical solutions for the control problem are compared. The chapters on propulsion and warhead are limited to comments on the selection of engines and warhead as a function of the requirements.

Learning outcomes (WA421 - Guided weapons)

• Understanding of extensive subject matter in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying relevant and valid information to devise arguments, solve complex problems, formulate recommendations, and/or make decisions in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: deciding on the grounds of critical thinking and an evidence-based approach
• Working with people as an individual or in a group: adapting to individual human behavior and group dynamics
• Acting autonomously: gathering and interpreting relevant information from the different disciplines to devise a sound judgement, solve a complex problem, and/or decide

Goals (WA421 - Guided weapons)
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the working principles of guided weapons
• Compare the guidance, control and propulsion methods
• See the connection between the different functions of tactical guided weapons
• Evaluate the performance of a guided weapon
• Create simulation models of the guidance, control and propulsion functions

Prerequisites (WA421 - Guided weapons)
This course uses topics that are treated in the following courses:

• Ba 3 POL (Sem 2) ES322 Control systems
• Ma 1 POL (Sem 1) SE412 Tactical military sensors
• Ba 3 POL (Sem 1) WA314 Energetic materials and gun propellants
• Ba 3 POL (Sem 2) WA326 Fundamentals of ballistics
• Ba 2 POL (Sem 2) WS225 Survivability of weapon systems

The course WA421 is not mentioned as a prerequisite for other courses

Course material (WA421 - Guided weapons)

• Manual (made available)
• Software
• Hardware (laptop)
• Slides (electronic or printed)
• Course notes (electronic or printed)

References (WA421 - Guided weapons)

• P. Zarchan, Tactical and Strategic Missile Guidance, Ed. 6, AIAA, 2012
• E.L. Fleeman, Tactical Missile Design, Ed. 2, AIAA, 2006
• G.M. Siouris, Missile Guidance and Control Systems, Springer, 2004
• A. Davenas, Solid Rocket Propulsion Technology, Pergamon Press, 1993
• N. Kubota, Propellants and Explosives, Thermochemical Aspects of Combustion, Wiley-VCH, 2002
• G.P. Sutton and O. Biblarz, Rocket Propulsion Elements, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 7th Ed., 2001
• Y.M. Timnat, Chemical Propulsion, Academic Press, 1987
• J. Carleone, Tactical Missile Warheads, Volume 155, AIAA, 1993

Didactic means (WA421 - Guided weapons)

• Teach
• Demonstrate
• Open task

SE422: Digital technology for sensors and weapons

Course holder:
Professor Dr. Ir Patrick MERKEN (5 ECTS)
ECTS: 5
Contact hours:
Class: 36 Hr; practice: 12 Hr
Evaluation:
Daily work: number of written evaluations: 1
Daily work: number of oral evaluations: 0
Daily work: weight of the different evaluations: uniform repartition
Weight factor for the daily work: 17.0
Weight factor for the exam: 33.0
Exam type: written
Useful information related to the exam: presentation of a paper

Content (SE422 - Digital technology for sensors and weapons)
The course material will cover:

• Integrated circuit technology (CMOS/BJT/BiCMOS)
• Transistor modelling
• Current and voltage reference circuits
• Basic building blocks (amplifiers, buffers, differential amplifier)
• Comparator Design
• OPAMP Design (Miller OPAMP)
• Stabilization techniques
• Noise in electronic circuits
• Sensor integration
• Integrated sensor types
• Sensor characteristics
• Sensor interfacing
• MEMS integration
• Read-out circuit design
• Readout modes
• Offset cancelation techniques
• Chopper stabilization and Lock-in techniques
• Optical camera design and implications
• Camera chips and applications

Learning outcomes (SE422 - Digital technology for sensors and weapons)

• Understanding of extensive subject matter in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying relevant and valid information to devise arguments, solve complex problems, formulate recommendations, and/or make decisions in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying language and communication skills efficiently: communicating in writing his/her conclusions, knowledge, and the rationale underpinning these
• Applying language and communication skills efficiently: communicating orally his/her conclusions, knowledge, and the rationale underpinning these
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: gathering information with a critical and evidence-based approach
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: elaborating a research question with a critical and evidence-based approach
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: formulating a judgement on the grounds of critical thinking and an evidence-based approach
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: deciding on the grounds of critical thinking and an evidence-based approach

Goals (SE422 - Digital technology for sensors and weapons)
After finishing the course the student will be able to:

