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Improving value of strategic defense systems using modular open architecture

Author(s)
Wilson, C. Barry (Charles Barry)
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Technology and Policy Program.
Advisor
Brenan McCarragher and Richard de Neufville.
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MIT theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed, downloaded, or printed from this source but further reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582
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Abstract
Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) has been deliberately pursued in Department of Defense acquisitions of military systems for the last two decades due to its ability to save cost, improve performance, and prolong system lifespan. As defense systems grow increasingly complex and expensive, the risk of unforeseen threat environments becomes more significant and mitigation strategies more important. Considering this uncertainty, the capability to react to new environments quickly and inexpensively is paramount. Modular systems mitigate risks inherent in such uncertain environments by providing flexibility to users. However, a method to quantitatively assess the benefit modularity provides remains elusive. This thesis provides a methodology for analyzing the value of flexibility to users of defense systems with the purpose of revealing how and where open architectures are most beneficial. Using performance modeling, Monte Carlo simulation, and sensitivity analysis the thesis illuminates the power of improving flexibility in complex systems by means of modularity. A specific case study -- the Multi Object Kill Vehicle Anti-Ballistic Missile System -- will be used to demonstrate the capability of the process to facilitate MOSA implementation in defense systems.
Description
Thesis: S.M. in Technology and Policy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Engineering, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Technology and Policy Program, 2017.
 
This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
 
Vita. Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis.
 
Includes bibliographical references (pages 89-91).
 
Date issued
2017
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/111233
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division; Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Institute for Data, Systems, and Society; Technology and Policy Program
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Institute for Data, Systems, and Society., Engineering Systems Division., Technology and Policy Program.

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