CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF THE USMC FUTURE VERTICAL LIFT (FVL) LIVING LAB

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) is developing the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) system that will rely heavily on Marine-machine teaming, a complex process that requires further development. The development of a living lab (LL)—a multi-function network of simulators that will serve as the platform for testing, experimenting, and training new technologies and ideas for how the FVL will operate—will help mitigate Marine-machine collaboration and trust issues. This capstone studies the options and requirements for developing a LL through interviews, research that focuses on existing technologies and operational concepts, and Model-Based Systems Engineering tools using a systems engineering approach. The report includes a detailed needs and requirements analysis, stakeholder analysis, and functional design. The team presents a conceptual design, that includes the system architecture, comprising of system, function and physical views, system lifecycle, and the evaluation criteria for a LL. The final product is a set of use cases and concepts of operation. The USMC needs a new approach that supports rapid and relevant upgrades that optimizes the system lifecycle and keeps the Marine in mind. This team recommends the USMC consider these findings and continue researching and developing a LL.ONR Arlington, VA 22203Civilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

MBSE METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS TOOL TO IMPLEMENT MBSE POST MILESTONE C

This thesis proposes a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) methodology to be implemented post Milestone C, develops a Microsoft Excel MBSE analysis tool which provides a recommendation to implement MBSE, and provides a case study for implementing MBSE post Milestone C on a Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition program. The purpose of the MBSE methodology is to identify how MBSE should be implemented post Milestone C to address the systemic challenges which are faced by DoD acquisition programs post Milestone C. The Excel MBSE analysis tool provides a set of questions which provide metrics to the program office to determine the benefit of implementing MBSE post Milestone C into their program. The thesis then details, through a case study, how the Excel MBSE analysis tool can be used to decide whether to implement MBSE. Prior research on the systemic challenges within DoD acquisition programs as well as the use of MBSE during post Milestone C activities were leveraged in developing the proposed MBSE methodology and Excel MBSE analysis tool. The thesis makes a recommendation to implement MBSE post Milestone C to mitigate schedule, cost, and risk uncertainties. This is done through digitally linking various models, such as a manufacturing model and a logistics model to an integrated master schedule (IMS). Based on the metrics and cost, the Excel MBSE analysis tool provides a recommendation on which models should be implemented.http://archive.org/details/mbsemethodologya1094560439Civilian, Department of the NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Optimising cost and availability estimates at the bidding stage of performance-based contracting

Performance-Based Contracting (PBC), e.g. Contracting for Availability (CfA), has been extensively applied in many industry sectors such as defence, aerospace and railway. Under PBC, complex support activities (e.g. maintenance, training, etc.) are outsourced, under mid to long term contracting arrangements, to maintain certain level of systems’ performance (e.g. availability). However, building robust cost and availability estimates is particularly challenging at the bidding stage because therei is lack of methods and limited availability of data for analysis. Driven by this contextual challenge this PhD aims to develop a process to simulate and optimise cost and availability estimates at the bidding stage of CfA. The research methodology follows a human-centred design approach, focusing on the end-user stakeholders. An interaction with seven manufacturing organisations involved in the bidding process of CfA enabled to identify the state-of-practice and the industry needs, and a review of literature in PBC and cost estimation enabled to identify the research gaps. A simulation model for cost and availability trade-off and estimation (CATECAB) has been developed, to support cost engineers during the bidding preparation. Also, a multi-objective genetic algorithm (EMOGA) has been developed to combine with the CATECAB and build a cost and availability estimation and optimisation model (CAEOCAB). Techniques such as Monte-Carlo simulation, bootstrapping resampling, multi-regression analysis and genetic algorithms have been applied. This model is able to estimate the optimal investment in the attributes that impact the availability of the systems, according to total contract cost, availability and duration targets. The validation of the models is performed by means of four case studies with twenty-one CfA scenarios, in the maritime and air domains. The outcomes indicate a representable accuracy for the estimates produced by the models, which has been considered suitable for the early stages of the bidding process

Multi-Echelon Models for Repairable Items: A Review

We review multi-echelon inventory models for repairable items. Such models have been widely applied to the management of critical spare parts for military equipment for around three decades, but the application to manufacturing and service industries seems to be much less documented. We feel that the appropriate use of models in the management of spare parts for heavily utilized equipment in industry can result in significant cost savings, in particular in those settings where repair facilities are resource constrained. In our review, we provide a strategic framework for making these decisions, place the modeling problem in the broader context of inventory control, and review the prominent models in the literature under a unified setting, highlighting some key relationships. We concentrate on describing those models which we feel are most applicable for practical application, revisiting in detail the Multi-Echelon Technique for Recoverable Item Control (METRIC) model and its variations, and then discussing a variety of more general queueing models. We then discuss the components which we feel must be addressed in the models in order to apply them practically to industrial settings

Tradespace and Affordability – Phase 1

One of the key elements of the SERC’s research strategy is transforming the practice of systems engineering – “SE Transformation.” The Grand Challenge goal for SE Transformation is to transform the DoD community’s current systems engineering and management methods, processes, and tools (MPTs) and practices away from sequential, single stovepipe system, hardware-first, outside-in, document-driven, point-solution, acquisition-oriented approaches; and toward concurrent, portfolio and enterprise-oriented, hardware-software-human engineered, balanced outside-in and inside-out, model-driven, set-based, full life cycle approaches.This material is based upon work supported, in whole or in part, by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)) under Contract H98230-08- D-0171 (Task Order 0031, RT 046).This material is based upon work supported, in whole or in part, by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (ASD(R&E)) under Contract H98230-08- D-0171 (Task Order 0031, RT 046)

Design methodology and simulation of a fleet management system for an advanced helicopter platform

This research is part of a major helicopter acquisition and upgrade program of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) under a 20+ year strategic plan. The ‘Air 9000’ program aims to rationalise the number of helicopter types operated, simplify operational requirements and reduce through-life-support costs. This research program developed and modelled a Fleet Management System (FMS) for the newly acquired Multi-Role Helicopter-90 (MRH-90 / NHI NH-90) platform. It assessed current practices in aerospace technology management of civil and military aircraft fleets, and established requirements of civil & military rotary-wing platforms for the development of a fleet management methodology for the MRH-90 platform. A novel approach was adopted by applying systems engineering principles to design the FMS. The systems engineering approach enabled identification and implementation of the additional rotary-wing design parameters, required for system adaptability to future network-centric military & civil operational environments from a life-cycle perspective. This approach has resulted in the development and implementation of an adaptable prototype FMS software with integrated fleet management capabilities. Subsequent simulation & validation demonstrated significant enhancements in operational effectiveness over state-of-the art rotary-wing fleet management practices, by holistically and systematically addressing the present and future system needs of helicopter life-cycle management