• Characterize using mathematical models the operation of integrated circuits and verify their performance against the specification (Understanding of extensive subject matter in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences)
• Read, evaluate and understand scientific papers on electronic circuit theory and sensor systems, synthesis conclusions and present as well defend these conclusions in a written paper (Applying relevant and valid information to devise arguments, solve complex problems, formulate recommendations, and/or make decisions, as well as thinking critically and acting scientifically)

Prerequisites (SE422 - Digital technology for sensors and weapons)
This course uses topics that are treated in the following courses:

• Ba 1 POL (Sem 1) CL116 Communication techniques
• Ba 2 POL (Sem 2) ES222 Electronics

The course SE422 is identified as a prerequisite for the following courses:

• Ma 2 POL (Module C1) (Sem 1) SE511 Strategic military sensors

Course material (SE422 - Digital technology for sensors and weapons)

• Manual (made available)
• Software
• Slides (electronic or printed)

This course is supported by a slide set, and is based on the “Analysis and Design of Analog Integrated Circuit” handbook (ISBN 0-471-32168-0) - relevant parts of which are made available to the students.
During the course, students will make use of LTSpice software for the simulation and evaluation of circuits.

References (SE422 - Digital technology for sensors and weapons)

Didactic means (SE422 - Digital technology for sensors and weapons)

• Teach
• Closed task
• Open task

The students will discover the concepts of the course content during the lectures and can assimilate the theoretical notions during the course. They will be invited to ask questions to make sure that any of the discussed aspects can be readily understood.

They will learn to use these different aspects and to put them to work by implementing them, individually or as member of a team, in a number of applications (closed problems) that will be proposed to them during the exercise sessions. At the end of the sessions the correct solution will be presented.

TN423: Networks and security awareness

Course holder:
Colonel Dr. Ir Bart SCHEERS (3 ECTS)
Other teachers:
Major Ir Helena BRUYNINCKX (1 ECTS)
Captain-Commandant Dr. Ir Thibault DEBATTY (3 ECTS)
Assistants:
Mr. Ir Luc BONTEMPS
ECTS: 7
Contact hours:
Class: 41 Hr; practice 32 Hr
Evaluation:
Daily work: number of written evaluations: 1
Daily work: number of oral evaluations: 1
Daily work: weight of the different evaluations: uniform repartition
Weight factor for the daily work: 23.0
Weight factor for the exam: 47.0
Exam type: oral

Content (TN423 - Networks and security awareness)
This course is divided into two parts. In a first part, we will introduce the architecture, technology, protocols and applications used in data networks.
In this part, the following topics are covered:

• Layered architecture of data networks
• LAN protocols
• Internet Protocol
• IP routing protocols
• Transport protocols
• Hand-on lab sessions on switching, IP and IP routing

The second part will be focusing on 'Security awareness'. It will cover:

• Theoretical basis on cryptography
• Security of the individual computer
• Types of threat sources
• Public sources of information for hackers
• Social engineering
• Remote attacks over a network
• Vulnerabilities in a computer network (layers 1-4)
• Vulnerabilities at the level of the application layer
• Buffer overruns in software
• Access control, authentication and authorization
• Secure programming
• Network security (layers 1-7)
• Network encryption, IPSEC and SSL
• Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and honeypots
• Risk management

Learning outcomes (TN423 - Networks and security awareness)

• Understanding of extensive subject matter in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying relevant and valid information to devise arguments, solve complex problems, formulate recommendations, and/or make decisions in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying language and communication skills efficiently: communicating orally his/her conclusions, knowledge, and the rationale underpinning these
• Acting autonomously: practicing an attitude of lifelong learning

Goals (TN423 - Networks and security awareness)
After finishing the course the student will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of layering and describe the layered architecture for data networks
• Explain LAN protocols and describe the current Ethernet standards and applications
• Use open source software to monitor LAN traffic and analyse LAN protocols
• Explain network functions and the IP protocol and describe Internet routing algorithms
• Implement a basic configuration on a switch and a router
• Implement basic routing protocols on Cisco routers
• Be able to discuss technical issue regarding IP based network protocols with colleagues
• Explain the most important threats to computer networks and to information systems
• Propose a number of protective measures to protect computer networks and information systems, taking into account the tension between protection of the privacy of the computer users and the security of the network
• Participate in a risk management process

Prerequisites (TN423 - Networks and security awareness)
This course uses topics that are treated in the following courses:

• Ba 1 POL (Sem 1) ES112 Introduction to mathematics, informatics and programming
• Ba 2 POL (Sem 1) ES211 Probability and statistics
• Ba 3 POL (Sem 2) TN325 Fundamentals of telecommunication

The course TN423 is identified as a prerequisite for the following courses:

