Virtual System Integration Lab (VSIL) - A Flexible System Integration Tool for Virtual Prototyping & Simulation

The Virtual System Integration Laboratory (VSIL) represents a significant advance in integrated vehicle testing, particularly important for future vehicle programs such as FCS. It provides a means of simulating, testing and evaluating vehicle system components and their interfaces and integration into a functioning system. Previous approaches relied upon development of prototypes to resolve integration and interoperability issues between subsystems, an approach that is both costly and time-consuming. The HLA-based VSIL will use simulation objects and scenarios developed under this contract, together with contractor-developed simulations of vehicle subsystems and SAFOR drivers, to assess subsystem integration, interoperability and performance issues as a virtual system. The VSIL will additionally provide capabilities for Hardware/Software-In-The-Loop (H/SITL) testing and evaluation, where appropriate and useful. GDLS, one of the FCS vehicle contractors, has indicated that they will be providing matching funds (Fast Track) and creating a VSIL in-house with the results of this effort in support of its FCS efforts. The VSIL will include an Internet-accessible Repository of models, simulations and interface specifications to facilitate development of subsystem-specific simulations by second tier contractors, thereby increasing the assurance of interoperability in emerging systems.