Modular Architecture Framework Model and Application Program Interface for Common Core Combat System

AEGIS Combat System designs have been, traditionally, burdened by non-scalable, non-reusable and non-extensible design restrictions. These platforms fall short of providing a fully robust technology stack built around open and adaptable standards, which are required to enable cost effective and scalable architectures to meet the needs of future systems. Developing a Dynamic Container Management Framework (DCMF) as the foundation for modular future combatant system platforms and capabilities would allow for efficient, rapid, and cost-effective deployment of incremental updates to combat system capabilities. DCMF employs an open container initiative structure to enable isolation and virtualization for core services within DCMF. This allows for unencumbered tech insertion, including real-time addition, update, and deletion of modules. In addition, DCMF provides a set of platform services with robust, published APIs that insert a layer of abstraction/insulation between hosted modules and the underlying framework implementations that allows for changes to be made at any level with minimal impact on adjacent elements. The flexibility in adding modular software components enabled by this approach reduces the time and cost associated with capability development and deployment by decoupling dependencies between combat system capabilities. Another objective of this research effort is to develop a software architecture with native services to support real-time data-exchange utilizing an Inter-Module/Inter-Combat System (IM/ICS) service suite. DCMF leverages systems engineering modeling and analysis procedures to support automated testing and verification of interface requirements. This capability is especially critical with the increased ability to quickly upgrade capabilities within DCMF. Automated testing ensures adherence to performance standards while minimizing the impact to development speed, establishing the foundation for a continuous development / continuous integration environment. A key leverage point of the DCMF solution is IDTÆs strong ability to transition to Phase II and beyond utilizing previous AEGIS experience and testing environments. Access to high fidelity evaluation of the designs and prototypes developed in Phase I and extensive experience with modeling and developing component interfaces for the AEGIS combat system favorably position IDT to successful transitioning of a Phase I effort.