8.2.2 Applying Systems Engineering to Naval Shipbuilding

Abstract

AbstractThe processes for naval architecture and ship design evolved before the systems engineering processes used today were defined and documented. The standard systems engineering processes based on MIL‐STD‐499 and now ANSI/EIA‐632 have been extensively applied to the development of military and commercial products. While the designs of the naval ship combat system payloads have used systems engineering methods, the ship design, and development has traditionally applied processes that are unique and not included in the standard systems engineering activities. The development of many ship subsystems has followed an evolutionary approach that has not required many of the systems engineering process steps. This paper defines some of the unique challenges of applying the systems engineering process to the design and development of Navy ships. Some of the traditional naval architecture and ship design processes are presented and contrasted with the systems engineering standards. The challenges that required the amalgamation of these two cultures are discussed. Finally, processes and methods that provide an integrated approach are presented.