SysML executable systems of system architecture definition: A working example

This paper provides a working example of an SoS architecture in Systems Modeling Language (SysML) using IBM Rational Rhapsody that was developed in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Systems of Systems (SoS) program Cross-Domain Maritime Surveillance and Targeting (CDMaST). One goal of this effort was to provide the CDMaST program industry participants with an example of an executable SysML model that represented an SoS architecture and supported the DARPA desire for SoS documentation through a model-based implementation approach. The SoS architecture was defined as a selection of platforms, weapons, sensors, and mission systems (elements) operating collectively in the maritime environment, the assignment of weapons, sensors, and mission systems to platforms, the interfaces between elements, and the services SoS elements provide. An architecture element is a distinct component in the overall SoS architecture. Elements include platforms, weapons, communications and data links, sensors, battle managers (manned and unmanned), and systems that support mission processing (e.g. data fusion, targeting etc.). An SoS architecture model provides the framework for two lines of reasoning about the SoS. First, the model reflects the results of physics-based trades conducted to inform architecture decisions. Second, the model defines the systems and behaviors which will be analyzed to demonstrate their operational effectiveness in mission and campaign modeling analyses. The model aims to capture information that is important for analysis, implementation and testing activities.