• Ma 2 POL (Module C1) (Sem 1) TN512 Distributed information systems
• Ma 2 POL (Module C1) (Sem 1) TN513 Information networks
• Ma 2 POL (Module C1) (Sem 2) TP516 Cyber defense

Course material (TN423 - Networks and security awareness)

• Slides (electronic or printed)
• Course notes (electronic or printed)
• Articles

Course text on data networks

The course is supplemented with slides and reference articles

All course material is also available on the Course Management System BELADL

References (TN423 - Networks and security awareness)
Andrew S. Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, Pearson Education international

Didactic means (TN423 - Networks and security awareness)

• Teach
• Demonstrate
• Closed task

Lectures

Hands-on lab sessions on real network equipment

Lab sessions on the Cyber Range

TP424: Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals

Course holder:
Major IMM Dr. Ir Frederik COGHE (3 ECTS)
Assistants:
Captain Ir Véronique DE BRIEY
ECTS: 3
Contact hours:
Class: 18 Hr; practice: 14 Hr
Evaluation:
Daily work: number of written evaluations: 1
Daily work: number of oral evaluations: 0
Daily work: weight of the different evaluations: uniform repartition
Weight factor for the daily work: 10.0
Weight factor for the exam: 20.0
Exam type: oral

Content (TP424 - Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals)
The course TP424 addresses the field of terminal ballistics from both a practical and a theoretical point of view. This includes an overview of the different ballistic threats present on the modern battlefield, modelling approaches to evaluate the effects of these threats, next to introducing basic protective schemes based on the aforementioned models.
The level of ambition of this course is not aimed at the development of new ballistic protection systems but more at acquiring the skills to evaluate the feasibility of ballistic protection concepts from a technical point of view.
Based on ‘first principle’ approaches this course will provide the necessary tools to validate ballistic protection concepts. A number of modelling approaches in this field will be investigated in more detail both by desktop calculations and/or simulations using finite element software.

Learning outcomes (TP424 - Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals)

• Understanding of extensive subject matter in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying relevant and valid information to devise arguments, solve complex problems, formulate recommendations, and/or make decisions in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying language and communication skills efficiently: communicating in writing his/her conclusions, knowledge, and the rationale underpinning these
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: gathering information with a critical and evidence-based approach
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: elaborating a research question with a critical and evidence-based approach
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: formulating a judgement on the grounds of critical thinking and an evidence-based approach
• Thinking critically and acting scientifically: deciding on the grounds of critical thinking and an evidence-based approach
• Acting autonomously: shaping and regulating his/her own learning process in function of his/her results
• Acting autonomously: gathering and interpreting relevant information from the different disciplines to devise a sound judgement, solve a complex problem, and/or decide

Goals (TP424 - Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals)
After finishing this course, the student should have obtained the necessary skills to:

• Give a reasoned vision on the technology used for ballistic protection regarding military systems
• Choose and apply a suitable method and/or model to solve a problem in this field, after critically assessing the actual problem to solve
• Link the contents of this course to the content of the other courses in the field of ballistics regarding threats and ballistic protection

Prerequisites (TP424 - Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals)
The student must have a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental notions of mechanics, mathematics and material science

This course uses topics that are treated in the following courses:

• Ba 1 POL (Sem 1) ES114 Fundamentals of classical mechanics
• Ba 1 POL (Sem 2) ES125 Classical mechanics of solid bodies
• Ba 2 POL (Sem 1) ES211 Probability and statistics
• Ba 2 POL (Sem 1) ES214 Solid mechanics
• Ba 3 POL (Sem 2) ES321 Materials science and selection
• Ma 1 POL (Sem 1) WA411 Design principles and evaluation of armament and ammunition
• Ba 2 POL (Sem 2) WS225 Survivability of weapon systems

The course TP424 is identified as a prerequisite for the following courses:

• Ma 2 POL (Module D1) (Sem 2) SM533 Fire control
• Ma 2 POL (Module D3) (Sem 2) SM552 Naval ship technology
• Ma 2 POL (Module C2) (Sem 1) TP521 Ballistic impact and protection: applications

Course material (TP424 - Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals)

• Manual (made available)
• Slides (electronic or printed)

Slides will be projected during the courses and will be made available as pdf documents

A syllabus containing the slides shown during the courses will also be made available

The collection of didactic objects of the used classroom of the Department (room H3039) will be used to illustrate the different theoretical concepts

The book Terminal Ballistics (2012, Authors: Rosenberg, Zvi, Dekel, Erez) should be purchased by the students

References (TP424 - Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals)

Didactic means (TP424 - Ballistic impact and protection: fundamentals)

