Modeling Algorithms for Unmanned Aircraft/Weapons Management Systems

Current methodologies for integration of weapons on unmanned and manned aircraft platforms and the associated control software development/integration typically result in a lengthy and expensive integration process. Problems are frequently discovered in the hardware/software prototyping or flight test program phases, when they are difficult and expensive to fix and likely to result in significant program perturbations. Potential safety issues that were not forecast can also be encountered. Recent studies by both U.S. and NATO organizations have identified structured modeling technologies and processes (including the evolving Model Driven Architecture®, or MDA®, process supported by commercial industry) as having a high potential to significantly mitigate the identified problems, if appropriately adapted and incorporated into the platform avionics and weapon integration design approach. To support such a model-based process, flexible modeling algorithms for weapon control systems and associated weapon employment functionality need to be developed in languages such as the Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) and Unified Modeling Language (UML). The effort proposed here would demonstrate development of modeling algorithms for an example weapon control application in accordance with requirements developed under the Phase I study effort.