Synchronization of system-of-systems interfaces in military satellite communications

Abstract

Military systems continue to become more complex and nearly all are now part of one or more system of systems (SoS). Military satellite communications programs have expanded over the last decade from three distinct satellite constellations with dedicated ground, ship, and airborne terminals to several existing and planned satellite constellations and dozens of multi-purpose terminal variants. Each of the new systems must operate with both legacy and new systems. This has given rise to many new external system interfaces that span the boundaries of large SoSs. Unsynchronized interface design and development has caused large amounts of scrap and rework in the design and development of the new military systems leading to adverse impacts including large cost growth and schedule delays. The Air Force Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing (MCSW) in Los Angeles, CA has begun to put a framework in place to manage SoS interfaces, but there are still big challenges ahead and room for improvement. This research collects data to quantify the performance of the present MCSW change management process. A value stream mapping and analysis effort along with a discrete even simulation model is conducted to identify areas for improvement in the as-is change management process and suggest an improved future-state change management process. The future-state change management process draws on best practices from the lean and SoS engineering literature to improve interface synchronization and significantly reduce process cycle time. This leaner and more effective future-state change management process could be applicable to many government acquisition program offices to save cost and schedule on programs by reducing the amount of rework due to engineering changes.