Next‐Generation Architecture to Support Simulation‐Based Acquisition

The ability to make good design decisions early is a significant driver for simulation‐based acquisition to effectively lower life‐cycle cost and cycle time. Building virtual prototypes, enabling one to analyze the impact of decisions, achieves effective simulation‐based acquisition processes. Virtual prototypes need to support a comprehensive set of analyses that will be performed on the product; hence, all aspects of product data and behavior need to be represented. Building virtual prototypes of complex systems being designed by a multi‐organizational team requires new architectural concepts and redesigned processes. Implementation of these new architectures is complex and leveraging commercial technologies is necessary to achieve feasible solutions. One must also carefully consider the state of the current commercial technologies and frameworks as well as the organizational and cultural aspects of organizations that use these systems. This paper describes key architectural principles that one must address for a cost‐effective implementation. The paper then discusses key architectural concepts and trade‐offs that are necessary to support virtual prototypes of complex systems.