Software Framework for Modeling and Simulation of Weapon Systems Design and Logistics

An innovative modeling and simulation framework is proposed. It captures the operation aspects of a weapon system logistics in support of design optimization for life cycle maintenance, support, and cost management. It facilitates trade studies to evaluate the effectiveness, affordability, and performance of the design and technology alternative of a weapon system. It employs an underlying object-oriented architecture supporting the rapid development of detailed process models, integrated with product design, enabling the assessment of the operational implications of design alternatives through simulation. Discrete events with prescribed distribution can be incorporated to assess uncertainties in model operations, the resulting states, and the requirement for sustainment through out the life cycle of the system. Ultimately it supports design evaluation and optimization at all the stages of the product engineering life cycle - design, production, deployment, and support. The functional specification of the modeling and simulation environment will be developed through the detailed study of the air force and DoD logistics requirement for weapon deployment and life cycle sustainment and cost management. Ultimately, it aids in the strategic design decision for design optimization and logistics planning, resulting in improved system performance with significant reduction in cost of weapon system acquisition and ownership.