Runtime Software Verification for Non-Standard Compute Infrastructure

Current US Naval platform combat management systems (CMS) are a system-of-systems (SoS), operating as a complex collection of computers, controllers, sensors, communications networks, rack-mounted servers and hardware, and other systems required to accomplish the ship’s objectives. These components communicate and interact over local area networks, creating a recurring challenge to get ahead of system failures that build up over time and are unrealized until failures occur. Unexpected errors within this distributed SoS architecture can result in potentially catastrophic system failures due to the inability to detect and notify operators of system issues. To improve the resilience and reliability of platforms and the safety of embarked personnel, safeguards must be taken to identify unexpected errors before they result in catastrophic system failures. Altron proposes to conduct research, design, and development to determine the technical feasibility of creating an automated software solution that can monitor system-of-systems, detect combat subsystem component errors, and report the early indicators and warnings (I&W) to the embarked personnel. This solution uses runtime verification (RV) and software integrity checking (SWIC) to detect errors. Presentation of the I&W results in actionable steps that are taken before catastrophic system failure occurs. Altron’s trade analysis indicates there are no commercially viable solutions that meet the CMS needs of the Navy.