ACHIEVING MISSION ASSURANCE - Raytheon

Figure 2. UPDM standards context
Group (SE DSIG) and the OMG C4I Task
Force, within the context of the MDA initiative,
is in the process of defining Systems
Modeling Language (SysML) for Systems
Level Modeling. For more information, see
the article on page 6 titled, “Systems
Modeling Language and Mission Assurance,”
or visit http://syseng.omg.org/ SysML.htm.
For information on the UPDM frameworks,
visit http://syseng.omg.org/UPDM.htm.
The profile includes representations for modeling
system architecture and consists of a
system viewpoint (DoDAF System View)
along with related technical standards
(DoDAF Technical View) within the context of
a business viewpoint (DoDAF Operational
View). UPDM will also allow the architecture
model to include representations of an enterprise
capability and strategic intent (MODAF
Strategic Viewpoint) and the process steps
associated with the procurement of systems
(MODAF Acquisition Viewpoint).
The UPDM will provide for the standardized
modeling of general operational capabilities,
military services activities, operational nodes,
system functions and services, input-output
ports, communication protocols, system
interfaces, system performance parameters,
and physical properties and metrics. In addition,
UPDM will allow for the modeling of
related architecture concepts such as DoD’s
doctrine, organization, training, material,
leadership and education, personnel, and
facilities (DOTMLPF). It will also allow for the
equivalent UK Ministry of Defense Lines of
Development elements.
Available Tools
Currently, tool vendors are challenged to
support a range of DoDAF variants (e.g.,
MODAF) that have been created to address
the needs of several nationalities. In MODAF,
for example, a UML metamodel is being
defined to support XMI-based file exchange
between tools and repositories. In addition,
the DoDAF specification is characterized by
the underlying Core Architecture Data Model
(CADM) that is now being integrated into a
wider range of tool suites. Without a common
underlying metamodel, interoperability
across DoDAF tools — and definitely with
MODAF tools — will be increasingly difficult.
The ever-growing complexity and scale of
modern military systems characterized by
emerging system-of-systems design and network-centric
operations requires a collaborative
system engineering and architecting
effort across companies, military services and
nations. The absence of an industry standard
makes it difficult and costly to create, reuse,
consolidate, sustain and distribute architecture
models in collaboration. SysML, which
will soon achieve formal approval of Version
1.0, extends the proven power of UML in
software engineering to the broader challenges
of system engineering and is the
leading candidate to fill this void and enable
the necessary tool developments.
UPDM and Mission Assurance
Within the umbrella of OMG, Raytheon,
other aerospace companies and commercial
tool vendors are working together to help
define the UPDM specification and reference
implementations. UPDM attempts to address
the current deficiencies in both models and
tools for DoDAF and MODAF — and a combined,
collaborative effort offers the best
path forward. A key element of Mission
Assurance is the ability to clearly characterize
the structure, behavior, constraints and state
of a system in support of well-defined missions.
Integrated models that capture the
system level, software and hardware
architectures are a critical aspect of an endto-end,
model-driven system approach to
Mission Assurance. A UML Profile for DoDAF
and MODAF is a significant step in
that direction.
Ron Williamson, Ph.D., NCS Architect
ron_c_williamson@raytheon.com
1. For more information regarding OOSE, see the
Raytheon Technology Networks Seminar, TNS976, entitled
“Using Reference Architecture in Raytheon’s Corporate
Architecture Practice” by Dr. Mike Borky and the System
Engineering Technology Network's SEOO TIG (Technology
Interest Group).
PROFILE
Robert C. Rassa is director of
system supportability for
Raytheon Space and Airborne
Systems (SAS) in El Segundo,
Calif. Bob is responsible for
making SAS products more
supportable. Because he serves
as Raytheon’s primary generic
(non-program) interface with our customers in
the systems engineering/programs environment,
Bob is able to do this by influencing systems
engineering content and process at the senior
levels of Office of the Secretary of Defense and
the armed services.
Bob founded and still chairs the National
Defense Industrial Association’s Systems
Engineering Division, where he leads a team of
several hundred senior industry leaders. The goal
is to positively influence Department of Defense
(DoD) programs so that they include more systems
engineering content. As such, Bob invented
an integrated, satellite-facilitated electronics/
avionics maintenance system that, for the most
part, is used on all new DoD weapon systems.
The system incorporates interactive electronic
tech manuals, real-time diagnostics information
and asset tracking.
To provide process best practices in systems
engineering, Bob helped develop the Capability
Maturity Model Integration (CMMI®) product
suite. He is also the industry sponsor of the
CMMI Project and serves as chair of the CMMI
Steering Group that manages CMMI and its
steward, the Software Engineering Institute.
CMMI integrates systems engineering, software
engineering and hardware design engineering
processes with program management and
supply chain process.
To further the exploration and implementation
of good systems engineering practices and
methodologies, Bob recently founded the new
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) Systems Council to bring the might of
that organization to bear on addressing systems
engineering issues. An IEEE fellow, Bob is also
the executive vice president of the IEEE
Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society and
past president of the Instrumentation and
Measurement Society, both of which focus
heavily on military and defense systems.
To keep up on communications between industry
and our DoD counterparts, Bob founded and
chairs several major National Defense Industrial
Association (NDIA) annual conferences, including
the Systems Engineering Conference, the
CMMI Technology Conference and User Group,
and the Net-Centric Operations Conference.
Finally, Bob served as principal author and coordinator
of the NDIA’s formal report on the “Top 5
Systems Engineering Issues” in early 2003 that led
to the recent DoD policies requiring systems engineering
plans and content on defense programs.
CMMI is registered in the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office by Carnegie Mellon University.
RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGY TODAY 2006 ISSUE 1 19