Next-Generation Architecture to Support Simulation-Based Acquisition

For simulation-based acquisition t o effectively lower life-cycle cost and cycle t i m e , the ability to make good design decisions early i s a significant driver. Building virtual p r o t o t y p e s , enabling one to analyze the impact of d e c i s i o n s , achieves effective simulation-based acqu i s i t i on processes. Virtual prototypes need to support a comprehensive set of analyses that will b e performed on the product; hence, all aspects o f product data and behavior need to be represented. Building virtual prototypes of complex s y s t e m s being designed by a multi-organizational team requires new architectural concepts and redesigned processes. Implementation of these new archi tectures is complex and needs to leverage c o m mercial technologies to achieve feasible s o l u tions. One must also carefully consider the s t a t e of the current commercial technologies and frameworks as well as the organizational and cultural aspects of organizations that use these s y s t e m s . This paper describes key architectural p r i n c i p l e s that one must address for a cost-effective i m p l e mentation. The paper then discusses key archi tectural concepts and trade-offs that are neces sary to support virtual prototypes of complex systems.