• Teach
• Educational conversation
• Open task

Regular classroom courses

Illustration of the theoretical classroom concepts using individual tasks and reporting

SE426: Military satellite based positioning

Course holder:
Professor Dr. Ir Alain MULS (3 ECTS)
Assistants:
Captain Ir Mathias BECQUAERT
ECTS: 3
Contact hours:
Class: 18 Hr; practice: 10 Hr
Evaluation:
Daily work: number of written evaluations: 0
Daily work: number of oral evaluations: 1
Daily work: weight of the different evaluations: uniform repartition
Weight factor for the daily work: 10.0
Weight factor for the exam: 20.0
Exam type: oral

Content (SE426 - Military satellite based positioning)

• Satellite geodesy made easy
  • Principles of measuring signal time transit
  • Effects of errors on measuring signal time transit
• Brief review of satellite geodesy
  • Ellipsoidal geodetic and cartesian coordinates
  • Atomic time scales
  • Kepler laws of satellite motion
• The legacy Global Positioning System
  • Segments of the legacy GPS
  • Legacy navigation services
  • The legacy ranging codes
  • The legacy navigation message
  • Generation and transmission of the legacy GPS signals
• The European Galileo system
  • Segments of the Galileo system
  • Modernised GNSS signals
  • Generation and transmission of the modernised GNSS signals
  • The navigation messages
  • Navigation services
• Overview of modern GNSS systems
  • The modernised GPS system
  • BEIDOU, the Chinese GNSS
  • Glonass, the Russian GNSS
• Solving the navigation problem
  • Single point PNT calculation
  • Error sources analysis
  • Dilution of Precision
• Augmentation systems
  • Differential GNSS navigation
  • Wide Area differential GNSS
  • Ground and Satellite Based Augmentation Systems
  • Assisted GNSS
• Open source GNSS processing
  • National Marine Electronic Association
  • DGNSS correction data
  • RTKLib - An Open Source Program Package for GNSS Positioning
  • Gfzrnx - RINEX GNSS Data Conversion and Manipulation Toolbox

Learning outcomes (SE426 - Military satellite based positioning)

• Understanding of extensive subject matter in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying relevant and valid information to devise arguments, solve complex problems, formulate recommendations, and/or make decisions in the field of Engineering and Military Sciences
• Applying language and communication skills efficiently: communicating orally his/her conclusions, knowledge, and the rationale underpinning these
• Working with people as an individual or in a group: adapting to individual human behavior and group dynamics
• Acting autonomously: gathering and interpreting relevant information from the different disciplines to devise a sound judgement, solve a complex problem, and/or decide

Goals (SE426 - Military satellite based positioning)

• Understand:
  • The basic concepts of GNSS systems
  • The functioning of the legacy GPS system from satellite to receiver
  • The modernised GNSS signals and navigation messages
  • The European Galileo system
  • The processing of GNSS observations
  • The added values of augmentation systems
• Be able:
  • To use open source GNSS processing software
  • To operate (low-cost) GNSS receivers

Prerequisites (SE426 - Military satellite based positioning)
This course uses topics that are treated in the following courses:

• Ba 2 POL (Sem 1) SE115 Geodesy for military systems

The course SE426 is not mentioned as a prerequisite for other courses

Course material (SE426 - Military satellite based positioning)

• Manual (made available)
• Software
• Hardware (laptop)
• Slides (electronic or printed)
• Course notes (electronic or printed)
• Articles

Copy of __GPS: Essentials of Satellite Navigation__ Compendium by ublox, document number GPS-X-02007-D

Copy of __An Introduction to GNSS GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems__, second edition, by NovAtel Inc.

Copy of __RINEX The Receiver Independent Exchange Format Version 3.03__, International GNSS Service (IGS), RINEX Working Group and Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services Special Committee 104 (RTCM-SC104)

References (SE426 - Military satellite based positioning)

• GPS: Essentials of Satellite Navigation Compendium by ublox, document number GPS-X-02007-D
• Copy of An Introduction to GNSS GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems, second edition, by NovAtel Inc.

Didactic means (SE426 - Military satellite based positioning)

• Teach
• Open task

Processing of GNSS data using the Open Source Library [__RTKLib__](http://www.rtklib.com/) (An Open Source Program Package for GNSS Positioning)

Extraction of information from RINEX files using Open Source software [__gfzrnx__](http://semisys.gfz-potsdam.de/semisys/scripts/download/index.php) (RINEX GNSS Data Conversion and Manipulation Toolbox)

Manipulation of [u-Blox](https://www.u-blox.com/en) receivers