ETTC'2003 - SEE

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Test fields and simulation: a complementary approach to complex system
acquisition
Acquisition des systèmes complexes : le cercle vertueux essais et simulation
ICA Dominique Luzeaux, Prof.
Head of the “Complex System Engineering” Departement
responsable du domaine technique « ingénierie des systèmes complexes »
Abstract
In this paper, we show how test fields and simulation have to be reconsidered, not as
potentially concurrent approaches, but as cooperative actors within a new vision of the
acquisition of Defense systems, where simulation-based acquisition and concurrent
engineering play a major role. The expected return on investment is a better risk control and a
cost reduction.
1. General context
Technological advances such as computers and broadband communications have
enabled new methods of production that are more efficient and less costly. A changing
international environment, the need for more advanced weapon systems, and limited resource
are placing pressure on defense acquisition. Decision makers in procurement agencies must
be able to envision future combat situations, conceptualize new weapon systems, and evaluate
their performance and manufacturability in a way that carries less risk, is quicker, and is less
costly than before. In other words, produce “the right product right” the first time.
At the individual system level, there is a need to field useful core capabilities more
rapidly, within a few years instead of within 15 to 20 years. Increments must be fielded on
time-scales that reflect the technology generation rate, lessons learned from prior use, and the
ability to assimilate new capabilities. At the system-of-systems level, there is the need to cope
with the asynchronous nature of the acquisition of individual systems and to facilitate the coevolution
of those systems with all the dimensions of doctrine, organization, training…
Furthermore, the current geopolitical context emphasizes the need to acquire systems
able to interoperate with the systems of other participants. In addition, there is the need to
acquire systems that are operationally effective using fewer people, that are more easily
deployed, and have reduced needs for logistics support.
In order to achieve these goals, new processes are needed, supported in part by
simulation environments that promote and facilitate interoperability. Detailed design,
development, production of prototypes, and testing of new conceptual systems are slow and
costly processes, with no guarantee that the new systems will perform as expected. At the
system level, processes are needed in order to identify and manage the different sources of
acquisition risk.
2. Model and simulation within the acquisition process
Modeling and simulation (M&S) technologies are important tools for achieving these
goals. Before any capital expenditure is made, modeling and simulation can be used to aid in
concept formation and evaluation, architecture development, specification, detailed design (of