Naval Combat System Product Line Architecture Economics

Abstract

Navy combat systems are currently ship class dependent and acquired as stovepipes, yet there are many commonalities among them. This disaggregated nature leads to suboptimal designs and exorbitant costs throughout the system's life cycle. Product line approaches may reduce acquisition costs, increase mission effectiveness, enable more rapid deployment, and provide other benefits across the DoD. A method for economic tradeoff analysis of system product lines is presented as a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) approach that integrates parametric cost modeling with architecture modeling. The modeling framework includes both a reference architecture and cost model for a general combat system product line. The economic value of investing in product line flexibility is assessed with the System Constructive Product Line Investment Model (COPLIMO). Empirical DoD cost data is allocated to system functions in the architecture models to calibrate the cost model and populate it for specific system configurations. It is then used to assess the costs and benefits of product line architecting versus traditional one-off designs. Results of case studies to-date indicate a strong ROI when using a product line approach. Further case studies are ongoing, and the framework will be generalized for other DoD domains to assess product line practices and economics.