Creating and Propagating Multiple Aircraft Targets in AGI STK Using Python

/ Simulation

In simulation and defense-grade mission planning, real-time aircraft trajectory generation is critical. In this article, we demonstrate how to use AGI STK (Systems Tool Kit) and its Python API to programmatically create and propagate multiple aircraft objects, ideal for radar or surveillance simulation scenarios.

✨ Objective

Create 10 (scalable to 5000+) aircraft objects in STK using the Great Arc propagator, with each aircraft having randomized routes and properties. The generated targets can be used to simulate UAV flights, radar targets, or enemy track playback.

🔧 Prerequisites

Ensure you have:

  • AGI STK installed (version 12 or compatible)
  • Python environment configured with the STK Python API
  • A scenario already loaded in STK

🧠 Code Breakdown

Below is the Python script used to attach to STK, set scenario parameters, and generate multiple aircraft targets dynamically.

from agi.stk12.stkengine import STKEngine
from agi.stk12.stkobjects import AgESTKObjectType, AgEVePropagatorType, AgEVeWayPtCompMethod, AgEVeAltitudeRef
from agi.stk12.stkdesktop import STKDesktop
import random

stk = STKDesktop.AttachToApplication()
root = stk.Root
scenario = root.CurrentScenario

# Define simulation window
start_time = "28 Jun 2025 15:00:00.000"
stop_time = "28 Jun 2025 15:30:00.000"
scenario.SetTimePeriod(start_time, stop_time)

# Reference location - Bangalore
base_lat, base_lon = 12.9716, 77.5946

# Begin updates
root.BeginUpdate()
aircraft_objects = []

for i in range(1, 11):
    name = f"target{i}"
    if scenario.Children.Contains(AgESTKObjectType.eAircraft, name):
        scenario.Children.GetElements(AgESTKObjectType.eAircraft).Item(name).Unload()

    aircraft = scenario.Children.New(AgESTKObjectType.eAircraft, name)
    aircraft.SetRouteType(AgEVePropagatorType.ePropagatorGreatArc)
    route = aircraft.Route
    route.Method = AgEVeWayPtCompMethod.eDetermineTimeAccFromVel
    route.SetAltitudeRefType(AgEVeAltitudeRef.eWayPtAltRefMSL)

    # Randomize initial location and flight parameters
    speed_mps = random.uniform(200, 350)
    alt_m = random.uniform(8000, 20000)
    lat = random.uniform(base_lat, base_lat + 10)
    lon = random.uniform(base_lon, base_lon + 10)

    # Add waypoints
    for _ in range(4):
        lat += random.uniform(-2, 2)
        lon += random.uniform(-2, 2)
        wp = route.Waypoints.Add()
        wp.Latitude = lat
        wp.Longitude = lon
        wp.Altitude = alt_m / 1000
        wp.Speed = speed_mps / 1000

    aircraft_objects.append(aircraft)

root.EndUpdate()

# Propagate all aircraft routes
root.BeginUpdate()
for ac in aircraft_objects:
    try:
        ac.Route.Propagate()
    except:
        print(f"❌ Propagation failed for {ac.InstanceName}")
root.EndUpdate()

🔁 Configure Scenario Animation

scenario.SetTimePeriod("28 Jun 2025 15:00:00.000", "28 Jun 2025 16:00:00.000")
scenario.Animation.StartTime = scenario.StartTime
scenario.Animation.EnableAnimCycleTime = True
scenario.Animation.AnimCycleType = 1  # Repeat
scenario.Animation.RefreshDelta = 1

root.Rewind()

✅ Output

Once executed, your STK scenario will contain 10 new aircraft, each following a unique flight path. You can now integrate this simulation with real-time visualization platforms like CesiumJS for external rendering or use it for performance testing of radar-based systems.

📌 Final Thoughts

Automating object creation in STK is a powerful way to simulate large-scale mission scenarios, especially when paired with geospatial visualizers or data replay tools. At Manya Technologies, we use this technique to simulate thousands of targets for real-time radar systems and defense mission planning.

👉 Contact Manya Technologies – business@manyatechnologies.com

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