Real-Time and Fault-Tolerant Open Architecture for Combat Systems

We propose to develop a layered real-time and fault-tolerant CORBA-based software architecture as a means to realizing an open standards-based middleware for Naval combat systems. The key features of our approach are (1) a low-level interface to a distributed network infrastructure consisting of an integrated real-time and fault-tolerant extension to CORBA patterned after existing and emerging CORBA standards and implemented using research and industry prototypes (i.e., Electra, TAO, and Orbix+Isis), (2) a higher-level interface built on this infrastructure and adapted to the requirements of combat systems (i.e., Aegis and CEC), (3) component-based archetypes of key reusable software objects (i.e., timed event channels), and (4) semi-automatic migration techniques for CMS-2 and ADA legacy systems, in terms of both reengineering using CORBA wrapping techniques as well as direct translation. In Phase I of this research we will investigate the feasibility of the above approach and its alternatives, leading to a well-defined high-level interface, the definition of several key component-based archetypes, and the design of an integrated real-time and fault-tolerant infrastructure leveraging existing implementation vehicles. In particular we will address the role of Java in real-time CORBA-based systems, and the use of component-based models both in design as well as in migration of legacy systems. The use of distributed object technology such as CORBA is, we posit, vital to any approach for developing a middleware supporting interoperability, and nascent lightweight CORBA extensions, while still unintegrated and low level, have great potential. Our efforts seek to fill the gaps posed by these currently missing vital technologies, and will significantly advance the realization of a high-level open architecture for combat systems.