A systems engineering approach to architecting a unified system of systems

An explicit process for designing a unified system of systems (S2) is defined, based upon previous system of systems notions as well as combinatoric functional analysis. The vagaries of selecting a set of compatible systems that upgrade and improve the functionality of a given system of systems are explored. Incompatible systems are screened out and a variety of system "views" place in evidence how well the candidate unified systems are apt to satisfy requirements. Generalizations and computer support of the process are discussed. The features of a prototype software system known as EGADS are presented. This decision support system (DSS) can assist the user in developing the overall architecture for a unified system of systems.<>