SBIR-STTR Award

The Multi-Functional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) is a four-channel radio; primary provider of the mission critical Link 16 and Tactical Targeting Network Technology waveforms; and key component of warfighter Blue Force Tracking capabilities across the Department of Defense, including some NATO allies. A large customer base creates logistical, configuration management and cybersecurity challenges across the Services system variants. The integration and acquisition costs of the system hardware, and Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) create challenges that hinder the Navys ability to thoroughly investigate available emerging technologies (e.g. tactical radios, antennas, waveforms) and enhance the system performance integrity. As a result, the MIDS Program Office (MPO) requires efficient, agile, and resilient Tactical Data Link system models to maintain configuration management, enable automated cybersecurity certification and accreditation processes, and reduce the RDT&E and acquisition costs/timelines. These are leveraged to expedite future capability enhancements to the fleet. Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) digital engineering provides unprecedented levels of systems analysis, insights, configuration management, and upgrades through enhanced model architecture artifacts, integrated true data, and customized software analytics that include expedited correlation of relevant technical data and simulation capabilities in support of technology trade-off studies. The Phase I primary technical objective is to leverage MBSE methodologies to define a comprehensive SysML-based digital twin MBSE system model of a single MIDS JTRS terminal baseline configuration. The effort will start at TRL level 2 and reach TRL level 3-4. To design and prototype the MIDS JTRS MBSE model, G2 Ops will collaborate with other MIDS JTRS Stakeholders, including the MPO, PMW 150, PMW 130, PMW 750/760, FRD 200, NAVAIR, NAVWAR 5.0 Architecture Working Group and the prime vendors (DLS/Viasat). G2 Ops will gather relevant system documentation (e.g. IRD, ICD, CBD) and visit Navy user technologists and network architects to identify the system architectures, hardware/software components, interfaces/cables, specifications and requirements. With the system information, the team will define the different model diagrams, digital threads and simulation scenarios to ensure alignment with NAVWAR 5.0 MBSE policies, schema and integrated dictionaries. Phase I Option I includes expanding the MIDS JTRS model design into a System of Systems architecture with multiple peering point-to-point Link 16 nodes (e.g. aircraft carrier [CVN] to aircraft [F/A-18E/F]), and will be used for future model simulations in Phase II. Phase II includes the construction of a TRL level 6 MIDS JTRS MBSE model prototype, which will demonstrate enhanced performance and visibility into the development lifecycle of the MIDS JTRS system.

Benefit:
A SysML Based-Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) structure of MIDS JTRS system will provide a digital twin (DT) model with associated digital threads that correlate system designs, requirements, specifications, performance metrics, hardware, software and MIDS JTRS component supply chains together. The combined DT and threads provide a model-centric digital engineering environment that enables vertical traceability from operational capabilities to performance requirements; and ability to maintain configuration and cybersecurity RMF records throughout the systems lifecycle. This support infrastructure provides the environment to create and optimize both physical and digital processes while providing the MPO systems understanding through enhanced Baseline Management Change Management (BMCM), architecture artifacts, integrated data and software analytics, expedited correlation of relevant technical data and simulation capabilities to facilitate technology trade-off studies. Future Total Ownership Costs (TCO) is reduced as risk reduction testing is modeled and simulated prior to commencement of acquisition strategy or procurement processes. These activities provide a collaborative development environment for SMEs to store/share information, train, develop SOPs and design future enhancements. The model simulation environment can include emulation software of current prime vendor systems while investigating prospective tactical radios, encryption, antennas, software and waveforms without the burdening costs of the hardware acquisition and SME support. Having an accurate model accelerates overall acquisition timelines and capability fielding to the fleet by reducing the time required to complete design activities, prototype development, cybersecurity assessments and testing. The model provides the framework to create RMF enabling auto-cyber capabilities that can help streamline the entire Certification and Accreditation (C&A) process and expedite the time required to obtain and maintain an Authority to Operate (ATO). Leveraging a secure cloud-based MBSE collaborative environment will enable collaboration with stakeholders, which includes other NAVAIR programs and prime vendors, while aligning with current NAVWAR software development and IT operations (DevOps) principles to shorten the systems development lifecycle and provide continuous product delivery and maximizing team synergy. Once established and reviewed by the NAVWAR 5.0 AWG, the modeling environment and structure of the MIDS JTRS model may be commercially replicated across any participating C5I system. During Phase II, the MIDS JTRS model structures will be extended to adjacent systems and other platforms while constructing the System of Systems (SoS) end-to-end architecture. Each one of these system models will leverage the TDL architecture framework developed during Phase I to ensure full interoperability during model simulations.

Keywords:
XMI, XMI, MBSE, SysML, MIDS, Digital twin, Model Based Systems Engineering, Tactical Data Links