Standards for Simulation: As Simple As Possible But Not Simpler The High Level Architecture For Simulation

Abstract

The High Level Architecture (HLA) is an architec ture for reuse and interoperation of simulations. It is based on the premise that no simulation can satisfy all uses and users. An individual simulation or set of simulations developed for one purpose can be applied to another application under the HLA concept of the federation: a composable set of interacting simula tions. The intent of the HLA is a structure which will support reuse of capabilities available in differ ent simulations, ultimately reducing the cost and time required to create a synthetic environment for a new purpose, and the possibility of distributed col laborative development of complex simulation appli cations. The HLA is widely applicable across a full range of simulation application areas. The widely differing application areas indicate the variety of re quirements that have been considered in develop ment and evolution of the HLA. The HLA does not prescribe a specific implementation, nor does it man date the use of any particular software or program ming language. Over time, as technology advances, new and different implementations will be possible within the HLA framework. This paper describes the technical motivations for the HLA, the key elements of the architecture and how they are minimum and essential to the goal of reuse and interoperability.