Open Architecture Machinery Control System

ABSTRACT

Machinery Control Systems are currently individually crafted for each class of ship. Just as the combat systems community is improving performance while reducing cost through an open architecture approach, an opportunity also exists to develop and field an open architecture machinery control system for use on all U.S. naval ships. This paper proposes a business and technical approach to developing an Open Architecture Machinery Control System (OA-MCS) common across all classes of U.S. naval ships. Once adopted, this approach would provide commonality across the fleet while preserving competition and a viable industrial base, and would facilitate user training, improved maintenance, and regular software and hardware updates.

The following technical approach includes a description of the open standards needed both within the boundaries of the MCS and between the MCS and the user equipment. A description of the activities required during ship design and acquisition is also described.