Systems-of-Systems Engineering in Air and Missile Defense

This article explores the principles of systems-of-systems engineering and the application of these principles to air and missile defense. By examining structured approaches to designing complex systems-of-systems through specific applications, this article explains the need for clear requirements definition, assessment of existing capabilities and requirements gaps, thorough exploration of the concept space, allocation of requirements to the various elements, and evaluation of expected and demonstrated elemental and end-to-end performance. Simulation at the appropriate level of fidelity, driven by the questions to be answered and by the maturity of the design or concept, is necessarily an integral part of this disciplined approach. These principles of systems-of-systems engineering are illustrated through various specific examples: (i) building a common track picture capability across multiple units and sensors in the Joint Track Management architecture; (ii) end-to-end performance prediction and assessment for Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense; and (iii) development of investment strategies in way-ahead studies for future systems-of-systems capabilities.