Information Technology Insertion: Key System Engineering Element for Affordable, Mission Flexible Ships

Abstract

ABSTRACTUncertainty dominates the thinking regarding the threat to be faced by the surface combatant for the 21st Century. However, there is great certainty that affordability, how ever the term is defined, will be a major factor in decisions regarding how many surface combatants, amphibious ships and support ships will be built. What combat and support system mix they will take to sea will also be affordability constrained. Affordable modernization and reduced life cycle costs will be major ship selection criteria.The Vertical Launch System (VLS) innovation represents a major step in a concept that allows for changes in weapon load mix and weapon evolution essential to meeting new threats and execution of varying missions. Currently no parallel breakthrough has been identified for sensors or combat and C4I systems.This paper presents the argument that system architecture and integration engineering for information technology insertion represent the key to a VLS like breakthrough for these other mission critical systems.The paper also argues that system engineering for this technology insertion also provides major potential for more affordable ships. These benefits obtain in both initial construction costs and in system modernization costs over the life of the ship. An included benefit is the potential to off‐load non mission critical personnel through automation of support functions and responsive shore based, on line support through the introduction of relevant information technology.