Modeling and Simulation: Balancing Performance, Schedule, and Cost

Given the rapid technological advances realized in the defense industry, asymmetric threats present new challenges to the US Navy. Directed Energy (DE), a rapid prototyping, experimentation, and demonstration (RPED) initiative seeks to develop and deliver advanced laser capabilities to the fleet to mitigate the newly discovered capability gaps. DE programs will utilize a wholeness approach to minimize excess spending, keep a tight schedule, and meet high readiness requirements all at best value with analysis conducted in the early stages of its life. Monitoring readiness of the DE programs includes tracking metrics such as operational availability and mission effectiveness. Evaluating DE design performance during preliminary design reviews, as well as throughout the acquisition milestones, allows NAVSEA the opportunity to make informed trade decisions in the design and production phases. Capturing design trades early in the system lifecycle will both increase Operational Availability as well as decrease Total Ownership Cost.