Total Ship Open Systems Architecture

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the concept of Open Systems Architecture (OSA) applied to Navy ships and the benefits that accrue. Open Systems Architecture involves the development of reference models and associated standard interfaces that can be supported by commercial industry. These interfaces open the ship to the latest commercial equipment and technologies and can provide upgradeability, flexibility, and interoperability throughout the life of the ship. While OSA benefits are well established for electronic and computer systems throughout commercial industry and the Navy, the use of OSA for the total ship, including structural, electrical, mechanical, and other shipboard system interfaces represents a new and unproven application. An Industry/Navy Integrated Process Team (IPT) for Total Ship Open Systems Architecture (TOSA) was formed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, to develop total ship open systems.The TOSA approach facilitates the exploitation of commercial and cooperative research and development (R&D) efforts throughout a ship's life by developing a framework of Open System Architecture and standard interfaces. By publishing the framework, future R&D can consider the available space and services that may constrain a specific function in the design of new elements.