Long, Lt. Col. Dave

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http://lean.mit.edu © 2008 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Motivation Because of Warfighter demand, the DoD’s investment is increasing tenfold in unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) this decade.  However, cross-platform coordination is lacking; and cost & schedule growth are concerns.   Industry uses modular product architectures to manage product families to increase market share, increase economic order quantities and shorten time to market.  Models are developed for these purposes. The DoD focuses on delivering a capability for the best value.  Models for using modularity in this purpose have not been developed.  These models could improve cost, schedule and performance of acquisition programs. This research will characterize the benefits of a modular architecture strategy to acquire UASs.Researcher: Lt Col Dave Long (USAF)Contact: dave13@mit.eduAdvisor: Warren SeeringModularity in Complex Systems: Understanding System Architecture in Unmanned Aircraft SystemsData AnalysisResearch QuestionsHow much value can be gained by adopting a modular strategy to acquire UASs? What functional mission capabilities are found in military UASs and are common to multiple systems? How are functional capabilities embodied in UASs?  What functional capabilities should be common to UASs? Where does commonality and modularity exist and where do opportunities exist to increase modularity and commonality?Research Approach Develop functional and physical models of UASs to a module level Identify modules that perform a mission capability Construct models to show how systems map to mission capability Identify best opportunities for commonality in UAS architecturesExpected ContributionsExpand theory:  Develop platform concepts for government organizations and products (Government products deliver a capability vice seeking profit)Methods:  Develop, modify, and apply modularity concepts – concepts usually developed for profit ventures –to government applicationsUnmanned Aircraft SegmentRemote Operations SegmentGround SegmentLaunch& RecoveryElementUnmanned AircraftTactical Data UsersSatelliteMissionControlElementExploitation CellsUASs1 Predator2 GH3 FPASS4 Pioneer5 Shadow 2006 Fire Scout7 Pred B8 JUCAS9 I-GNAT10 Neptune11 XPV-1 Tern12 MakoSensorWeapon PayloadGeneralized UAS Architecture for 12 Military SystemsPredator A   (www.af.mil/photos)Global Hawk   (www.af.mil/photos)Global Hawk Ground Station  www.directionsmag.comPredator Ground Station(www.spyflight.co.uk)UAS Capability Module MatrixUAS Common Capabilities

Modularity in Complex Systems: Understanding System Architecture in Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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Modularity in Complex Systems: Understanding System Architecture in Unmanned Aircraft Systems

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