Configuration of a standoff detection system via rapid, model-based systems engineering

This paper presents a model-based systems engineering approach developed for rapid analysis of complex systems, not requiring the use of high computational resources. The basis of the approach involves the mapping of three basic systems engineering metrics, namely, Measures of Performance (MOP) to Measures of Effectiveness (MOE) to a single Figure of Merit (FOM), through metamodeling. Through this approach, analysts can leverage validated metamodels to map system measures, from component level MOPs to the overall system FOM in real-time to support decisions under constrained time-frames. Through metamodeling we achieve approximations of the simulation model in mathematical form, which alleviates long run times and the need for large computational resources. The metamodels also provide an effective means to aggregate a simulation's multiple outputs of interest via a preference function. These two approaches together form the foundation of this rapid, model-based systems engineering approach. The effectiveness of this model-based approach is demonstrated on configuring a standoff detection system.