Health-Aware Digital Enterprise - A Blueprint for Digital Thread Integration for Future Vertical Lift Sustainment

Abstract

A primary factor for the development of military avionics systems is the requirement for a Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA). The US Department of Defense (DoD) is driving MOSA-compliant systems to achieve benefits in cost and flexibility within their procurements. MOSA definitions are examined in light of advances in computing disciplines that open the interfaces necessary for the aircraft operator to update and manage their fleet's Health Awareness Systems (HAS). Opening the relevant HAS interfaces via software configuration toolsets and MOSA building blocks avoids contracting for costly software changes and gives control of the update to the operator. Two business related factors are presented for consideration in developing the best way forward while using MOSA principles to guide development. These factors are (1) Intellectual Property (IP) and (2) the underlying investments companies make to develop IP. The need to routinely update the HAS to incorporate fleet lessons learned is inherent in the system's support. Updates may also reflect new methodologies that deliver the desired system control to the operator. The paper demonstrates a MOSA-compliant architecture via an example. Within the example, efficiencies are driven by an end-to-end Digital Thread that minimizes errors and rework while reducing the overall cost of change for the full platform lifecycle. The approach enables organic operator support, lowering the overall cost of aircraft operations. The design and support of the platform’s Health Awareness System benefits from the application of linked-automation.