Acquisition of Capabilities through Systems-of-systems: Case Studies and Lessons from Naval Aviation

Abstract

The acquisition community in many nations faces novel challenges with the transition to systems-of-systems, capabilities-based solutions to meet military requirements. Much of the tribal knowledge and experience of those in acquisition, both in industry and government, has stemmed from platform-centered development strategies. It is questionable to what extent lessons from these can be applied to systems-of-systems acquisition. How does the acquisition expert trade off platform capabilities against the capabilities of a network of systems that might be composed of new and existing platforms used in new or old ways? This paper presents case studies from past and present, illustrating such issues, and seeks to draw out lessons from experience that may be useful. It draws on many years of empirical research, undertaken with those involved in addressing such issues in the acquisition community.