This project was the second step in verifying that an “integrate-then-build” approach to evolving complex aerospace systems that include both hardware components (actuators, air data computers, avionics displays, flight management sensors and computers, engine control units, physical buses, and the like) and embedded software.
This project built confidence that all users would benefit from such an approach.
The project built on the results of Systems Architecture Virtual Integration (SAVI) Viability Proof-of-Concept project and was the next step in expanding the SAVI Process.
The previous Viability Proof-of-Concept project concentrated on software issues, and on demonstrating that architectural modeling with virtual integration can take place before physical integration. This project was a logical next step to extend and expand that framework into a more complete Model Repository and Model Bus that would produce stronger evidence that both commercial and military subsystems can be efficiently and profitably integrated using the virtual integration process.
The emphasis was on demonstrating an improved model repository and model bus, the core elements of the SAVI process, against broader-based Use Cases. The choice of Use Cases focused on subsystem components rather than integrated system of systems. The intent was to demonstrate feasibility of exercising both hardware and software architectural components in the SAVI Process.
Project participants were careful to develop realistic Use Cases that illustrated how architectural models can be utilized to pass information and relate all levels of the system structure while seamlessly supporting analysis at each level.
The project placed a larger emphasis on hardware issues with recognition that model-based engineering for hardware (and especially hardware models that permit formal analysis) may need more applied research to complete a process that can be used in an actual system development. The goal was to extend the Proof-of-Concept to more convincingly illustrate that the SAVI approach can used to advantage by either airframe manufacturers or suppliers in an actual system or subsystem development.
