Linking Architecture Models and Synthetic Environments - An Integrated Project Support Environment

Large System Integration (LSI) and Systems of Systems (SoS) present difficult systems engineering challenges due to complexity and emergent behaviour. There is a high risk of project failure unless systems complexity is addressed at an early stage, before systems implementation. Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) addresses systems complexity through approaches such as architectural modelling and simulation. The use of architectural frameworks such as DoDAF and MODAF supported by commercial architecture modelling tools allow the creation of systems architecture models, which assist visualisation and analysis of SoS. However, these models are inherently static in nature; Business Process Simulation along with modelling and simulation in synthetic environments such as EADS Defence and Security Systems' Network Centric Operations Simulation environment (NetCOS) provides a dynamic view of systems behaviour, allowing realistic experimentation and analysis of performance. The objective of this research is to integrate systems architecture modelling tools with modelling and simulation tools in a synthetic environment through an Integrated Project Support Environment (IPSE). This will allow the use of Executable Architectures during conceptual analysis and design and in simulation-supported Verification & Validation (V&V). Expected applications of this research include defence and communications, border control and coastal surveillance systems.